Tempura Aratamikawa

The story

Tempura Arata Mikawa in Tokyo – Michelin-Recommended Tempura by a Mikawa Zezankyo Apprentice

From the Master’s Shadow to His Own Light

Tempura Arata Mikawa is the restaurant of Chef Hisao Ogawa, a cherished apprentice whose talent and skill were recognized by the legendary tempura house Mikawa Zezankyo. His master, Chef Saotome, personally granted him the name Arata (“new”), a rare honor that signals both a fresh beginning and a deep continuity of craft. Within less than a year of opening, the restaurant earned a place in the Michelin Selection, a swift nod to the quality of the work being done here.

Chef Ogawa’s sincere nature shows in his work. He avoids gimmicks, devoting himself wholeheartedly to pursuing his own path in tempura. The counter is the stage, and the cooking is direct and honest. Diners watch as each piece is fried to order, emerging with a gossamer-thin crust that gives way to the pure flavor of seasonal seafood and vegetables.

The atmosphere is focused yet warm, a reflection of the chef’s character. His approach makes dining here both refined and genuinely enjoyable — a meal that feels less like a performance and more like a quiet, respectful conversation between cook and ingredient. For those seeking an authentic Japanese tempura experience in Tokyo, Tempura Arata Mikawa delivers exactly that.