INTRODUCTION
Tempura is one dish that cannot be missed when enjoying Japanese Food Culture. Among them, Tempura Matsu is loved by many food lovers as the supreme place to taste traditional Japanese tempura. Located in a quiet area of Kyoto, the restaurant offers exquisite tempura made with fresh ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere. Each tempura is carefully deep-fried by skilled chefs, and the light batter and exquisite flavors of the tempura promise a truly blissful experience.
Tempura Matsu offers a menu of seasonal dishes using ingredients from each of the four seasons, allowing diners to enjoy the unique flavors of the season. We also offer a wide selection of sake and wine that goes well with our tempura, allowing diners to enjoy a marriage of flavors with the cuisine.
Visitors are treated to the luxurious experience of enjoying freshly fried tempura right in front of their eyes in a simple yet sophisticated restaurant. We hope you will enjoy the supreme tempura that can only be found at Tempura Matsu.
This fascinating dining experience is perfect as part of a trip or as a dinner for a special occasion. Visit Tempura Matsu for a deep taste of Japanese Food Culture while savoring the essence of tempura.
Recommended Menu
Omakase Course Outline
Tempura Matsu offers omakase courses using seasonal ingredients. Each course consists of a well-balanced meal, from appetizers to desserts, centered around tempura carefully deep-fried on the spot by our chefs. Below is the general flow and main contents of an omakase course.
- Appetizer.
- An appetizer using seasonal vegetables and seafood to start the meal off with a flourish.
- Assorted Tempura
- Tempura that brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients, such as plump prawns, plump sea eel, and seasonal vegetables.
3.Chopstick rest
- Refresh your palate with a refreshing vinegared dish to enhance your enjoyment of the next dish.
- Tempura Second Set
- Tempura made with the freshest seafood and premium ingredients is served to provide further satisfaction.
- Rice dishes
- You can enjoy rice dishes with tempura as the main ingredient, such as tendon and tencha.
- Miso soup and pickles
- A hot miso soup with seasonal ingredients and a variety of assorted pickles are served.
- Dessert
- Seasonal fruits and homemade Japanese and Western style desserts will be served to conclude the meal.
Drink Pairing
Drink pairings are available to accompany the omakase course, allowing you to enjoy the perfect cup of tempura from our extensive selection of Japanese sake and wine.
Price
Prices for the omakase course at Tempura Matsu vary depending on the ingredients used and the season, but usually range from 15,000 to 20,000 yen per person. This price is reasonable because of the abundant use of high-end ingredients and the culinary skills of the chefs.
We hope you will enjoy a luxurious dining experience at Tempura Matsu, where you can experience the four seasons of Japan through our omakase course.
Experience and Enjoy
A meal at Tempura Matsu is more than just a meal; it is a special experience. Here are some of the experiences and ways to enjoy yourself at Tempura Matsu.
Watching the artisans’ techniques up close
At Tempura Sho, you can sit at the counter and watch expert chefs fry tempura right in front of you. Enjoying your meal while observing the craftsmanship and handiwork of the artisan is a rare experience that will give you a taste of Japanese tradition through both the sense of sight and taste.
How to Enjoy Sake in Accordance with the Progress of the Meal
Tempura Matsu offers a wide selection of sake that goes well with tempura. Enjoying sake, wine, or other beverages to match your meal will further enhance your dining experience. Sake is especially recommended as its flavor enhances the taste of tempura. Please consult with our staff to find the drink of your choice.
Courteous service and hospitality
At Tempura Matsu, attentive service and heartwarming hospitality are the hallmarks of our restaurant. The staff always puts your comfort first, taking care of the progress of your meal and serving your drinks. Even first-timers will be provided with attentive service, including detailed explanations and recommendations of menu items so that they can enjoy their meal with ease.
Dining in a Relaxed Atmosphere
The restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere allows you to spend a leisurely time. It is the perfect place to dine with friends and family or for a special occasion. In this quiet space, you can enjoy tempura to your heart’s content.
The experience at Tempura Matsu is more than just a meal; it is a special time to deeply experience Japanese Food Culture and hospitality. Please visit and experience its charm.
Manners
To deeply understand and enjoy Japanese Food Culture, it is important to know basic manners. In order to enjoy your meal at Tempura Matsu even more, please keep the following manners in mind.
Reservations and punctuality
Tempura Matsu is a popular restaurant, so we recommend that you make a reservation in advance. Especially on weekends and holidays, the restaurant is crowded, so early reservations are necessary. Also, be sure not to be late for your reservation. Punctuality is very important in Japanese culture.
Dress Code
Dress should not be overly casual at Tempura Matsu. To enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, keep it smart casual. Please avoid flip-flops and extremely rough clothing.
Dining Manners
Tempura tastes best when it is freshly fried, so be sure to eat it as soon as it is served. Also, special sauce and salt are available for tempura. If it is your first time, ask the staff for recommendations on how to eat it. You should also pay attention to the use of chopsticks. Avoid lifting the chopsticks and handing them to the person you are eating with or stabbing the food with them.
Conversation and Atmosphere
At Tempura Matsu, a quiet and relaxed atmosphere is important. Please refrain from loud conversations and use of cell phones to avoid disturbing other customers. When enjoying conversation, it is important to speak in a calm tone, taking the surrounding atmosphere into consideration.
Payment Methods
At Tempura Matsu, payment is accepted in cash only. Credit cards and electronic money are not accepted, so we recommend that you have cash ready prior to your visit.
Tipping Customs
Tipping is not customary in Japan. The same is true at Tempura Matsu. If you receive excellent service, the best way is to express your gratitude in words.
By observing these manners, you will enjoy your meal at Tempura Matsu even more. Enjoy the delicious tempura while respecting the Japanese culture.
Access
Tempura Matsu is located in Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, and is conveniently accessible to many tourist attractions. Below are details on how to get to Tempura Matsu.
Access by train
The nearest station is Matsuo Taisha Station on the Hankyu Arashiyama Line. From the station, it is approximately a 7-minute walk to Tempura Matsu. After exiting the station, proceed south and enjoy the scenery along the Katsura River as you walk to the restaurant. Along the way, you can enjoy the elegant streetscape typical of Kyoto while strolling around.
Access by bus
Kyoto City Bus is also available. Starting from Kyoto Station, take the 28 bus and get off at Matsuo Taisha-mae. From the bus stop, it takes about 5 minutes on foot to reach Tempura Matsu. The bus traverses the entire city of Kyoto, making it easy to access while enjoying sightseeing.
Access by Taxi
If you take a cab from Kyoto Station, it will take approximately 20 minutes to get to Tempura Matsu. It will be smoother if you tell the cab driver “Tempura Matsu, Umezu Onawabacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto”. Cabs are especially convenient if you have a lot of luggage or if you are traveling with several people.
Access by car
Tempura Matsu has its own free parking lot for 4-5 cars. If you wish to visit the restaurant by car, please check the availability of the parking lot in advance. Also, we recommend arriving early during the tourist season and on weekends, as the restaurant may be crowded.
Nearby Sightseeing Spots
Around Tempura Matsu are popular tourist spots such as Matsuo Taisha Shrine and Arashiyama. By enjoying sightseeing before or after your meal, you can make the most of your day. In particular, the fall foliage season and spring cherry blossom season are the perfect times to visit while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Please refer to the directions for accessing Tempura Matsu to comfortably visit the restaurant and enjoy the delicious tempura.
Business Hours and Holidays
Tempura Matsu has specific business hours and holidays to ensure that every visitor has the best dining experience. Below are the details.
Hours of Operation
- Lunch Time: 12:00-13:00 (Entry)
- Dinner Time: 17:30-19:30 (Entry)
*Last orders are the same as the entrance time of each restaurant. We recommend that you visit with plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely meal.
Closed.
- Every Wednesday.
Please note that the restaurant is closed on Wednesdays, so please be careful when planning your visit. In addition, the business days and hours may change during certain holidays and events, so it is recommended to check in advance.
Tempura Matsu is a special place where you can enjoy carefully fried tempura by skilled chefs in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. When you visit, please refer to these opening hours and closing days to enjoy a wonderful dining experience.
Reservations and queue management
Reservations are often required at Tempura Matsu due to its popularity. To enjoy a comfortable dining experience, we strongly recommend making a reservation in advance. Below are details on how to make a reservation and how to avoid waiting in line.
Reservation Method
- Reservations by phone.
- Reservations can be made by phone at Tempura Matsu. Call the dedicated reservation number and let them know the date, time, and number of people you wish to dine with. Early reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays when the restaurant is expected to be crowded.
- Telephone number: 075-881-9190
- Online Reservations.
- Reservations can also be made through some reservation sites. Online reservations are convenient as they can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reservations can be made through the following links.
- IKYU.com Restaurants
- Hitosara
- Gurunavi
Countermeasure against queues
1.Reserve early.
- By making a reservation, you can avoid the lines and enter the restaurant smoothly. Reservations should be made early, especially during tourist season and weekends when the restaurant is crowded.
- Avoid peak hours.
- By avoiding peak lunch and dinner hours, you can enter the restaurant when it is relatively empty. For lunch, we recommend a little earlier than 12:00 p.m. and for dinner, a little later than 5:30 p.m.
3.Weekdays.
- If possible, visit on a weekday to enjoy a more relaxed dining experience with less crowds than on weekends or holidays.
- Waiting List
- Even if the restaurant is fully booked, you may be able to register on the waiting list and be contacted when a space becomes available. Please call to confirm directly.
Advance planning and reservations are key to a smooth dining experience at Tempura Matsu. Follow these instructions and enjoy a great tempura experience.
Reviews and Ratings
Tempura Matsu has received high praise from many visitors. Below is an overview of their reviews and ratings.
Food Log Rating
Many reviews rave about the quality of food and service at Tempura Matsu. In particular, the light batter and fresh ingredients of the deep-fried tempura are highly praised. The craftsmanship and attentive service are also appreciated by visitors.
TripAdvisor rating
Tempura Matsu is highly rated by travelers. Many travelers recommend combining their visit with sightseeing in Kyoto, enjoying not only the tempura but also the restaurant’s relaxed atmosphere and Kyoto’s unique hospitality.
Retty’s rating
Reviews from real name users have particularly praised the cost performance of the lunch course and the luxury of the dinner course. Many customers use the restaurant for private dining rooms or as a dinner for special occasions, and the reviews are highly satisfactory.
Tempura Matsu is a restaurant loved by many visitors for its quality and service. When visiting, be sure to make reservations in advance to enjoy a wonderful dining experience.
Summary
Tempura Matsu is a renowned restaurant located in the picturesque streets of Kyoto, where you can enjoy the best of tempura. Using the freshest ingredients, the artisans carefully fry the tempura, providing a blissful experience with every bite. The counter seating allows you to watch the craftsmanship up close, while the private rooms offer a more private experience. By making reservations in advance and planning your visit early, you can avoid the lines and enjoy your meal in comfort. We hope you will combine your visit to Kyoto with a special dining experience at Tempura Matsu.
