Even locals rarely experience this: I tried an authentic “old-style Japanese meal” at Edo Cuisine Asakusa Sakurada

I recently had the chance to experience authentic Edo-style cuisine in Asakusa.

This unique dining experience uses only ingredients that were actually eaten during the Edo period (1603–1868). Each dish is prepared using traditional methods—grilled over a charcoal fire, simmered, or lightly roasted—just like people did back then.
It’s a rare opportunity to taste Japanese food culture from centuries ago.

Even as a Japanese person, almost everything I experienced was completely new to me—it truly felt like stepping back in time.

That said, when you hear “traditional Edo cuisine” at a long-established restaurant in Asakusa, you might wonder:
“Is it too formal for first-time visitors?”
“Do they have an English menu or support for non-Japanese speakers?”
“And most importantly… is Edo-style food actually delicious?”

Don't worry! Once I stepped inside, all those worries quickly disappeared—and it turned out to be an experience far beyond what I had imagined.

In this article, I’ll guide you as your “friend in Asakusa,” sharing tips on how to fully enjoy your experience at Edo Cuisine Asakusa Sakurada and easing any concerns you might have!

Goma's Tips for the Perfect Edo Cuisine Asakusa SAKURADA Experience

Even if it’s your first visit, keep these three points in mind to make sure your experience goes smoothly.

1. Is it too formal for first-time visitors?

The restaurant is located along Kaminarimon Street, with a striking green noren curtain at the entrance. From the outside, it may feel a bit formal at first.

However, the moment you walk through the door, that impression quickly fades.
The interior is calm yet warm, and it feels far more relaxing than you might expect.

When a traditional townhouse in Kyoto, originally built over 160 years ago, was dismantled, its pillars and wooden fittings were brought to Tokyo and incorporated into the interior of this restaurant.

The space has a timeless atmosphere, as if you’ve stepped back into the Edo period. In this setting, the owner, Mr. Sakurada, walks around to each table, personally greeting guests and carefully explaining the restaurant and its dishes.

The owner, Mr. Sakurada

Listening to his stories while enjoying your meal is one of the unique highlights of this place. It’s not just about eating—it’s a special experience that allows you to connect more deeply with the food culture of the Edo period.

The staff are also kind and welcoming, making it easy for first-time visitors to feel comfortable.

You don’t need any special knowledge or formal etiquette—just relax and enjoy a slightly special dining experience.

2. Do they have an English menu or English support?

If you ask the staff, they will provide an English menu.
Some of the staff members can also communicate in English, so even if you’re not confident in Japanese, you can feel at ease during your visit.

In addition, the restaurant’s official website has an English page, so it’s a good idea to check it in advance before visiting. 
By learning about the menu and the concept of the restaurant beforehand, you’ll be able to enjoy the experience more smoothly and with a deeper understanding.
You can also make a reservation in advance, so be sure to check it out if you’re interested.

3. So… is Edo-style cuisine actually good?

When people think of Japanese food, they often imagine sushi, tempura, or sukiyaki.
However, the Edo-style cuisine served here is quite different, focusing on simplicity and highlighting the natural flavors of each ingredient.

The quality of the ingredients is exceptional. The vegetables are locally sourced in Japan, often organic or grown with minimal pesticides, while the fish and shellfish are carefully selected from Tsukiji. As for meat, in addition to chicken and duck, you can also try game meat such as wild boar and deer, as well as horse, making for a rare dining experience you won’t easily find elsewhere.

Because the ingredients are so good, the cooking methods are kept simple.
Even simply grilling over charcoal brings out incredible flavor, and the light seasoning lets the natural taste of each ingredient shine.
The fish is tender and full of flavor, while the meats are rich and deeply satisfying.

One of the most memorable aspects is the irori (traditional Japanese hearth), where you grill the food yourself. Cooking your own meal over the fire makes it taste even better and turns the experience into something truly special.

Nowadays, even in Japan, it’s rare to have a meal cooked over an irori. That’s what makes this experience so unique and meaningful.

It’s not just about the taste—it's a chance to experience traditional Japanese food culture.
If you have the opportunity, this is something you should definitely try at least once.

My Experience

For dinner, I chose the “Raijin Course” (7,000 yen per person).

The course is quite extensive, starting with appetizers and side dishes, followed by four skewers of your choice, grilled fish, an “irori experience” (fluffy egg), kuwiyaki (roast),  hot pot dish, rice presented to the Emperor, miso soup cooked in a bamboo pot, and finally a dessert as part of another irori experience.

Appetizers and side dishes

One of the highlights was definitely the skewers. You get to choose your favorite ingredients and grill them yourself over the charcoal fire. I picked horse mackerel, marinated tuna, chicken meatballs, and shishito peppers. There are many other options as well, including barracuda, blackthroat seaperch, Spanish mackerel, wild boar, deer, chicken wings, quail, squid, shrimp, scallops, and various vegetables—you can choose four items per person.

Grilling at your own pace while enjoying the aroma of the charcoal made the experience even more enjoyable and immersive.

One of the irori experiences, the “fluffy egg,” is served with dashi broth and has a gentle, comforting flavor. It’s simple, yet felt surprisingly new to me—my first real taste of Edo-style cuisine.

For the kuwiyaki, you can choose from duck, wild boar, or deer.
The meat is rich and flavorful, with a slightly smoky aroma from the grill, making it very satisfying.

The rice, once presented to the Emperor, was also outstanding. It had a natural sweetness and a perfectly fluffy texture, pairing beautifully with the sauce from the grilled meat.

Another fun part of the experience is the “irori experience.” You can grill your own dumplings (dango) and even enjoy traditional sparklers, adding a playful and memorable touch to the meal. It’s not just about eating—the whole experience is meant to be enjoyed.

The owner, Mr. Sakurada, is wonderfully charming, and I couldn’t help but get completely absorbed in his stories. Being able to hear about the dishes and the restaurant’s philosophy firsthand made the experience feel truly special.

I’m also curious about their sukiyaki lunch, so I would definitely love to come back again.

Basic information

🏠 Edo cuisine Asakusa SAKURADA（江戸料理櫻田）

📍 1-15-12 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo

🕘 Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

🕘 Dinner: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last order: 8:00 PM)

💤 Closed: Mondays (If Monday is a public holiday, closed on Tuesday instead)

🚶 4-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Ginza Line / Toei Asakusa Line)

💴 Cash or credit cards accepted.

If you want to see more delicious food in Asakusa, be sure to check out my Instagram too📸✨Just click the icon below!