I don’t walk down Asakusa Nakamise Street. Instead, I head to Tonkyu just off the main path for a high-value lunch away from the crowds.

When you think of Asakusa, street food and Nakamise Street probably come to mind.
The area is always packed with tourists, and it’s not uncommon to feel that prices are a bit higher than usual.

“Is it overpriced because it’s a tourist spot?”
“Is it too local and hard to enter?”
“Do they have an English menu?”
These are concerns many visitors may have.

Located just one street off Nakamise, Tonkyu is a place that gently resolves those worries.
This long-standing local Western-style restaurant has been serving customers in Asakusa for over half a century. Despite being conveniently close to the station, it has a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

It’s a place loved by locals, yet it was also nice to see international visitors dining there.

As prices for street food and tourist-oriented restaurants continue to rise in Asakusa, Tonkyu remains a rare spot where you can enjoy a satisfying meal at wallet-friendly prices.

If you’re looking for a place where you can avoid the crowds and still enjoy a truly fulfilling meal, this might be exactly what you’re looking for.

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

Goma's Tips for the Perfect Tonkyu Experience

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

1. Tourist Area = Higher Prices?

Asakusa is a popular tourist destination, so it’s not uncommon to feel that prices are generally a bit higher.
Especially around Nakamise Street, there are many street food options and tourist-oriented restaurants, which can make you hesitate when looking for a casual meal.

That’s when I noticed the food samples displayed outside Tonkyu.
As I casually checked the prices, I remember thinking, “Oh, this is actually more affordable than I expected.” That was what first drew me in.

Even after looking at the full menu, it felt like a rare find in today’s Asakusa—a place where you can enjoy a proper, satisfying meal at a reasonable price.
It made me realize that just because it’s a tourist area doesn’t mean everything has to be expensive.

Tonkyu is located just behind Kaminarimon Gate, one street off Nakamise Street.

2. Too Local to Enter?

When I visited, I noticed that there were already some international visitors dining inside.
Out of curiosity, I asked the staff whether they get many tourists, and they told me that the number has definitely increased compared to before.

What left a strong impression on me was the attentive service.
The staff would thoughtfully refill my water and showed care in small details, making the whole experience feel comfortable and welcoming.

The restaurant also offers a variety of seating options, including counter seats, tables, and even tatami seating.
Whether you’re dining alone, with friends, as a couple, or with family, it’s an easy place to walk into.

Even if you’re worried that a local spot might feel intimidating, this is a place where you can feel at ease.

3. English Menu Available?

An English menu is available at Tonkyu.
In addition to Japanese, the menu also includes Chinese and Korean, making it easy for those who may feel unsure about the language.

The menu features clear photos and dish names, so even if you don’t speak Japanese, you can simply point and order without any trouble.

It was also impressive to see that the staff seemed accustomed to serving international visitors, handling interactions smoothly and efficiently.

My Experience

I ordered the pork sauté.
When I asked one of the staff members for a recommendation, she told me, “I like the pork sauté,” so I decided to go with that—figuring it had to be a good choice. The set meal was priced at 1,250 yen.

The meal was served in stages, starting with some pickles. Next came the main dish with rice, followed by miso soup a little later. The pork sauté is served with cabbage and potato salad on the side.

Although it’s a Western-style restaurant, the meal comes with rice and miso soup, giving it a comforting Japanese touch.

The pork sauté is eaten with chopsticks. The meat was tender and coated in a rich demi-glace sauce.

The pork is already cut into easy-to-eat pieces, so you can place it on the rice and enjoy it together—it’s so good you’ll find yourself nodding in approval.

The miso soup was actually tonjiru (pork miso soup). While the ingredients were simple, the broth had a deep, comforting flavor.

Stepping away from the busy tourist crowds, it was a place where I could truly relax and enjoy my meal. It’s the kind of spot that leaves you feeling satisfied not just physically, but mentally as well.

Basic information

🏠 Tonkyu（とん久）

📍 1-2-6 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

🕘 11:00 - 17:45

💤 Closed: Thursdays

🚶 1-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Ginza Line)

💴 Cash only

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