From July 18 to August 2, 2026, Tokyo’s Minami Aoyama district will host a special pop-up event featuring the acclaimed tempura restaurant Tempura Kuruma from Gunma Prefecture. This limited-time collaboration brings the signature flavors of a regional culinary gem directly to Tokyo for a unique dining experience.
Travelers and food lovers visiting Japan will appreciate this rare opportunity to savor authentic tempura dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Gunma, prepared by the restaurant’s skilled chef. The event offers a chance to enjoy seasonal tempura served with specially brewed sauce and premium Niigata Koshihikari rice, all in an intimate setting in central Tokyo.
About the Event
Organized by JSTARs, a company dedicated to promoting Japan’s diverse food culture, this pop-up is the first in their “Local Pop-Up” series aiming to showcase famous regional eateries in Tokyo. Tempura Kuruma, based in Tatebayashi City, Gunma, is known for its exquisite tempura made with fresh ingredients like live anago eel and live kuruma shrimp, fried in 100% Taihaku sesame oil. The chef, Tomoya Kurumasaki, brings over 15 years of experience from traditional tempura and Japanese cuisine restaurants.
The event will be held at Kappo Ryu in Minami Aoyama, featuring an exclusive 8-seat counter where diners can watch the chef prepare each dish. The highlight is the “Ultimate Tendon,” a tempura rice bowl with live kuruma shrimp, seasonal fish, vegetables, and the restaurant’s signature live anago eel, all glazed with a secret sauce that has been refined over 12 years. The rice is carefully cooked in a clay pot using pesticide-reduced Koshihikari rice from Niigata.
Highlights
- Exclusive “Ultimate Tendon” featuring live kuruma shrimp and live anago eel tempura
- Special 12-year secret sauce and freshly cooked Niigata Koshihikari rice
- Intimate 8-seat counter setting at Kappo Ryu in Minami Aoyama
- Limited seats and servings per day, reservation required
- First event in the “Local Pop-Up” series bringing regional culinary gems to Tokyo
Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Local Pop-Up #01 “Ultimate Tendon” Tempura Kuruma in Tokyo |
| Menu / items | Live kuruma shrimp tempura, live anago eel tempura, seasonal fish and vegetables tempura, 12-year secret sauce, Niigata Koshihikari rice |
| Location | Kappo Ryu, Minami Aoyama, Tokyo |
| Address | 4-26-12 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Board Aoyama B1F |
| Period | July 18, 2026 (Sat) – August 2, 2026 (Sun) |
| Price | Check reservation page for details; reservation and prepayment required |
