Mikawa: A Mountain Retreat for Tempura

Mikawa is a mountain retreat specializing in tempura, offering a culinary experience akin to a meditative journey hidden within the forest. It’s not just a restaurant but more like a kitchen of the wind—where birdsong and dappled sunlight outside blend seamlessly with the aroma of oil and tranquility inside. The chef, like a calligrapher of the wilderness, uses crispy batter to sketch the essence of the four seasons. Each bite is a symphony of time and temperature. The most unforgettable dish for me was the tempura featuring wild mushrooms. It felt like an entire forest was encapsulated beneath a delicate, airy coating that melted in the mouth, instantly unveiling the flavors of the land. Here, there’s no pursuit of extravagance—only the ultimate simplicity that brings out the best. Mikawa is not designed to satisfy hunger but to offer a slow ritual of returning to the pure essence of nature. It allows one to rediscover a long-lost sense of peace and reverence amidst the urban chaos, both on the palate and in the soul. 📍Address: 1 Chome-3-1 Fukuzumi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0032, Japan