About
Kusunoki is a Japanese culinary company dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences through exceptional tempura-centered cuisine. Guided by the philosophy of being a “source of happiness,” we believe that true joy begins with a single, extraordinary moment at the table.
Founded in 2003 on the outskirts of Nagoya, Kusunoki has grown over two decades to welcome guests from across Japan and around the world.
Today, we operate two restaurants in Tokyo and host pop-up experiences in select locations.
Our tempura is crafted with a rare technique that delivers unmatched lightness, clarity of flavor, and a pure expression of each ingredient’s natural Umami.
We use only the finest ingredients—rare, vibrant, and full of life—sourced from top producers across Japan who reserve their best for chefs they know and trust.
At Kusunoki, dining is more than a meal—it is a moment of quiet luxury, care, and connection.
Awards & Recognitions
Tabelog
OAD Japan Top Restaurants
Why Choose Us
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Reason 01
Tempura Like No Other
At Kusunoki, tempura isn’t fried — it’s refined. Our technique controls oil so precisely that the washi paper stays clean throughout the course.
You taste the ingredient, not the oil. Light, elegant, and unlike anything you’ve had before. -
Reason 02
Pure Expression of Flavor
We don’t dress ingredients — we reveal them. Every batter is tailored, every temperature considered.What you taste is the essence of each ingredient, brought fully to life.
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Reason 03
Never the Same Twice
Except for our signature kuruma-ebi, the menu changes daily — shaped by the season, the moment, and nature’s rhythm.
No two courses are the same. Each visit is a new experience, a new story. -
Reason 04
Japan’s Finest, at Their Peak
We seek out Japan’s most exceptional ingredients — the finest catch, the rarest harvest, the true peak of each season.
Handled with care and precision, they become something rarer still:
a taste of Japan that can only be experienced here.
Chef Tadashi Kusunoki
Biography
Born in 1972 in Kasamatsu, Gifu Prefecture, Tadashi Kusunoki discovered his passion for food at an early age. As a curious and devoted eater, he spent his middle school years collecting school lunch menus from nearby schools, compiling them into handmade booklets he read eagerly cover to cover.Graduating from a culinary high school, he trained at traditional ryotei in Nagoya.After gaining experience at several establishments, he was eventually entrusted with the tempura station—a turning point that awakened a lifelong fascination.Though he had originally aspired to open a traditional Japanese restaurant, the depth and difficulty of tempura, the endless room for refinement, and its quiet elegance convinced him it was a craft he could dedicate himself to without ever tiring or becoming complacent.Today, while running the Yotsuya flagship, he also brings the Kusunoki experience to life in other forms—seasonal pop-up restaurants, private villa-style dining, and exclusive dinners aboard traditional yakatabune boats—constantly expanding the possibilities of his cuisine.
Founder's message
「生きる力」をつなぎ、
活力ある社会の起点となる
創業者 楠 忠師
Private dining and Events
Kusunoki welcomes bespoke requests for private dining and curated culinary experiences tailored to your occasion and imagination.From intimate gatherings at our restaurant to off-site events in Japan or abroad, we work closely with each guest to create moments that are both memorable and meaningful. Whether in a private residence, a hotel suite, or a unique venue of your choosing, our team brings the essence of Kusunoki to you.We also welcome inquiries for creative collaborations, media projects, and culinary supervision.
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Riyadh Season
Participated in Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia, operating a pop-up restaurant for 10 days. The event introduced Kusunoki’s refined approach to tempura to an international audience, and was met with widespread acclaim.
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Yakatabune Boat
Offers exclusive, luxury dining experiences aboard traditional yakatabune boats in Tokyo—an immersive culinary journey that pairs seasonal tempura with the serene beauty and timeless charm of Japan’s riverscape.
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Bespoke Culinary Experiences
From private villas to exclusive culinary gatherings, Kusunoki has created tailored dining experiences outside our own restaurants—bringing our signature tempura to unique settings and special occasions. Each event is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the spirit of the setting and the moment it holds.
Please note that due to the nature of tempura, off-site events require a space properly suited to its preparation.
Availability may vary depending on the venue.To explore the possibilities, please contact us.