Tenkara fishing is an uncomplicated and age-old Japanese fishing technique. It employs a lengthy, thin fishing rod, frequently referred to as a Tenkara rod, Japanese fly rod, or Japanese fishing pole. However, it differs from Western fishing rods as it lacks a reel. Instead, a fishing line is directly connected to the rod. The term fishing rod no reel is often used to describe the Tenkara approach.
Source: https://fishingwithdaniel.com/angling/fly-fishing/guide/tenkara-fly-fishing/