Tokyo's Culinary Prestige: Michelin Stars and 10 Reservation-Friendly Spots

1.Why Tokyo Has So Many Michelin-Starred Restaurants

How many restaurants in Tokyo have been awarded Michelin stars?

Japan has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide. Since the launch of the Michelin Guide Tokyo, the city of Tokyo has consistently received the most stars out of any place in the world for 17 consecutive years. In the 2024 edition, a total of 183 establishments received stars: 12 venues with three stars, 33 venues with two stars, and 138 venues with one star. Additionally, when including the restaurants listed in the Bib Gourmand, a total of 504 establishments have been recognized.

Tokyo, a renowned gastronomic destination, boasts a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants for good reason. Japan is blessed with four beautifully distinct seasons, is surrounded by the sea, and is predominantly composed of mountains, offering an abundance of fresh ingredients that underpin the country's culinary culture. Attracted by the wealth of ingredients from across the nation, many skilled chefs come to Tokyo to refine their culinary expertise.

How to reserve Michelin-starred restaurants

Despite Tokyo's large number of Michelin-starred restaurants, many of these fine dining venues are small, privately operated establishments, particularly those serving Japanese cuisine and sushi. These restaurants often have just eight to ten seats, primarily at counter tables, and it is not rare for some of the popular restaurants to be fully booked for years in advance. Additionally, many of these small establishments lack online reservation systems.

This article aims to guide you through restaurants in Tokyo, divided into three categories:

1.  Ten must-visit restaurants with easy reservations that promise to be a highlight of your trip to Japan

2.  Six renowned restaurants where reservations are extremely challenging to secure

3.  Five budget-friendly restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide

The restaurants listed in this article have been selected by the editorial team from OMAKASE, the only official partner of the Michelin Guide that provides online culinary services. OMAKASE has established strong relationships with renowned high-end restaurants in Japan through direct communication.

For a list of restaurants in other parts of Japan, please refer to this article.

2.Ten Restaurants You Should Make Reservations with Right Away

Here, we present ten easily accessible Tokyo restaurants that are sure to become highlights of your trip.

Udatsu Sushi/Sushi

Sushi meets art in an art gallery-like ambience at Udatsu Sushi, where you can enjoy a traditional, authentic Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi experience. All the sushi ingredients are of exceptional quality: rice is specially grown for Udatsu Sushi by a trusted farmer, rice vinegar is crafted by blending three types of vinegar, and toppings are sourced daily from the market. Chef Udatsu prioritizes visiting the actual production sites, and his visit to a farm in Hiroshima inspired the innovative herb roll, which features completely pesticide-free herbs and white fish.

At the heart of the artistic setting is a counter table crafted from 150-year-old cypress wood. What better place to indulge in the finest sushi than in the sophisticated and artistic atmosphere of Udatsu Sushi?

Daigo/ Shojin cuisine

Experience the best of traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at Daigo, a restaurant with over 70 years of history. As the only shojin ryori restaurant in the world to receive Michelin stars, Daigo offers exceptional hospitality and serves meals bursting with rich flavors—it's almost unbelievable that they're entirely plant-based!

Shojin ryori, a vegetarian Japanese cuisine traditionally enjoyed by Buddhist monks, aims to promote harmony between nature and the spirit. Nestled within a temple surrounded by Tokyo's skyscrapers, Daigo invites you to step into a serene escape in its traditional Japanese dining room.

*Please note that Daigo may use bonito broth and eggs in some of their dishes. If you prefer a completely vegetarian meal, be sure to mention this when making your reservation.

Ishibashi/ Unagi (freshwater eel)

Experience unparalleled dedication to perfection at Ishibashi, a one-Michelin-star eel restaurant. Ishibashi offers exceptional eel dishes made with eels sourced from designated farms and raised according to the chef’s exacting standards. Savor the finest unagi, expertly cooked for an hour and paired with a sauce boasting a history of over 100 years.

Japanese eel dishes, unlike the smoked eel dishes found in China and Europe, are prepared using the kabayaki method in which the eel is steamed between rounds of grilling and seasoning. While waiting for this meticulous cooking process, enjoy the available side dishes and sake. An English menu is provided for your convenience.

Ten-Masa/Tempura

Tradition and innovation are blended at Ten-Masa to create a new culinary genre: “tempura kaiseki.” Enjoy a course meal that artfully combines Japanese cuisine and tempura, with the latter taking center stage. The omakase course begins with fundamental yet playful dishes, followed by tempura crafted to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. A standout is their signature dish, sea urchin tempura.

Owner-chef Masahiko Ashiki spent 20 years refining his skills in tempura and Japanese cuisine restaurants before opening Ten-Masa, which has consistently maintained its one Michelin star for 13 consecutive years. Enjoy the live performance of tempura being expertly prepared right before your eyes at their granite counter.

Okamoto/ Japanese cuisine

For an exceptional Japanese dining experience, visit Okamoto, run by a chef who previously served as the head chef at both two-Michelin-star restaurant Wakuden in Kyoto and three-Michelin-star restaurant Yukimura in Tokyo. The chef's omakase course, prepared in front of diners in the open kitchen, showcases the finest seasonal ingredients during your visit and is nothing short of a culinary masterpiece.

In addition to the seasonal dishes, culinary enthusiasts rave about Okamoto's specialty: soba with mullet roe. Other signature dishes, such as sabazushi (mackerel sushi), also leave a lasting impression.

Jushu/ Japanese cuisine

If you're seeking a taste of Kansai (western Japan) style cuisine in Tokyo, Jushu is the place to go. The chef, a native of Saga, crafts artistic dishes using premium beef, vegetables, and seafood freshly sourced from Saga Prefecture. Jushu's signature dishes include charcoal-grilled rump cap from Saga beef and horsehair crab with sea urchin dressing. Watch the chef's culinary expertise in action as you savor these delightful dishes. Freshly sliced, exquisite sashimi served on beautifully crafted plates is also a feast for the eyes.

The cozy, intimate setting allows for a close connection with the chef, enhancing your dining experience. The European-style interior, with its high ceilings, ensures you enjoy the ambiance without feeling confined.

Kaiseki Komuro/ Japanese cuisine

The owner-chef of Kaiseki Komuro dedicates all his time and effort to intricately crafting dishes that elevate the rich flavors of ingredients sourced from the sea, mountains, and farms. This commitment has allowed the establishment to maintain two Michelin stars for over a decade. The ever-changing menu lets patrons fully immerse themselves in the richness and diversity of each season.

The owner-chef's journey across Japan in search of beautiful plates adds a touch of artistry to the dining experience. The restaurant's interior, featuring Japanese greens and elegant wood, offers a visual feast that complements the exquisite flavors of the dishes.

NéMo/French cuisine

Located in the heart of bustling Tokyo, NéMo offers a serene escape where sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a peaceful atmosphere for diners. Run by passionate chef and angler Kenichi Nemoto, NéMo specializes in French cuisine with a strong emphasis on carefully selected fish. Seven of the nine dishes served in the omakase course highlight delicately prepared fish that bring out its rich flavor. Chef Nemoto honed his culinary skills at several esteemed French restaurants, including a one-Michelin-starred eatery in Paris and the three-Michelin-starred Quintessence in Tokyo.

Since opening in 2021, NéMo has earned one Michelin star in both 2023 and 2024, reflecting the chef's commitment to excellence. His passion for the craft shines through each dish, offering a relaxed French dining experience that you won't soon forget.

Sushi Masashi /Sushi

Just like your journey through Japan, the omakase course at Sushi Masashi tells a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end. This culinary adventure allows you to experience a wide range of temperatures, textures, and levels of fattiness in the sushi toppings, providing an engaging dining experience. Chef Masashi's innovative creativity shines in every dish, with the popular tuna sukiyaki being a highlight. Since opening in 2020, Sushi Masashi has earned one Michelin star each year from 2022 to 2024.

The owner-chef, Masashi Yamaguchi, honed his skills at the sushi restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, before becoming the head chef at Sushi Wakon located in a luxury hotel in Kyoto. Embark on a meticulously planned culinary journey with this talented sushi chef.

Ichiu/Sushi

Immerse yourself in Ichiu's omakase course, which features top-quality Japanese dishes and Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi. The experience begins with exceptional side dishes and then transitions to sushi that tantalizes your taste buds and captivates your eyes.

You can also indulge in delectable desserts made with seasonal ingredients. Enjoy a memorable meal in Ichiu's elegant Japanese setting, where warm hospitality and thoughtfully selected Japanese sake ensure an unforgettable dining experience.

3. Six Legendary restaurants where reservations are extremely hard to secure

We will guide you through the most renowned restaurants in Japan with Michelin stars, many of which hold three stars.

SUKIYABASHI JIRO/ Sushi

1. Michelin (2007 - 2019)：★★★
2. Japan's most biggest restaurant review website Sushi TOKYO Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021,2022

Sukiyabashi Jiro is a name known both in Japan and around the world, having held three Michelin stars for over a decade. Owner Jiro Ono achieved recognition in the Guinness World Records in 2019 as the "oldest head chef of a three Michelin star restaurant." The restaurant gained further global attention with the release of a documentary film in America, attracting celebrity guests such as Hollywood stars and former President Barack Obama, who dined with the Japanese prime minister at the time.

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Tempura Kondo/Tempura

1. Michelin (2009-24)：★★
2. Japan's most biggest restaurant review website Tempura Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2022,2023

Tempura Kondo holds a special place among Japanese food enthusiasts, often being the first choice when the craving for tempura strikes. If it weren’t for Tempura Kondo, tempura wouldn’t be as globally renowned as it is today. While traditional Edomae (Tokyo-style) tempura typically focused on seafood, owner-chef Fumio Kondo introduced vegetables which have now become standard ingredients for tempura. What sets Tempura Kondo apart is its meticulously crafted tempura with a thin batter, ensuring minimal oil absorption and avoiding greasiness. This dedication to quality results in tempura that excels in appearance, aroma, and flavor.

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Sawada/Sushi

1. Michelin (2008-23)：★★
2. Japan's most biggest restaurant review website Sushi TOKYO Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021,2022

The intimate 6-seat counter at Sawada welcomes guests into a special culinary adventure, accommodating only one round of guests for both lunch and dinner. This exclusivity means that only 12 people per day have the privilege of enjoying their exquisite sushi. Sawada's impressive feat of maintaining two Michelin stars for 16 consecutive years speaks volumes about its standing in this fiercely competitive culinary landscape. Owner-chef Mr. Sawada has a unique approach to serving patrons, including preparing the vinegared rice based on the reservation time and utilizing a cooling system that uses water instead of electricity to preserve the freshness of the fish.

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Sushi Yoshitake/Sushi

1. Michelin (2012 - 2023)：★★★
2. Michelin (2024)：★★
3. Japan's most biggest restaurant review website Sushi TOKYO Top 100 Selected Restaurants in 2021,2022

Renowned as one of Ginza's most esteemed sushi establishments in a district boasting over 400 sushi restaurants, Sushi Yoshitake beckons discerning diners to embark on a culinary journey into the heart of exquisite Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi. The restaurant has held three Michelin stars continuously since 2012. Under the skilled hands of owner-chef Masahiro Yoshitake, each piece of sushi is meticulously crafted to achieve the perfect balance of rice, topping, and wasabi, akin to creating a sublime artwork. Notably, Masahiro Yoshitake also oversees Sushi Shikon in Hong Kong, another three-Michelin-starred establishment renowned for its excellence over the years.

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Nihonbashi Kakigaracho Sugita/Sushi

1. Michelin (2017 - 21)：★
2. Michelin (2022)：★★

Among Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi restaurants in Tokyo, Nihonbashi Kakigarasho Sugita stands out as one of the most sought-after and challenging places to secure a reservation. This sushi restaurant, beloved by chefs and food enthusiasts alike, combines the highest quality ingredients sourced daily from the market with exceptional techniques rooted in the Edomae sushi tradition. The result is unparalleled sushi crafted with care and integrity. The restaurant is also dedicated to promoting sushi culture worldwide, attracting repeat patrons from abroad who book their reservations months in advance.

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Kagurazaka Ishikawa/Japanese cuisine

1. Michelin (2009 - 2024 )：★★★

Kagurazaka Ishikawa stands at the pinnacle of authentic Japanese cuisine, offering dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Chef Ishikawa's pursuit of pure beauty using seasonal ingredients creates visually stunning dishes that let you savor Japan's sophisticated culinary culture. The restaurant has held three Michelin stars since 2009, and branch venues run by Chef Ishikawa's disciples have also been awarded Michelin stars.

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Five affordable Michelin restaurants

Among the Michelin Guide featured restaurants, we'll introduce Tokyo venues that offer exceptional dining at cheap prices, perfect for your wallet and appetite.

Kurobuta Tonkatsu Horiichi

Be prepared to savor an extraordinary tonkatsu (pork cutlet) that is rich in flavor and tender in the mouth at Kurobuta Tonkatsu Horiichi. The restaurant's premium Berkshire pork is personally selected by the owner couple from their hometown, ensuring a succulent, flavorful cutlet with sweet, rich fat. The perfect crispness of the coating is achieved through a high-level technique of deep-frying it twice at different temperatures.

Kurobuta Tonkatsu Horiichi is one of the few tonkatsu establishments featured in the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand. Treat yourself to exquisite tonkatsu with a variety of sauces and salts, accompanied by rice, shredded cabbage, and miso soup.

Torinao/Yakitori (grilled chicken on a skewer)

Locally grown premium chicken from Yamanashi Prefecture is expertly charcoal-grilled at Torinao to enhance the rich flavor and tender texture of their yakitori (grilled chicken on a skewer). Torinao has earned a spot in Michelin's Bib Gourmand for three years in a row, thanks to its warm hospitality, carefully selected Japanese sake, and outstanding yakitori. Be sure to try their standout dish, tsukune—delicious meatballs made from top-quality chicken that patrons love.

In addition to the omakase course, Torinao offers an à la carte menu, making it easy for you to enjoy exceptional yakitori at an affordable price.

Tamawarai/蕎麦 Soba

1. Michelin (2013 - 24)：★
2. soba 17-19,21,22

Tamawarai offers an unforgettable soba experience in Tokyo, using traditional yet unique techniques to craft strong-flavored soba. Although Tokyo isn't known as an epicenter of soba, the restaurant's exceptional quality makes it a must-visit. The unique fragrance fills the air as you lift the noodles, making any wait in the line worth it. The quality extends to their side dishes, including exceptional Japanese omelet and tempura.

Tamawarai has maintained one Michelin star for 12 consecutive years and has also held the top spot among Japanese soba restaurants on Japan's most biggest restaurant review website, Japan's most well-known restaurant review site. You can enjoy a Michelin-starred dining experience at a reasonable price at Tamawarai.

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Japanese soba noodles Tsuta/ Ramen

1. Michelin (2016 - 19)：★

Japanese Soba Noodles Tsuta made history in 2016 as the world's first ramen restaurant to receive a Michelin star. Tsuta crafts exceptional ramen using all-natural ingredients. After earning one Michelin star for four years in a row, Tsuta relocated and reopened, offering an extraordinary bowl priced at 3,550 JPY. Their signature soy sauce ramen with truffle wontons delights food enthusiasts, while the monthly limited-edition ramen showcases the chef’s creativity.

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Sosakumenkobo Nakiryu/ Ramen

1. Michelin (2017 - 23)：★
2. Bib Gourmand (2024)

Nakiryu became the second ramen restaurant in the world to receive a Michelin star in 2017, thanks to its signature dish, creative tantanmen (spicy noodles). Originating from China, the spicy noodles can be enjoyed either as a soup or as a dipping dish, with the noodles and sauce served separately. Along with regular ramen and tantanmen, their expertly crafted toppings such as shrimp wontons and boiled dumplings are also favorites among ramen fans.

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