Japan's Finest: 21 Michelin Restaurants Recommended by an Official Partner

Japan: A Culinary Haven with the Most Michelin-Starred Restaurants

How many restaurants in Japan have been awarded Michelin stars?

Over 1,000 restaurants are listed in the Michelin Guide

Japan boasts the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide. The Michelin Guide 2024 recognizes over 1,000 establishments, with 20 awarded three stars—12 in Tokyo, 5 in Kyoto, and 3 in Osaka—cementing the country’s status as a top global gastronomic destination.

Tokyo is renowned for its top-quality ingredients and expert chefs. Kyoto is deeply rooted in its rich history, culinary traditions, and culture of hospitality, while Osaka offers a spectrum of dining experiences, from traditional to innovative cuisine.

How Nature's Blessings Shape Japan's Cuisine

Japan's high number of Michelin-starred restaurants is no accident. The country is blessed with stunning natural landscapes, from sea to mountains, spanning north to south. Combined with its four distinct seasons, this creates a wealth of fresh local ingredients in each region, a rare and exceptional situation even on a global scale.

Furthermore, UNESCO recognized washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013. A key element of washoku is umami, a unique taste in Japanese cuisine alongside sweetness, sourness, saltiness, and bitterness. Japanese chefs have long made exceptional use of umami in their dishes.

How much is a typical Michelin Star meal in Japan?

The average price among Michelin-starred restaurants is $182

The 2024 report from Chef’s Pencil reveals that, across 41 countries and territories, the average cost for a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant is $179 USD. Specifically, the average cost is $165 for a one-star Michelin restaurant, $256 for a two-starred restaurant, and $356 for a three-starred restaurant, with each additional star increasing the cost by $100. In Japan, the average price among Michelin-starred restaurants is $182, close to the global average, with costs in Tokyo at $209, in Kyoto at $179, and in Osaka at $164.

In Japan, the cost of dining at Michelin-starred restaurants is roughly in line with the global standard. A budget of $200 should suffice for a satisfying meal at a one-star restaurant.

Reference: Exploring Michelin Dining Costs Across 40 Countries: A Global Analysis

How to reserve Michelin-starred restaurants

Despite Japan'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 reservations can be fully booked years in advance. Additionally, many of these small establishments lack online reservation systems.

This article aims to guide you through restaurants in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, 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 as an online culinary service provider. OMAKASE has established strong relationships with renowned high-end restaurants in Japan through direct communication.

For a list of Michelin-recognized restaurants in Tokyo, please refer to this article.

Ten Restaurants Where You Should Make a Reservation

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

Taian / Japanese cuisine / Osaka

The Japanese cuisine served at Taian is deeply rooted in tradition but also incorporates creativity through the use of Western ingredients such as Iberian pork. For those seeking authentic Japanese cuisine with an innovative twist in a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Osaka, there is no better choice than Taian.

The signature dishes feature specialty grilled delicacies. Taian also provides an extensive selection of beverages, including French wines, Japanese sake, and shochu, offering over 200 varieties that perfectly complement your meal. Taian is the ideal place to indulge in the flavors of Japan in a luxurious, sophisticated, yet casually inviting ambience.

Udatsu Sushi / Sushi / Tokyo

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 with concrete walls 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 / Tokyo

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.

Sushi Hayashi / Sushi / Kyoto

Sushi Hayashi makes the most of its Kyoto location by offering traditional local sushi such as saba-zushi (pickled mackerel on sushi rice) and steamed sushi. This Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi restaurant combines the best of both worlds. Ingredients sourced from western Japan bring distinct regional toppings for a unique culinary experience.

Owner-chef Hayashi refined his craft at a hotel in Switzerland and Sushi Wakon, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant within the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto. With his rich background in hospitality, Chef Hayashi expertly pairs his exquisite sushi with a curated selection of beverages, including rare Swiss wine. Immerse yourself in the exceptional hospitality of Sushi Hayashi, a hidden gem nestled in the serene heart of Kyoto.

Ishibashi / Unagi (freshwater eel) / Tokyo

Experience unparalleled dedication to perfection at Ishibashi, a one-Michelin-star eel restaurant. Ishibashi offers exceptional eel dishes made with eels raised according to the chef’s exacting standards at designated farms. 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 side dishes and sake in a traditional Japanese ambience. An English menu is provided for your convenience.

Sushi Rakumi / Sushi / Kyoto

For an unmatched dining experience that seamlessly blends traditional Kyoto cuisine with the finest Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi, Sushi Rakumi is the place to be. Established in 2019, Sushi Rakumi follows in the footsteps of the acclaimed Gion Sasaki, a three-Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant known to be one of Kyoto's hardest establishments to secure reservations. Sushi Rakumi has proudly maintained one Michelin star for four consecutive years.

Owner-chef Kazuya Nomura's extensive training at prestigious restaurants such as Gion Sasaki in Kyoto and Sushi Yoshitake in Ginza, Tokyo, allows him to masterfully fuse the best of Kyoto and Tokyo culinary traditions.

Perched along the scenic Shirakawa River, Sushi Rakumi offers stunning views of nature that mirror the beauty of each season. In spring, the illuminated sakura (cherry blossoms) at night creates an enchanting atmosphere.

Ogawa / Japanese / Kyoto

At Ogawa, the omakase course features an ever-evolving selection of seasonal ingredients, sourced primarily from Kyoto and regions across Japan. This culinary journey combines strong traditions in craftsmanship, flavor, aroma, and beautiful presentation with innovative ideas to create extraordinary Japanese cuisine. Kyoto's unique culinary heritage shines through at Ogawa, where diners can savor the best of the region paired with local sake.

Set in an elegant, adult-oriented ambience, you can immerse yourself in the exceptional meal, sake, and attentive hospitality that makes time stand still. This experience is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Japan.

Sushi Yuden / Sushi / Osaka

Take a seat at one of the eight meticulously crafted counter seats made from 160-year-old solid Japanese cypress at Sushi Yuden. Here, you can immerse yourself in the unequaled experience of Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi, expertly prepared by owner-chef Nishimura. Each piece of sushi is carefully crafted for the perfect balance, with ingredients sourced daily from the local market to ensure freshness and quality.

Nishimura began his culinary journey as an apprentice at Fukuki Zushi, a prestigious sushi establishment with over a century of tradition. He then honed his hospitality skills at Sushi Mizuki within The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, before realizing his dream with Sushi Yuden. With precisely crafted sushi and exceptional hospitality refined in a luxury hotel, Sushi Yuden offers an atmosphere of tranquility and sophistication, whether you're dining alone or with family, friends, a partner, or colleagues.

Yakitori Torisen / Yakitori / Osaka

Yakitori Torisen offers a unique yakitori course using every part of the premium Matsukaze local chicken, a type of Nagoya Cochin, one of Japan’s top three local chicken varieties. These chickens are raised in a stress-free, safe environment, ensuring the highest quality. Chef Obana skillfully utilizes rare parts to craft exquisite grilled chicken skewers and uses the bones to create a flavorful soup stock, which is then transformed into zosui (rice soup) and oyakodon (a bowl of rice topped with chicken and eggs).

Matsukaze local chicken stands out for its rich texture, sweet fat, and delightful aroma. Chef Obana’s commitment to quality chicken has earned the restaurant one Michelin star.

Hajime / Innovative / Osaka

Hajime earned the status of a three-Michelin-starred restaurant just a year and a half after its opening, making it the fastest restaurant in history to achieve this distinction in the Michelin Guide. The restaurant serves innovative dishes rooted in French cuisine and adorned with the chef’s artistic creativity. The dishes at Hajime convey themes of the beautiful Earth, life, and hope. The entire course reflects the existence of Earth in space and the lives of humans within it, all expressed through culinary art to captivate diners.

The restaurant is known for presenting dishes that resemble masterpieces of art, meticulously crafted with recipes refined through the chef's background in system engineering and his upbringing in nature. At Hajime, you are invited not only to savor the intricate flavors the chef creates but also to embark on a culinary journey that engages all five senses.

Six Legendary restaurants where reservations are extremely hard to secure

SUKIYABASHI JIRO / Sushi / Tokyo

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 / Tokyo

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 abundant 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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Sushi Yoshitake/ Sushi / Tokyo

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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Kashiwaya Osaka Senriyama / Japanese / Osaka

1. Michelin (2010 - 23)：★★★

Kashiwaya Osaka Senriyama is one of Osaka's most prestigious historic Japanese cuisine restaurants, offering traditional Japanese dishes with a creative twist. The restaurant’s menu highlights the 24 seasons of the traditional Japanese calendar, making the most of seasonal ingredients. Guests can enjoy an immersive experience in Japanese culture, from the building's 400-year-old tea room aesthetic and elegantly decorated Japanese rooms to the warm hospitality provided by staff dressed in kimono.

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Hyotei / Japanese / Kyoto

1. Michelin (2010 - 23)：★★★

With a history of over 450 years, Hyotei serves loyal guests from around the world with kaiseki cuisine courses and seasonal rice porridge, each crafted to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. Hyotei has consistently held three Michelin stars for 14 years and played a leading role in Kyoto’s culinary culture with its exceptional hospitality rooted in the Japanese tea ceremony. In addition to its warm hospitality, Hyotei's traditional building is designed to resemble Japanese tea rooms, reflecting its long-standing heritage.

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Kikunoi Honten / Japanese / Kyoto

1. Michelin (2024)：★★★

The elegantly beautiful Japanese cuisine served at Kikunoi Honten, along with its impeccable ambience and hospitality, provides a memorable experience that refines your senses. As the head of this Japanese cuisine restaurant with a history spanning over 100 years, Chef Yoshihiro Murata played a key role in the registration of washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity with UNESCO in 2013. Chef Murata's efforts have helped spread Japanese culture worldwide, highlighting the great emphasis washoku places on umami, a distinct taste that enhances the flavor of each dish.

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Five budget-friendly Michelin-recognized restaurants

Shigetsu/ Kaiseki / Kyoto

1. Bib Gourmand (2021 - 23)

Located within the gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shigetsu offers shojin cuisine (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) made entirely from plant-based ingredients in accordance with the Buddhist principle of respecting all life. The shojin cuisine course at Shigetsu will transform your perception of vegetarian meals with its vibrant, seasonal dishes and exceptional flavors.

Shojin cuisine, which originated from the meals of monks training in temples, seeks to create harmony between spirit and nature, resulting in a healthy and balanced meal. Shigetsu has been recognized as a Bib Gourmand restaurant in the Michelin Guide for its “exceptionally good food at moderate prices.” At Shigetsu, diners can immerse themselves in deep Japanese culture within the temple while enjoying an exceptional shojin cuisine dining experience for under 10,000 JPY.

Hortensia Bistro / French / Osaka

1. Bib Gourmand (2022 - 23)

French cuisine in Japan reaches world-class standards, especially at Hortensia Bistro, where the owner-chef honed his skills at a Michelin-starred restaurant in France. For those seeking elegant French cuisine in a casual setting with no dress code, Hortensia Bistro is the perfect choice.

In addition to prix fixe options, the restaurant offers a chef’s special anniversary course and party plans for groups of six or more. As a Bib Gourmand restaurant, Hortensia Bistro provides high-quality meals at an affordable price.

Hiiragitei / Yakitori / Kyoto

1. Bib Gourmand (2023)

If you want to enjoy yakitori (grilled chicken on skewers) alongside Japanese-style side dishes such as sashimi, paired with local Japanese sake in a relaxed atmosphere, Hiiragitei in Kyoto is the perfect spot. In addition to their yakitori and chicken dishes, their signature obanzai (traditional Japanese small dishes) is a must-try.

This cozy, family-run restaurant ensures top-quality local chicken, with staff members personally visiting the poultry farm in Shiga Prefecture. Hiiragitei has earned Bib Gourmand recognition in the Michelin Guide.

Tamawarai / Soba / Tokyo

1. Michelin (2013 - 24)：★

Tamawarai offers an unforgettable soba experience in Tokyo, using traditional yet distinctive techniques to craft soba with robust flavors. The quality extends to their side dishes, such as their exceptional Japanese omelet and tempura. Tamawarai's reputation attracts repeat visits from some Japanese celebrities.

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

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Lega/ Nara/ Italian

1. Michelin (2023)：★

Only four groups of guests per day have the privilege of enjoying a specially crafted Italian meal at Lega, where the chef thoughtfully selects fresh local ingredients from Nara. The restaurant's name, meaning 'to link' or 'to tie,' reflects its focus on blending Nara's fresh produce with Italian cuisine to offer diners exceptional meals that highlight the seasonality of the ingredients.

The owner-chef studied authentic Italian cuisine in northern Italy before opening his own restaurant, Lega. The establishment, run by the chef and his wife, earned one Michelin star just one year after opening. Despite its prestigious status and stylish, elegant ambience, Lega offers its courses at affordable prices.

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