11 Recommended Japanese Restaurants Near Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel

Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel: A Landmark in Shibuya

Located in the heart of Shibuya, Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is one of Japan’s premier luxury hotels. From its guest rooms, you can take in sweeping views of the city—most notably the dazzling Shibuya skyline at night. On clear days, even Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance. With its unbeatable location and excellent access to major destinations, the hotel makes an ideal base for exploring Tokyo.

Where to Enjoy Japanese Cuisine Around Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel

Shibuya is home to many restaurants serving authentic Japanese cuisine, but part of the experience can also be taking a short taxi ride to discover renowned spots a little farther out. The area around Shibuya is rich with celebrated Japanese restaurants well worth exploring. In this article, we’ve grouped recommendations into three categories: within the hotel, within walking distance, and a short taxi ride away.

A Short Ride Away: 5 Celebrated Japanese Restaurants

1. Sushi Masashi (鮨 将司) / Sushi

At Sushi Masashi, awarded one Michelin star for four consecutive years, guests can savor both authentic Edomae-style sushi and the chef’s creative small dishes. Owner-chef Masashi Yamaguchi, a seasoned talent who honed his craft at multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, brings exceptional skill and refinement to every course.

The course menu centers around tuna, featuring specialties such as the signature Tuna Sukiyaki (thinly sliced tuna gently simmered in a sweet-savory soy-based broth) and a trio of sushi—akami (lean tuna), chutoro (medium fatty tuna), and otoro (the richest, most marbled cut)—that highlight the character of each part of the fish. The slightly vinegared rice is carefully balanced to enhance the umami of the tuna. To complement the flavors, the chef curates a selection of champagne and white wines that never overpower the fish, while sake pairings are thoughtfully recommended according to the dishes.

The serene interior offers an intimate counter with 10 seats, designed to give guests a clear view of the chef’s artistry, along with private rooms for 2–4 guests. An English menu is also available, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for international visitors.

2. Tenoshima (てのしま) / Kaiseki

At Tenoshima, which has held one Michelin star for six consecutive years, guests can enjoy Japanese cuisine built on the concept of “washoku for everyone”—authentic yet unpretentious dining. Owner-chef Ryohei Hayashi previously served as sous-chef at Kikunoi Honten, a renowned three-Michelin-star kaiseki restaurant in Kyoto, bringing with him exceptional culinary expertise.

Deeply rooted in regional traditions, Chef Hayashi incorporates ingredients from Teshima, his family’s home island in Kagawa. A standout dish is his nyumen (thin wheat noodles served in a hot broth), prepared with an uncommon yet soulful iriko dashi (stock made from dried sardines)—a nostalgic flavor of Teshima. The drink list is equally diverse, spanning sake and wine to craft beer and gin, with pairings curated by the hostess, who has extensive international experience.

The calm, welcoming space features six counter seats that showcase the chef’s live performance and twelve table seats for a more relaxed setting. With English menus and English-speaking staff, Tenoshima attracts a loyal following of international guests.

3. Takumi Sushi Owana (匠 鮨 おわな) / Sushi

Takumi Sushi Owana has earned one Michelin star four times and has twice been selected for the Michelin “Selected Restaurants” list. It is also ranked among the Top 100 Restaurants in Japan on a leading gourmet review site—further proof of its esteemed reputation.

Owner-chef Kenji Owana honed his craft for over a decade at Sushi Sho in Yotsuya, a legendary institution in Tokyo. His expertise shines through in the restaurant’s signature style: the art of fish aging to deepen flavor, the use of both red and white vinegar in the sushi rice depending on the topping, and the alternating sequence of small dishes and sushi—a hallmark of the Sushi Sho lineage. At the same time, Chef Owana adds his own creative touch through innovative side dishes, offering guests a unique and evolving dining experience.

The sake selection reflects both tradition and personal connection: around 12–13 carefully chosen labels, including local sake from Chef Owana’s home prefecture of Shizuoka and bottles sourced from specialty shops he has partnered with since his training days. The clean, elegant interior features a fully private room that accommodates up to six guests, making it a welcoming choice even for families with children.

4. Tempura Kiwa (天麩羅 喜わ) / Tempura

At Tempura Kiwa, ranked among the Top 100 Restaurants in Japan on a leading gourmet review site, guests can experience the beauty of Japan’s four seasons through the art of tempura (lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables). Chef Shinichi Tomori, who trained at the legendary Tempura Yamanoue, is dedicated to showcasing seasonal ingredients available only at their peak moments.

Each piece of tempura is delicately coated in an ultra-light batter and fried in premium oil, resulting in a crisp texture that highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients—without any of the heaviness often associated with fried food. To elevate the experience, the restaurant offers a well-curated selection of drinks, including sake and wines that pair perfectly with tempura.

The dining space is designed in harmony with a traditional Japanese garden, creating a serene and refined atmosphere. Guests can choose counter seating to watch the chef’s artistry up close, or relax at spacious tables. With English menus and English-speaking staff, Tempura Kiwa provides an accessible yet authentic experience for international diners.

5. Toriyaki Ohana (鳥焼き 小花) / Yakitori

At Toriyaki Obana, which has twice been selected as a Michelin “Selected Restaurant,” diners can experience a new evolution of yakitori (traditional skewered grilled chicken): toriyaki (grilled chicken without skewers). Owner-chef Shintaro Sato trained at renowned Japanese restaurants including Nadaman and Ichijoji, before apprenticing under Yoshiteru Ikegawa of the celebrated yakitori house Torishiki. Recognized for his skill, he was entrusted with the role of both grill master and proprietor.

The restaurant’s signature dish, sumibi toriyaki (charcoal-grilled chicken), follows the precise grilling method passed down from Torishiki: kyobi no chikabi (intense, close-range charcoal grilling) that seals in the flavors. The result is an irresistible contrast of crisp skin on the outside and juicy tenderness within. Seasonal appetizers and refined closing dishes, drawing on classic Japanese culinary techniques, round out the menu.

The calm, intimate setting offers just 10 counter seats—an oasis away from the bustle of the city. With English menus available, international guests can enjoy this innovative yet authentic take on Japanese grilled chicken with ease and confidence.

Walking Distance Dining: 4 Recommended Spots

6. Daikanyama Issai Kassai (代官山 いっさい喝采) / Izakaya

Just a 12-minute walk from Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, Daikanyama Issai Kassai is an izakaya (Japanese-style casual dining pub) that has been recognized by Michelin as both a “Selected Restaurant” and a Bib Gourmand recipient.

Owner-chef Shinji Odahara, who previously honed his skills at Michelin-starred restaurants in New York, elevates familiar comfort dishes such as potato salad and croquettes with refined Japanese techniques and a touch of creativity. The result is deceptively simple fare with surprising depth of flavor. Popular highlights include sumibi-yaki (charcoal-grilled dishes) prized for their smoky aroma and crisp texture, as well as donabe gohan (rice cooked in a traditional clay pot with seasonal ingredients).

The drinks list is equally well-curated, featuring a rotating selection of seasonal sake along with wines chosen to pair seamlessly with Japanese flavors. The open, glass-walled dining space offers both counter and table seating, and with English menus available, international guests can enjoy the relaxed yet refined atmosphere with ease.

7. Daikanyama Sushi Takeuchi (代官山 鮨 たけうち) / Sushi

Just a 13-minute walk from Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, Daikanyama Sushi Takeuchi is an intimate, hidden-gem sushi restaurant that has been ranked among the Top 100 Restaurants in Japan on a leading gourmet review site.

Owner-chef Jun Takeuchi, who trained for 14 years in Ginza and Daikanyama before opening his own restaurant, is devoted to sushi-making. While respecting tradition, he aims to create sushi that offers a distinctive touch beyond classic Edomae sushi (Tokyo-style sushi prepared with traditional techniques such as marinating, aging, or simmering fish).

Chef Takeuchi personally selects the day’s seafood at Toyosu Market and prepares each topping with the most suitable technique to bring it to perfection. The drink list features sake carefully chosen to pair with fish, as well as an ample selection of wine and champagne.

The L-shaped counter has just 8 seats, designed so every guest can watch the chef’s precise craftsmanship up close. While not always available, English-speaking staff are sometimes on hand, making the experience approachable for international guests.

8. Kuhara (久原) / Kaiseki

About a 16-minute walk from Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, Kuhara is a kaiseki (traditional multi-course Japanese dining) restaurant that has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction for three consecutive years. Run by a warm husband-and-wife team, it offers unpretentious Japanese cuisine in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Owner-chef Daisuke Kuhara trained for 20 years in both shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) and kaiseki, honing a style that emphasizes simplicity and purity of flavor. He sources the finest ingredients available each day and prepares them with understated elegance. A house specialty is his duck dishes, made with high-quality fresh aigamo (domestically raised duck), which appear in different forms depending on the season.

The drink selection is guided by the proprietor, who recommends sake or wine tailored to the dishes served and to each guest’s preferences. Seating is intimate, with just 15 seats in total—including a counter reserved for only one party per day (up to 3 guests) and a private table for groups of up to 8. With English-speaking staff available, international guests can feel at ease while enjoying a truly seasonal dining experience.

9. Ajuuta (あじゅう田) / Sushi

Ranked among the Top 100 Restaurants in Japan on a leading gourmet review site, Ajuuta is a hidden gem sushi restaurant located about a 16-minute walk from Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel. Here, guests can experience a modern take on Edomae sushi blending tradition with innovation.

Owner-chef Hiroki Ajuta trained at several prestigious restaurants, including Michelin-starred establishments. He uses only the finest fish sourced from across Japan and applies meticulous preparation techniques to bring out the maximum flavor of each ingredient. His signature sushi rice reflects careful attention not only to ingredients but also to temperature, prepared precisely to match the start time of service. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of sake and wine, with optional pairings curated by a professional sommelier.

Designed by a renowned architect, the stylish interior features a fully private room that accommodates up to 4 guests. English menus are available, and English-speaking staff ensure a comfortable experience for international diners.

10. Japanese Cuisine Sakuragaoka (日本料理 桜丘) / Japanese

Located on the 2nd floor of Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, Japanese Cuisine Sakuragaoka offers a spacious and open setting where guests can enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes.

Chef Takashi Tsuruta, who trained at renowned restaurants in Shiga and Ishikawa, presents kaiseki that highlights seasonal ingredients. Through a diverse selection of dishes, diners can experience the beauty of Japan’s four seasons and its rich culinary culture. A highlight available exclusively at the counter is freshly prepared tempura, fried in high-quality sesame oil for a crisp, delicate texture.

The beverage selection includes Japanese wines carefully chosen by a sommelier, as well as rare sake, with recommendations tailored to the season and each dish. The spacious restaurant also features five private rooms of varying sizes, allowing guests to enjoy their meals in comfort and privacy.

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11. Sushi Ito Ikan / Sushi

Located on the 2nd-floor Side Terrace of Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, Sushi Ito Ikkan is a sushi restaurant run by the renowned Akasaka Sushi Ito. Guests can enjoy authentic Edomae sushi in a luxurious setting.

The menu emphasizes seasonality, with carefully selected ingredients sourced from across Japan. The rice used for sushi is delivered directly from farmers in Shiga and prepared with homemade sushi vinegar. Each piece of sushi is shaped with precise pressure so that the topping gently sinks slightly when placed—creating the impression that the fish is alive, offering a visual as well as a flavorful experience.

The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of drinks, including carefully chosen sake, shochu (Japanese distilled spirit), and wine. Seating includes a 9-seat counter as well as a private 6-seat room where guests can watch the chef prepare sushi up close.

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