From Sushi to Kaiseki: Japan’s Best Restaurants for Unforgettable Dining

Journey Tribune – Japan is a dream destination for travelers who love culture, history, and, of course, food. Beyond sushi bars and ramen shops, the country is home to some of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants, where tradition and innovation come together on the plate. From Tokyo to Kyoto, these fine dining experiences go far beyond simply eating—they immerse you in philosophy, artistry, and a deep respect for nature.

Here are some of the most recommended restaurants in Japan that every food lover should experience at least once.

1. Narisawa — Tokyo

At the forefront of Japan’s fine dining scene is Narisawa, a restaurant that celebrates the harmony between humans and nature. Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa coined the term “Innovative Satoyama Cuisine”, drawing inspiration from the Japanese countryside and its delicate ecosystems.

One signature dish is a bread dough that ferments and bakes right at your table, symbolizing life and transformation. Other courses highlight seasonal, foraged ingredients sourced sustainably across Japan. Dining here is more than delicious—it’s a philosophical journey into the relationship between food and the earth.

• Cuisine style: Modern Japanese fine dining rooted in sustainability.
• Price range: Around JPY 30,000–40,000 (USD 200–270) per person.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, lunch and dinner. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
• Phone: +81 3 5785 0799

Visit Narisawa’s Website

Why go? Narisawa offers poetry on a plate, capturing Japan’s natural beauty in every bite.

2. Sukiyabashi Jiro — Tokyo

Made famous by the documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi”, Sukiyabashi Jiro is perhaps the most legendary sushi restaurant in the world. Located in a modest corner of Ginza, it is run by master sushi chef Jiro Ono, who has dedicated his life to perfecting the art of sushi.

The menu is omakase-only, meaning diners entrust the chef to decide what’s best that day. Expect a sequence of pristine, perfectly balanced pieces of sushi crafted from the finest seasonal seafood. Dining here is quick—often less than an hour—but unforgettable in its precision and dedication.

• Cuisine style: Traditional Edomae sushi.
• Price range: Around JPY 40,000–45,000 (USD 270–300) per person.
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, lunch and dinner. Closed on Sundays and national holidays.

Why go? Because it’s sushi at its purest form, served with decades of mastery.

3. Kikunoi — Kyoto

For travelers who want to experience Japan’s culinary traditions at their most elegant, Kikunoi in Kyoto is the place to be. This three-Michelin-star kaiseki restaurant is housed in a traditional Japanese building and has been run by the Murata family for generations.

Kaiseki dining is a multi-course meal rooted in seasonality, beauty, and balance. At Kikunoi, every dish feels like a miniature work of art—carefully plated with seasonal flowers, leaves, and exquisite ceramics. The flavors are delicate yet profound, designed to highlight the essence of each ingredient.

• Cuisine style: Traditional kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine).
• Price range: Around JPY 20,000–40,000 (USD 135–270) per person, depending on the menu.
• Opening hours: Daily for lunch and dinner.

Why go? Kikunoi is a cultural experience, offering a glimpse into the soul of Japanese hospitality and tradition.

4. Den — Tokyo

While many fine dining restaurants in Japan are rooted in tradition, Den offers a refreshing twist. Chef Zaiyu Hasegawa blends Japanese flavors with playful creativity, earning his restaurant a spot on the list of the world’s best.

Expect surprises on your plate: a salad served in a takeout box, or fried chicken presented with a smiley face. Beneath the humor lies a serious technique, with flavors that remain unmistakably Japanese. Den’s relaxed atmosphere makes fine dining approachable while still being world-class.

• Cuisine style: Contemporary Japanese with playful creativity.
• Price range: Around JPY 23,000–36,000 (USD 160–250) per person.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, dinner only. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Why go? Because Den proves that fine dining can be joyful, creative, and lighthearted without compromising on quality.

5. Hajime — Osaka

If you’re exploring Osaka, known as the “nation’s kitchen,” Hajime is a must-visit for food enthusiasts who appreciate dining as an art form. Chef Hajime Yoneda, a former engineer turned culinary visionary, has earned three Michelin stars for his unique style that fuses science, art, and gastronomy.

His most iconic dish, “Chikyu” (The Earth), features over 100 types of vegetables, herbs, and flowers arranged to represent the planet’s ecosystems. The experience is both visually stunning and deeply moving, making every course feel like a philosophical meditation.

• Cuisine style: French-Japanese fusion with an artistic concept.
• Price range: Around JPY 40,000–45,000 (USD 270–300) per person.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, dinner only. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Why go? Hajime transforms the dining table into a canvas, where food becomes a statement about life and the universe.

Practical Tips for Dining in Japan

• Reserve early: Many Michelin-starred restaurants in Japan open reservations months in advance, and seats are limited.
• Use a concierge service: Some restaurants accept bookings only through hotel concierges or specialized reservation services.
• Be punctual: Japanese dining culture values respect and timeliness—arrive a few minutes early rather than late.
• Mind the dress code: Smart casual is usually acceptable, but avoid overly casual wear like shorts or flip-flops.
• Cash vs. card: While many top restaurants accept credit cards, some traditional ones may prefer cash. Always check in advance.
• Omakase etiquette: If you’re dining at a sushi or kaiseki restaurant, trust the chef’s choices and avoid asking for substitutions unless necessary.
• Portion size: Courses may look small, but they are designed to leave you satisfied by the end of the experience.
• Alcohol pairing: Many restaurants offer sake, wine, or tea pairings. If you’re adventurous, go for the pairing—it elevates the entire meal.
• Cultural sensitivity: Simple gestures like saying “Itadakimasu” before eating and “Gochisousama deshita” after finishing show respect for the food and the chef.

Final Thoughts

Japan is a paradise for food lovers, where meals are never just meals—they are cultural journeys. Whether you’re experiencing the environmental philosophy of Narisawa, the perfection of sushi at Sukiyabashi Jiro, the elegance of kaiseki at Kikunoi, the playful innovation of Den, or the artistic vision of Hajime, each restaurant tells its own story.

Dining in Japan is not about extravagance—it’s about harmony, respect, and artistry. If you’re planning a trip, setting aside at least one night for one of these experiences will leave you with memories as lasting as the temples, gardens, and bustling city streets.