Have you ever heard of kaiseki cuisine? A kaiseki dinner is a traditional Japanese meal that is usually served in an upmarket restaurant and allows diners to enjoy a variety of light dishes. One of the most important principles of kaiseki cuisine is that the ingredients should be fresh and in season. Often, the ingredients for a kaiseki meal are sourced locally shortly before the meal. What's more, the seasoning is simple and the way the food is presented is very important. The food looks like a work of art during a kaiseki experience! Would you like to try a delicious kaiseki meal for yourself one day? Check out this list of the 10 best kaiseki restaurants in Tokyo!
1. Koshiba no Tsunokamizaka
Koshiba no Tsunokamizaka, named after its famous chef, is an elegant, minimalist oasis in stark contrast to the bustling Shinjuku district where it is located. Diners can enjoy seasonal vegetables, meat and seafood, charcoal-grilled in hearty traditional dishes. The main course is particularly exquisite; a platter of carefully selected seasonal ingredients at their peak of freshness.
Nearest train stations: Yotsuya Sanchomé and Akebonobashi
Opening times: 5.30pm - 11pm (closed on Sundays)
Website (Facebook): Koshiba no Tsunokamizaka
2. Nihonryori Ryugin
Your culinary experience at this 3 Michelin-starred restaurant not far from Tokyo station already begins well in the beautiful waiting room. After being ushered to your table, a well-orchestrated symphony of impeccable service, beautifully served dishes and some of the best flavours you've ever tasted will be served up by Chef Yamamoto and his team.
Nearest station: Hibiya
Opening times: 6pm - 11pm (last entry at 8pm)
Website: Nihonryori Ryugin Nihonryori Ryugin
3. Ginza Kojyu
Having been awarded 3 Michelin stars since 2008, at Ginza Kojyu you are guaranteed an excellent culinary experience. Located in Tokyo's most chic district, Ginza, this exclusive restaurant promises authenticity while pushing back the boundaries of traditional Japanese cuisine. Your dining experience will be intimate with only 14 seats, as you watch Chef Okuda work his magic on the freshest ingredients before sampling the perfectly balanced dishes.
Nearest station: Yurakucho and Higashi Ginza
Opening times: 12pm - 1pm and 6pm - 8pm
Website: Ginza Kojyu
4. Koguma
Exclusivity is the name of the game at Koguma, which translates into dishes with very rare ingredients bought and aged in-house. These special ingredients are then used by Chef Koiwa to create unique dishes that will delight your taste buds. Beautiful, specially produced crockery completes the elegant dining experience, and they stock the finest sake to accompany their dishes.
Nearest station: Ginza
Opening times: 6pm - 11pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Website: Koguma
5. Yagenbori Akasaka
Compared to most other kaiseki restaurants, Yagenbori Akasaka is a cheaper option. However, the value for money is excellent and you can enjoy perfectly executed dishes of traditional Kyoto cuisine in beautiful, authentic surroundings without breaking the bank. If you've always wanted to try typical, no-frills Japanese cuisine, this is the place to go. You can choose from 3-course meals, all of which offer several small seasonal dishes.
Nearest station: Akasaka-Mitsuke
Opening times: 11.30am - 2pm and 5.30pm - 9pm (closed on Sundays)
Website: Yagenbori Akasaka Yagenbori Akasaka
6. Hashimoto
Hashimoto in Nihonbashi is another reasonably priced way to enjoy a real kaiseki meal. They serve full kaiseki meals that immerse you in Japanese cuisine. You can expect to taste different types of seasonal seafood, meat and vegetable dishes presented beautifully. The service is excellent and you're sure to leave satisfied and happy.
Nearest station: Mitsukoshimae
Opening times: 11.30am - 2.30pm and 5pm - 8pm (closed on Sundays)
7. Ginza Ibuki
With only 17 seats, this Michelin-starred restaurant in Ginza escapes an exclusive atmosphere. Dishes are presented in an exquisite, minimalist manner, without distracting diners from the subtle yet delicious flavours of the high-quality ingredients. With chefs who know how to combine flavours to complement each other perfectly, eating at Ginza Ibuki is a true delight. Needless to say, their hospitality is impeccable too.
Nearest station: Shintomicho
Opening times: 11.30am - 2.30pm and 5.30pm - 8pm (closed on Mondays)
Website: Ginza Ibuki
8. Ginza Toyoda
At the Michelin-starred restaurant Ginza Toyoda, you can truly taste the 4 seasons of Japan. With a view of Chef Funashima at work or the hustle and bustle of a busy Ginza street, sitting in your own peaceful oasis, you'll indulge in amazing natural flavours that require no artificial seasoning. Their soup broth is particularly remarkable, as it is carefully prepared with ingredients from the Kansai region and works very well to enhance the natural flavours of other foods.
Nearest station: Higashi Ginza
Opening times: 11.30am /12pm - 3pm and 5.30pm - 10pm (closed on Sundays)
Website: Ginza Toyoda
9. Kappou Kisaku
Kappou Kisaku in Tokyo's expat district Azabu Juban is one of the smallest kaiseki restaurants in Japan, with only 9 seats available. It promises a wonderful and exclusive experience without too many distractions of traditional Kappou cuisine, prepared using only the freshest ingredients, while young chef Mori cooks with genuine hospitality. Also pay particular attention to the beautiful light scent of wood in this simple, traditional space.
Nearest station: Azabu Juban
Opening times: 11.30am - 2pm and 5pm - 9pm (closed on Sundays)
Website: Kapou Kisaku Kapou Kisaku
10. Kioicho Fukudaya
Chef Matsushita of Kioicho Fukudaya understands perfectly how to create harmony between flavour and beauty. Crowned with 2 Michelin stars, all the seasonal ingredients are top quality and perfectly balanced. Art lovers will appreciate the many beautiful decorations by renowned artist and epicurean Rosanjin, and many politicians, as well as prominent members of the cultural world, have enjoyed a kaiseki dinner in this magnificent restaurant.
Nearest station: Nagatacho and Asasaka-Mitsuke
Opening times: 11.30am - 2.30pm and 5pm - 9pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Website: Kioicho Fukudaya
Travelling in Japan
Planning a trip to a foreign country on your own is never easy! If you need help organising your trip to Japan and would like to see Japan like a local, you should definitely check out our private tours with an English guide! We're happy to help make your trip to Japan safe, comfortable and unforgettable!
When it comes to accommodations, you have plenty of options ranging from budget to luxury. You might want to consider staying at the Claska Hotel at http://claska.tokyo-hotels-stay.com/en/, which offers a unique mix of modern design and traditional Japanese elegance. Tokyo is replete with a variety of accommodations catering to different needs, and you could explore further by checking out other Rated Hotels on tophotels.com
Another excellent option for your stay in Tokyo could be the Sheraton Miyako Hotel. Whatever you choose, a comfortable stay is guaranteed.
Tokyo is considered one of the world's food capitals for good reason. Not only is it the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, Tokyo is also extremely good for budget meals, which are incredibly delicious. Whether you want to enjoy all kinds of Japanese dishes or any other world cuisine, Tokyo has it. You're bound to love the Italian and French cuisine of Japan, and slightly 'Japaneseised' Chinese food is extremely popular with Chinese tourists for a reason.
Have a great trip!
