OMAKASE JapanEatinerary Fine Dining Column
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Unveiling 18 Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan
An increasing number of restaurants in Japan are now offering vegan menus, including fine dining establishments featured in the Michelin Guide. Traditionally, many Japanese kaiseki and shojin cuisine restaurants have focused on plant-based ingredients, making it easier for them to cater to vegan diets. Moreover, some sushi restaurants have started to provide vegan options as well.
May 17, 2024 Tokyo
*Kaiseki cuisine is a traditional Japanese course meal comprised of many small dishes. Shojin cuisine refers to Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.
In Kyoto, there's no shortage of kaiseki restaurants catering to vegan diets, while Tokyo offers a diverse array of dining options with vegan-friendly choices, from sushi and tempura to ramen. With these culinary delights, Japan offers ample opportunities to savor memorable dining experiences that will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip!
In this article, the editorial team from OMAKASE, the only online culinary service provider in Japan that is officially recognized by the Michelin Guide, will guide you through a variety of vegan-friendly restaurants. Our selections include award-winning establishments featured in the Michelin Guide, as well as recommendations from Japan's largest restaurant review website, alongside casual and affordable dining options -
Tokyo's Culinary Prestige: Michelin Stars and 10 Reservation-Friendly Spots
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.
May 16, 2024 Tokyo
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. -
Japan's Finest: 21 Michelin Restaurants Recommended by an Official Partner
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.
May 15, 2024 Tokyo
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.
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. 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.
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. -
Introducing table manners and dining etiquette that you can really use when traveling in Japan.
How important are manners and etiquette when traveling in Japan?
May 14, 2024 Manners
As you plan your trip to Japan and look forward to the dining experiences, you may be wondering whether you need to learn about Japanese table manners and dining etiquette. Washoku (Japanese cuisine) is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and comes with unique, traditional customs including the proper usage of chopsticks and handling of various plates.
However, placing too much emphasis on traditional manners to the point where it hinders your enjoyment of meals would be taking it too far. As Japan welcomes more international tourists each year, locals are becoming more familiar with providing inclusive hospitality, allowing visitors to enjoy their meals without feeling overwhelmed by strict etiquette. Moreover, many articles written on Japanese table manners delve into minute details that even Japanese people may not necessarily be aware of.
Unless you are participating in traditional events where specific customs are required, there’s no need to feel overly nervous about table manners and dining etiquette mentioned in such articles, especially at English-speaking restaurants.
OMAKASE, an official partner of the Michelin Guide, has built strong relationships with many established restaurants in Japan. With our expertise, our editorial team will guide you through the three essential points to help you enjoy Japanese cuisine during your trip!
1. Approach your meals with a positive and open-minded attitude.
2. Show respect to the chefs and artisans who prepare your food.
3. Be considerate and avoid causing inconvenience to other customers and restaurants.
Following these three points will ensure you have the best dining experience in Japan, leaving both the restaurant staff and other customers, as well as yourself, with unforgettable smiles! -
Can’t-Miss 18 Restaurants in Ginza During Your Stay in Japan
Tokyo boasts the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide, and nestled in its bustling heart lies Ginza. Renowned for its luxurious stores and top-tier dining establishments, Ginza is a culinary paradise offering a diverse array of cuisines. What kind of food is Ginza known for? From traditional Japanese sushi and yakitori (grilled chicken) to Western delights like Spanish, Italian, and French cuisine, there's something to tantalize every palate. The numerous Michelin-star restaurants in Ginza each offer its own unique culinary experience.
May 13, 2024 Tokyo
The first half of this article aims to guide you through eight restaurants in Ginza which are renowned nationwide for their high acclaim. Please be aware that these establishments are extremely difficult to secure reservations at. Therefore, the latter half of this article will walk you through the 10 best places to eat in Ginza where reservations are easier to make. -
14 Must-Try Sushi Restaurants in Osaka on Your Japan Trip
What better way to immerse yourself in the Japanese food culture than by trying authentic sushi during your trip to Japan? Osaka, not just Tokyo, boasts a wealth of appealing sushi restaurants, including first-class establishments that have been awarded Michelin stars. In this article, we will guide you through sushi restaurants in Osaka across three price ranges: high-end (around 20,000 JPY), mid-scale (around 10,000 JPY), and budget-friendly (under 5,000 JPY).
May 13, 2024 Osaka -
14 Must-Try Sushi Restaurants in Kyoto during Your Trip to Japan
Wouldn’t you love to indulge in exquisite sushi while traveling in Japan? Just like Tokyo and Osaka, Kyoto boasts many attractive sushi restaurants, including luxurious ones awarded with prestigious Michelin stars. In this article, we will guide you through sushi restaurants in Kyoto across three price ranges: high-end (around 20,000 JPY), mid-scale (around 10,000 JPY), and budget-friendly (under 5,000 JPY).
May 15, 2024 Kyoto
