9 Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Tokyo You Can Book for Same-Day Lunch

Same-Day Lunch Reservations Are Rare at Michelin Restaurants

Here, we introduce restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide Tokyo where you can enjoy lunch by making a reservation by the morning of the same day. Many Michelin-recognized fine dining establishments require advance reservations due to ingredient preparation and menu planning, making same-day bookings quite rare.

However, some restaurants do accept last-minute reservations, so it's worth checking. Please note that many of these places are very popular and may be fully booked even for same-day slots, so early reservations are recommended. Availability may vary, so be sure to check the details before booking.

9 Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Tokyo You Can Book for Same-Day Lunch

1. Sushi Masashi (鮨 将司) / Sushi

A Michelin one-star sushi restaurant that has consistently retained its star over the years, Sushi Masashi is led by Chef Masashi Yamaguchi, who previously served as head chef during the launch of Sushi Wakon at the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto and The Peninsula Tokyo.

The menu is omakase (chef’s choice) only, offering a refined blend of traditional Edomae-style sushi and inventive, seasonal small plates. The sushi rice—a delicately balanced mix of white rice and red vinegar—is gently pressed to incorporate air, allowing each bite to melt softly in the mouth alongside the topping.

Among the restaurant's signature appetizers is the unforgettable Maguro Sukiyaki (tuna with sukiyaki sauce and egg), followed by the inventive, sushi-style TKG—a luxurious egg dish topped with vinegared sushi rice.

In addition to counter seating, private rooms are available, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more intimate dining experience.

2. Sushi Ichijo (鮨 一條) / Sushi

Tucked away in a quiet back alley of Higashi-Nihonbashi, Sushi Ichijo has consistently earned a Michelin star in the Tokyo Michelin Guide. While rooted in the traditional techniques of Edomae-style sushi, the restaurant offers a creative and distinctive take that sets it apart.

Chef Satoshi Ichijo honed his craft over more than 20 years at the long-established sushi restaurant Rokubee in Ningyocho. His sushi showcases the best seasonal wild-caught fish from nearby waters, prepared with meticulous Edomae methods and served atop red vinegar-seasoned rice. The result is understated, yet deeply memorable.

Adding to the experience, Ichijo’s deep appreciation for fine tableware is evident in his selection of dishes—many crafted by Living National Treasures. These exquisite pieces complement the sushi and small plates, making each course as visually captivating as it is flavorful.

3. Okamoto (おかもと) / Japanese

Located near Tokyo Tower and Azabudai Hills, Okamoto is a refined kappo-style (multi-course) restaurant that has earned a Michelin star in the Tokyo Michelin Guide year after year. Chef Hidetsugu Okamoto trained at the famed Kyoto restaurant Wakuden, later serving as head chef at the three-Michelin-starred Azabu Yukimura, before opening Ginza Okamoto. In 2017, he relocated the restaurant to Kamiyacho.

Chef Okamoto approaches cuisine as an art form, believing that a chef's true craft lies in thoughtful technique and creative refinement. From the counter seats, guests can enjoy a front-row view of his meticulous work, as carefully selected seasonal ingredients are transformed into beautifully composed dishes—an experience that feels almost like a live performance.

One must-try signature dish is the Karasumi Soba (buckwheat noodles with mullet roe), a standout favorite that captures the essence of Okamoto’s elegant yet soulful style.

4. Tachiguizushi Akira Shimbashi (Branch) (立喰い寿司 あきら 新橋店) / Sushi

Just a five-minute walk from Shimbashi Station, Tachiguizushi Akira offers an exceptional standing-style sushi experience in the heart of a bustling business district. Despite its casual format, the quality rivals that of top-tier sushi restaurants, thanks to its use of the same premium ingredients as the beloved Sushi Shoryu, a local favorite in Shinohashi.

Guests can enjoy authentic Edomae-style sushi at an affordable price point, with a selection of 20–25 types of sushi available daily. Highlights include top-grade tuna sourced from the famous Toyosu wholesaler Yamayuki. Orders are placed via a simple checklist system, allowing for a smooth and efficient experience.

Each piece is crafted with vinegared rice seasoned with red vinegar and paired with meticulously prepared toppings that reflect traditional Edomae techniques. The result is sushi that gently falls apart in the mouth with balanced, nuanced flavor.

The restaurant has been consistently recognized by the Tokyo Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand award—proof that great sushi doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.

5. Fry-ya (Fry家) / Tonkatsu

Located near Takadanobaba Station, Fry-ya is a specialty restaurant devoted to the art of expertly crafted fried cuisine. Awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Tokyo Michelin Guide, it offers a distinctive dining experience that goes far beyond typical fried fare.

Guests can savor a diverse selection of delicately fried items—from premium pork cuts and succulent shrimp to seasonal vegetables and fresh seafood—all served in small, thoughtfully curated portions. Chef Michiyasu Nishimura, well known as a judge on the TV show Job Tune, brings a remarkable pedigree, having trained at the traditional kaiseki restaurant Kacyo in Ginza and earned Michelin stars in both Switzerland and Japan.

At lunchtime, the restaurant serves set meals featuring an assortment of fried specialties. Each item is prepared with exceptional precision: breadcrumbs are tailored to the ingredient, and oils such as lard or sesame oil are carefully selected to enhance flavor and texture. The result is an irresistibly crisp, feather-light fry that reflects the chef’s masterful technique and deep culinary insight.

6. NéMo (NéMo) / French

Tucked away in the tranquil streets of Minami-Aoyama, a short walk from Omotesando Station, NéMo is a refined French restaurant that has consistently earned a Michelin star in the Tokyo Michelin Guide.

Chef Kenichi Nemoto began his career at Les Créations de Narisawa in the same neighborhood, and later trained at esteemed establishments such as Aimée Vibert and Requinquer before refining his craft in France. Upon returning to Japan, he further honed his skills at the three-star Quintessence, building an impressive pedigree that informs every dish he creates.

A passionate angler since childhood, Chef Nemoto brings a deep appreciation for seafood to his cuisine. His tasting menu is built around the freshest fish and shellfish, with a standout signature dish featuring conger eel sourced from Tsushima and delivered via Toyosu Market’s renowned wholesaler Ueken.

The restaurant offers both wine and tea pairings, and boasts a curated wine list of over 300 labels, with a strong focus on French vintages—providing the perfect complement to this elegant, sea-inspired culinary journey.

7. Japanese Cuisine Tagetsu (日本料理 太月) / Kaiseki

Nestled in a quiet backstreet of Omotesando, Tagetsu is a refined Japanese restaurant that has maintained a Michelin star in the Tokyo Michelin Guide for many years. The restaurant is known for its dedication to seasonality, using premium ingredients sourced from across Japan and preparing each dish with care and precision—highlighting the depth and clarity of expertly crafted dashi.

Chef Hideo Mochizuki trained at respected establishments including Kaiseki Ryuunan in Ochanomizu, Genyadana Hamadaya in Ningyocho, and Kappo Kisaku in Azabu-Juban. His cuisine adheres to the fundamentals of traditional Japanese cooking, offering simple yet refined dishes that draw out the natural flavors of each seasonal ingredient, allowing diners to experience the beauty of Japan’s changing seasons.

The serene interior features a striking white-wood counter and two private rooms, making it well-suited for intimate gatherings or special occasions where privacy and elegance are valued.

8. apothéose (アポテオーズ) / French

Perched atop Toranomon Hills with sweeping views of Tokyo, apothéose offers a refined French dining experience in a stunning, light-filled setting. The restaurant has consistently earned a Michelin star in the Tokyo Michelin Guide.

Executive Chef Keita Kitamura trained under Yoshihiro Narisawa at NARISAWA before honing his skills in France at acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants, including Pierre Gagnaire. He later earned a Michelin star for five consecutive years at ERH in Paris. Now back in Japan, he travels across the country to personally source only the finest ingredients from trusted producers.

At apothéose, Chef Kitamura uses classical French techniques to highlight the unique flavors and essence of Japan’s natural bounty, creating dishes that are both refined and full of unexpected delight—a celebration of terroir through a distinctly Japanese lens.

9. MASIA (MASIA) / Spanish

Located in Ginza 1-chome, MASIA is a modern Spanish restaurant named after the word for a traditional Catalonian farmhouse. At the helm is Spanish-born Chef Mateu Villaret, who began his culinary career at the age of 15 and has honed his craft across Barcelona, the Netherlands, Germany, and Singapore.

His interest in Japanese cuisine was sparked during his time as sous-chef at a Japanese restaurant in Singapore, eventually bringing him to Japan, where he first opened a restaurant in the Kansai region before moving to Tokyo for his next culinary chapter.

At MASIA, Chef Villaret draws inspiration from the sea and mountains of his native Catalonia. His tasting menus reinterpret rustic regional dishes in a contemporary style, offering a vibrant selection of tapas, rice dishes, and seasonal specialties.

The restaurant has been consistently selected in the Tokyo Michelin Guide’s Selected Restaurants category, recognized for its creativity, quality, and deep cultural roots.