OMAKASE JapanEatinerary Fine Dining Column

A guide to Kuramae, Tokyo's craft-district neighborhood — stationery ateliers, dye studios, riverside cafés, and where to eat, plus a half-day itinerary.

Nara was Japan's capital more than 1,300 years ago, and that long history still shapes what ends up on the plate. Most visitors come for the temples and the deer, then leave without eating past the day-trip basics. That's a mistake. This guide covers both sides of the city — the centuries-old local specialties you can eat on the street, and the destination counters worth planning an evening around.

Jimbocho may be Tokyo's most underrated destination — a neighborhood where century-old bookshops line an entire city block, curry restaurants have been perfecting their recipes since the 1920s, and old-school coffee houses let you sit for hours without anyone asking you to leave. This guide covers the world's largest secondhand book district, the best curry shops to try, and the kissaten worth lingering in after the browsing is done.

Daikanyama trades Shibuya's neon for tree-lined streets, quiet boutiques, and some of Tokyo's hardest-to-book restaurants. This guide covers the neighborhood's essential stops — from the world-famous Tsutaya Books to hidden sushi counters and pot-cooked rice — plus a sample one-day itinerary.

Hida Takayama preserves Edo-era architecture so completely it's called Japan's "Little Kyoto." This guide covers the must-see attractions—morning markets, sake cellars, woodworking traditions—plus local food essentials from Hida beef to miso-grilled mountain vegetables. We've also featured four Tokyo restaurants where you can experience Hida beef after your trip.

If you've ever dreamed of finding a corner of Paris hidden inside Tokyo, Kagurazaka is your answer. This charming hillside neighborhood — beloved by locals for its cobblestone alleys and old-school geisha vibe — is also one of the city's best-kept foodie secrets. Here's everything you need to know for a perfect half-day visit, from free sightseeing to splurge-worthy dinners.

As Japan’s third-largest city, Nagoya offers a culinary scene that rivals the finest dining experiences in Tokyo and Osaka. The OMAKASE editorial team—official Michelin partner—brings you an exclusive guide to the city’s most exceptional restaurants.

Okinawa is a prefecture where a distinctive culture has flourished despite being part of Japan. In this article, the OMAKASE editorial team—an official Michelin partner—introduces a curated selection of dining experiences not to be missed, with a particular focus on standout restaurants across Okinawa’s main island.

The editorial team at OMAKASE, an official partner of the Michelin Guide, presents a curated selection of Halal-friendly restaurants in Tokyo. All of the establishments featured in this guide can be reserved directly through the OMAKASE platform.

As an official Michelin partner, the OMAKASE editorial team introduces a selection of halal-friendly restaurants in Kyoto. All of the restaurants featured in this article can be reserved directly through this OMAKASE site.

The editorial team at OMAKASE, an official partner of Michelin, presents a curated selection of Halal-friendly restaurants in Osaka. All of the restaurants featured in this guide can be reserved directly through the OMAKASE platform.

The editorial team at OMAKASE, an official Michelin partner, presents a selection of restaurants in Tokyo where you can enjoy a truly authentic breakfast experience.

Discover 7 vegan-friendly fine dining restaurants in Ginza that accommodate plant-based diets without compromising quality. Curated by official Michelin Guide partner OMAKASE, with reservations available online.

As Kyushu’s largest city, Hakata stands proudly as the culinary capital of western Japan. From beloved local specialties rooted in tradition to some of the finest dining establishments in the country—including Michelin-starred restaurants—the city offers a dazzling spectrum of flavors and experiences. Here, the OMAKASE editorial team invites you to discover Hakata’s vibrant food scene and how to savor its charms after dark.

More and more Osaka restaurants are offering vegan menus. Discover them with this curated list by official Michelin GUIDE partner, Omakase Japan Eatinerary

The iconic ingredients of Japanese autumn, introduced by gourmet expert and Michelin Guide partner, Omakase.

Okonomiyaki, often called Japan’s savory pancake, combines fresh cabbage, meat, seafood, and a smooth wheat-flour batter, grilled to golden perfection. While it’s a staple in homes and casual eateries across the country, specialty okonomiyaki restaurants elevate the dish to an art form. Among them, Kiji Okonomiyaki stands out as a nationwide favorite, celebrated for its rich flavors and perfectly cooked pancakes. In this guide, the OMAKASE editorial team—an official Michelin partner—dives into everything you need to know about Kiji: from how to make reservations to exploring its main branch, affiliated locations, and the legacy behind this iconic eatery.

The OMAKASE editorial team, an official Michelin partner, introduces restaurants in Tokyo where you can enjoy afternoon tea.

In Kyoto, where kaiseki restaurants abound, finding vegan-friendly options is surprisingly easy—even within this traditionally seafood- and meat-focused cuisine.As the official content partner of the MICHELIN Guide, the OMAKASE editorial team introduces a curated selection of Michelin-listed restaurants in Kyoto that welcome vegan diners.

The OMAKASE editorial team, an official partner of Michelin, will introduce bars in Tokyo.