OMAKASE JapanEatinerary Fine Dining Column

The ancient city of Kyoto offers a unique and rich cultural heritage, with many historical temples, shrines, and other buildings. Kyo-ryori, the cuisine of Kyoto, is no exception. Kyoto cuisine encompasses various styles, including banquet cuisine for nobles, plant-based cuisine for monks in training, ceremonial dishes, and kaiseki cuisine for tea parties. What stands out most in Kyoto cuisine is its reflection of the beautiful four seasons. In spring, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, bamboo shoots take center stage. Summer brings pike congers, followed by matsutake mushrooms in autumn, and puffer fish and crab in winter. These signature ingredients highlight the beauty of each season. Additionally, Kyoto’s local vegetables and flavors centered around rich soup stock offer a culinary experience distinct from that of Tokyo.

Yakiniku (grilled meat) is an immensely popular dining option in Japan, offering a diverse range of experiences. From family-friendly all-you-can-eat venues priced around 3000 yen to high-end establishments serving kuroge wagyu beef (Japanese beef from black cattle), Japan's renowned premium brand, the options are plentiful and cater to every palate.

Undoubtedly, sushi reigns as the most renowned Japanese culinary delight worldwide. When visiting Japan, indulging in delectable sushi is a must, isn't it? Tokyo boasts the largest cluster of sushi establishments in the country, presenting you with an abundance of options. Yet, amidst this culinary abundance, securing reservations at the iconic, globally recognized sushi institutions can be challenging. However, settling for ordinary sushi at an unknown locale hardly seems appealing. 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 sushi restaurants categorized as follows: 1. Eleven quality sushi restaurants where securing reservations is easy, yet each promises an unforgettable experience sure to be a highlight of your trip to Japan 2. Eight renowned sushi restaurants that are hard to secure reservations at, but you should know

Since this article was first published a year ago, the number of overseas tourists visiting Japan has increased significantly, driving up the demand for vegan dining options. As a result, more restaurants now offer vegan-friendly menus, though some vegan-specialized establishments have unfortunately closed. This updated edition, current as of April 2025, introduces a selection of both fine dining and casual restaurants that serve vegan meals or vegan courses.

Michelin official partners introduce MICHELIN restaurants in tokyo.

In this article, we recommend 21 restaurants that are listed in the Michelin Guide.

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!

Secure a reservation at Michelin-starred restaurants in Ginza! With OMAKASE, you can book instantly or choose from top restaurants with an 80% or higher request approval rate, making it easy to fit fine dining into your travel itinerary.

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).

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).