The Best Michelin Star Restaurants in Japan

Whether you’re visiting Japan or you’re getting ready to move there (lucky you!), you’re in store for some incredible cuisine. From street food to fine dining, there’s no shortage of unique, satisfying and flavorful dishes to try everywhere you turn.

This is especially true of high-end, upscale eateries. As one of the top culinary hotspots across the globe, Japan has no shortage of incredible restaurants that are listed in the renowned Michelin Guide.

There are more than 600 Michelin-starred restaurants across Japan, and it’s easy to see why. Many Japanese chefs consider themselves perfectionists, constantly working to improve their art.

Their tireless commitment to the craft has earned them (and their food) recognition at the highest level, and you’d be remiss not to experience this superior level of perfection if you’re looking for an elevated meal in Japan.

With so many Michelin-rated restaurants, it can be hard to pick the best of the best. Whether you’re in the mood for some incredible Wagyu beef or some super-fresh sushi, these Michelin-rated restaurants have you covered. Read on to learn all about them.

What Is A Michelin Star?

Before we dive into some of the best Michelin Star restaurants in Japan, let’s take a second to emphasize the prestige that accompanies a rating in the Michelin Guide.

The Michelin Guide is actually a series of rankings that’s been published annually since 1900. Specifically, these rankings apply to restaurants in every major city across the globe (and a few hidden gems).

Restaurants and the chefs employed by them are rigorously critiqued against the highest standards in the world. Those that pass are awarded Michelin stars:

• One star signifies a supreme restaurant among others serving similar food.
• Two stars signifies an exceptional restaurant with unrivaled food and ambiance.
• Three stars quite literally signifies one of the best restaurants in the entire world.

The Michelin Guide awards very few stars each year and, as a result, has maintained its reputation as the premier restaurant review publication.

Restaurants that do manage to receive even a single star are immediately catapulted into the spotlight and become highly in-demand among diners who want to experience the best.

As of 2020, Japan is home to a significant number of Michelin-starred restaurants. There are no shortage of fine dining opportunities to try, and when it comes to choosing which world-class establishment you should visit, there’s only one question.

What are you in the mood for?

1. Sukiyabashi Jiro, For Omakase

This tiny restaurant has only 10 seats, but its presence looms large in Japanese culinary culture. Sukiyabashi Jiro is famous for its incredible sushi, which is actually the only dish on the menu.

Their Omakase Course features carefully selected fish, all hand-picked from the local fish market every morning. It’s truly a culinary experience that brings together the best of Japanese classic cuisine and the cultural uniqueness of omakase—loosely translated as “chef’s choice” or “you choose.”

Sadly, the restaurant lost its Michelin Star in 2019; however, that’s because it no longer accepts public reservations. The food is still just as heavenly—you’ll just have to go through back-channels to secure a reservation.

If you’re lucky enough to get a seat at this world-famous restaurant, you’re in good company—Barack Obama and celebrity chef Joel Robuchon have dined here. It’s a bucket list spot for many foodies around the world!

2. Ishikawa Kagurazaka, For Kaiseki Cuisine

One of Tokyo’s esteemed 3-star Michelin restaurants, Ishikawa Kagurazaka is hard to book for good reason—the food is simply incredible.

This spot serves Japanese traditional course meals, perfectly seasoned to bring out the full flavor of each ingredient. Many who’ve dined here over the years have described the food as “the epitome of Japanese cuisine: past and present.”

The restaurant is small, featuring a seven-seat counter and a few private dining rooms that accommodate up to 6 guests.

The 10-course tasting menu is a feast for all the senses, featuring delicacies like buttery horsehead snapper, clay-pot rice, crispy sea turtle croquettes and so much more.

It’s all about attention to detail at Ishikawa Kagurazaka—you’re in for a dining experience you’ll never forget. Just make sure to book well in advance: reservations often go up to a year or more in advance!

3. INUA, For Fusion Cuisine

INUA has gotten a lot of attention since opening in 2018.

Awarded two stars on the Michelin Guide, this unique Nordic-themed restaurant is led by head chef Thomas Frebel, who worked at Noma—one of the world’s most-famous restaurants—for more than 10 years.

His experience and passion for cultural cuisine are evident in the unique menu offered at INUA.

INUA features a unique blend of Nordic cuisine you won’t find anywhere else. It’s cooked with seasonal Japanese ingredients with a Scandinavian approach.

Their multi-course meals are not to be missed. If you’re looking for a fusion culinary experience in Tokyo, this is the place. It’s a fantastic option for those who want to see the influence of Japanese cooking on classic Nordic dishes.

4. Tempura Kondo, For Tempura

Chief Fumio Kondo has turned the simple yet delicious Japanese dish, tempura, into a true delicacy at his restaurant, Tempura Kondo.

This spot has received Michelin stars for more than a decade, due to its unique take on tempura. If you’re a fan of the crispy texture and divine flavor of tempura done right, this upscale eatery is heaven in every bite.

Tempura Kondo turns tempura into a true luxury. You’ll find an interesting mix of fresh vegetables and seafood on the menu, brought together by—you guessed it—tempura. What makes the tempura here so special?

Chef Kondo has perfected tempura batter, keeping it incredibly light and airy. You won’t experience tempura quite like this anywhere else.

5. Imafuku, For Wagyu Beef

One of the most popular Japanese foods, both within the country itself and around the world, is Wagyu beef. At Imafuku, you can enjoy this delicacy in two different ways—Sukiyaki or Shabu Shabu.

While it’s one of the most expensive restaurants on this list, the price quickly becomes worth it once you savor the true melt-in-your-mouth flavor of Wagyu beef, prepared in either fashion.

While Sukiyaka and Shabu Shabu appear to be similar hot pot dishes, they’re actually quite different. At Imafuku, they both feature thinly sliced pieces of Wagyu beef and vegetables, and they’re served with a flavorful dipping sauce.

The differences end there, though. Sukiyaki is cooked skillet-style, featuring a rich flavor seasoned with sugar and soy sauce—the perfect blend of sweet and savory.

Shabu Shabu is cooked more like soup, offering a savory flavor that brings out the delicious taste of the beef.

6. Tapas Molecular Bar, For The Experience

If you’re looking for a little drama and artistry to accompany your meal, you can’t go wrong at Tapas Molecular Bar. This molecular gastronomy restaurant is an incredible experience, not just because of the fabulous food.

It’s one of few Michelin-starred restaurants to fall under the “experimental” category, which is a testament to how meticulous the restaurant is in bringing together form and function in its dishes.

Tapas Molecular Bar offers a blend of Japanese and Western cuisine, with each dish brought out in a way that surprises and delights diners.

Overall, the experience can best be described as an art gallery of dishes, all prepared and presented in a way that stimulates the five senses.

Each dish is carefully prepared with fine beverages selected by the restaurant’s bartender and sommelier—it’s a tasting experience like no other.

Honorable Mentions

The restaurants described above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Michelin-starred restaurants in Japan.

In fact, no matter what type of cuisine you’re in the mood for, from French to traditional Japanese, you’ll find a Michelin-starred restaurant serving it in Japan.

Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and numerous other cities in Japan are all home to these world-class dining venues.

For example, ESqUISSE, opened in Ginza in 2012, has been awarded two Michelin stars for several years. You’ll find unique French dishes here, featuring Japanese food made with French techniques.

It represents not only great food, it’s also a testament to Japanese as a cultural hub and features some of the best French dining you’ll find outside of France itself!

In the mood for some great Italian? You can’t miss San Jacopino, specializing in fine cuisine from central Italy. From Porto Recanati-style Brudet to Cioncia oxtail and beef cheek stew, you’ll discover incredible flavors from the heart of Italy, right in the heart of Tokyo.

Explore Japan’S Many Destinations For Upscale Cuisine

The beauty of Japan’s culinary landscape is that it’s always changing. The country attracts top chefs and visionary creatives from around the globe, making cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and others premier hotspots for some of the world’s best food.

Whether you’re staying for a week or for a lifetime, Japan offers culinary delights you won’t find anywhere else.

Start exploring the locations listed on this guide—and don’t be afraid to branch off and find spots that interest you—and experience the rich, unparalleled flavors of fine Japanese cuisine.