Best Kaiseki in Tokyo including Michelin starred restaurants
First of all, what is Kaiseki?? It’s a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, often served at traditional Japanese restaurants or Ryokan style hotel. As well as the taste and the quality of the meal, Kaiseki is wonderful collection of skills and techniques by Japanese chefs. I strongly recommend you to have Kaiseki dish at least once while in Japan!
So here, I’m sharing the most recommended 5 Kaiseki restaurants in Tokyo!
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.
1. Ryugin
Nihonryori RyuGin (龍吟) is an exceptional Japanese restaurant located in Hibiya, Tokyo. The restaurant has been awarded three Michelin stars for five years in a row, and Chef Seiji Yamamoto creates exquisite dishes that highlight the seasonal diversity and natural blessings of the ingredients.
Dining at RyuGin is a unique experience. The menu changes with the seasons, offering delights like spring vegetables, summer eel, autumn mushrooms, and winter pufferfish. Established in 2003 in Roppongi, RyuGin moved to the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya building in 2018.
The restaurant has 40 seats, including a private room for eight and two semi-private rooms. Enjoy a memorable culinary journey through Japan’s four seasons at RyuGin.
Book your seat at RyuGin here!
Access | 1 minute walk from Hibiya station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line) |
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Business Hours | 18:00-23:00 |
Closed | irregular schedule (see website for more info) |
Price | 30,000 yen~ |
Official Website | https://www.nihonryori-ryugin.com/en/ |
2. Nishiazabu Kikuchi
Nishiazabu Kikuchi (西麻布 き久ち) is a Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant located in the tranquil residential area of Nishi-Azabu, just a 12-minute walk from Nogizaka Station.
Renowned for its meticulous culinary techniques and intricate craftsmanship, Kikuchi offers a hidden retreat-like atmosphere. Chef Takashi Kikuchi, the owner, skillfully transforms high-quality seasonal ingredients into flavorful dishes, providing a delightful dining experience. His sociable nature and efficient skills enhance the experience, making each visit a celebration of Japan’s seasonal flavors. Regular customers eagerly anticipate the changing menu, reflecting the best of each season.
Book your seat at Nishiazabu Kikuchi here!
Access | 10 min walk from Nogizaka station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line) |
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Business Hours | 18:00~23:00 (Last order is 21:30) |
Closed | Sundays |
Price | 30,000 yen~ |
3. Ichita (*Temporarily closed)
Ichita (いち太) is another renowned kaiseki restaurant in Tokyo, just a 7-minute walk from Gaiemmae Station. Chef Taichi Sato’s culinary expertise has earned Ichita a Michelin star. The restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere, where guests can enjoy seasonal dishes that are like edible pieces of art.
The menu changes with the seasons, featuring spring bamboo shoots, summer pike conger, autumn Pacific saury, and winter young sardines. Ichita’s high ceilings create a spacious environment, and guests can choose to dine at the counter, engaging with the chef, or in private rooms.
Book your seat at Ichita here!
Access | 10 min walk from Nogizaka station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line) |
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Business Hours | 18:00~23:00 (Last order is 21:30) |
Closed | Sundays |
Price | 30,000 yen~ |
Official Website | https://www.tokyoichita.com/ |
4. Ginza Kojyu
Ginza Kojyu (銀座小十) is a renowned kaiseki restaurant in the Ginza area, newly reopened under the globally acclaimed Chef Toru Okuda, who also owns the top Parisian restaurant “OKUDA.”
The menu features only the chef’s special course, offering an extraordinary dining experience. The restaurant uses carefully selected ingredients from across Japan to create exquisite dishes. Diners can enjoy their meal at a 270-year-old cypress counter, experiencing the essence of Japanese aesthetics and the changing seasons.
With its elegant yet comfortable ambiance, Ginza Kojyu promises a blissful culinary journey that celebrates the best of Japanese cuisine and hospitality.
Access | 3 min walk from Ginza station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, and Hibiya Line) |
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Business Hours | Lunch 12:00~13:00/Dinner 18:00~21:30 |
Closed | Sundays & Holidays |
Price | Lunch 20,000 yen~/Dinner 30,000 yen~ |
Official Website | http://www.kojyu.jp/ |
5. Kagurazaka Ishikawa
Kagurazaka Ishikawa (神楽坂 石かわ) is a prestigious kaiseki restaurant in Tokyo’s Kagurazaka area, awarded three Michelin stars for eight consecutive years. Chef Hideki Ishikawa meticulously selects and prepares the finest seasonal ingredients daily.
The restaurant offers a daily special course and a renowned crab course in winter. Known for its refined flavors and exquisite presentation, Kagurazaka Ishikawa provides a deeply satisfying culinary experience that captures the essence of Japan’s four seasons.
The intimate and elegant setting, combined with the chef’s dedication, makes it one of the hardest restaurants to book in Tokyo.
Access | 7 min walk from Iidabashi station (JR Sobu Line) |
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Business Hours | 17:30~24:00 |
Closed | Sundays & Holidays |
Price | 20,000 yen~ |
Official Website | http://www.kagurazaka-ishikawa.co.jp/ |
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Written by
"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have spend almost a decade living and exploring countries across the world. Based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling with my readers. I hope my stories help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈