5 Best KAISEKI Restaurants in Tokyo

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

RyuGin
https://www.nihonryori-ryugin.com/en/

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.


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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 lived and explored countries around the world. As a resident of Japan and based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling Japan with my readers. I hope my story will help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈