The culinary setting in Japan is as diverse as the number of islands the country is made up of. Though the consumption of rice, noodles, vegetables, and sushi take the upper hand, Japan has specialized in different regional and seasonal cuisine. Be it a traditional or an international meal, Japan has something available for every budget. It has a number of crazy theme restaurants that not only serve divine food but also makes the whole experience of dining in, sublime. From sitting on tatami mats on the floor to being served by ghosts, here is a list of some unique restaurants in Japan that serve delectable food.
10 Awesome Japanese Restaurants You Must Dine At
Scroll down to find the finest places in Japan where you can enjoy a fine dining experience with your loved ones. Which of these would you visit first?
1. Kobe Beef Kaiseki 511
Located near the Akasaka station in Tokyo, the restaurant is famous for their quintessential wagyu beef dishes. The ambiance of the restaurant is luxurious yet relaxing with the option of the main dining area and private/semi-private rooms. The Kobe beef is cooked at a particularly high temperature to acquire the desired texture on the exterior while keeping the meat juicy. One can opt for either a set Kobe lunch or dinner course with wine or an ala carte menu. The prices are budget friendly and the place is perfect for a romantic dinner date.
Location: B1, Dear plaza Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo
Cost for two: INR 4500 including drinks
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
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2. Touzan-Hyatt Regency
Touzon restaurant in the Hyatt Regency of Kyoto is a well-known Michelin star restaurant. With its minimal interiors, Touzon offers authentic Japanese dishes such as udon noodles and sashimi made with fresh produce. This Japanese restaurant prefers smart casuals for visitors so as to maintain the decorum of the stylish place. Beer and wine from the restaurant’s bar play along well with the delicious cuisine.
Location: 644-2, Sanjusangendo, Hyatt Regency, Kyoto
Cost for two: INR 3600
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5
3. Robot Restaurant
As bizarre as it may sound, the Robot restaurant in the Shinjuku nightlife district of Tokyo is quite well known across the globe. It is not a traditional restaurant but a place where one can enjoy theatrical performances by people dressed in colorful costumes and robots while enjoying the delicious food. The interiors are a bit intimidating with throbbing lights and blaring music. The Robot restaurant is one of the coolest restaurants in Tokyo, Japan that should be in everyone’s list.
Location: 1-7-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku 160-0021, Tokyo
Cost for two: INR 6000
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5
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4. Narisawa Restaurant
Narisawa is a Michelin star restaurant acclaimed to be one of the best restaurants in Tokyo, Japan 2018. The restaurant specializes in avant-garde satoyama cuisine that resembles the nature and landscapes on a plate. They have a set lunch and dinner menu that changes with a change in every season. They have limited seating in this sleek, uber chic restaurant and thus reservations are strongly recommended. The wine collection of the restaurant goes well with every dish on the menu.
Location: 2-6-15 Minami Aoyama, Minato, Tokyo
Cost for two: INR 32000
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
5. Ninja Akasaka
This Japanese restaurant in Japan is the only restaurant that provides a fascination for dining with ninjas. The restaurant specializes in Kaiseki and sushi dishes but international cuisine is also available. The interiors of the restaurant are like a revamped ninja residence with trap doors, false ceilings, and hidden hallways. The food served by ninjas are very pleasing as they are cooked with passion. They have a set dinner menu and an a la carte option. The desserts here are to die for. It is a fun place to bring kids along as there will be some impromptu ninja shows in between.
Location: Akasaka Tokyu Plaza, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Cost for two: INR 10000
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5
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6. Honke Owariya Restaurant
This is a traditional Japanese restaurant that serves up soba noodles and soba rice cakes for a pocket-friendly price. Located at a stone’s throw away from the major sightseeing places of Kyoto, Honke Owariya has a history of 400 yrs of selling soba confectionaries. The interiors of the restaurant are very homely with traditional low tables, tatami mats, and low benches. The soba noodle and vegetable soup are a must try here.
Location: 64 Tienmeianocho, Shijo, Simogyo-Ku, Kyoto
Cost for two: INR 2500
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5
7. Nobu Restaurant
Nobu restaurant is one of the well-known restaurants in Tokyo, Japan for serving authentic Japanese food with an interesting twist. The ambiance of the restaurant is very classy and has panache complete with a sushi bar. Their most sought-after dishes are yellowtail sashimi with jalapenos and black cod miso. It is a perfect place to hang out with friends and business associates while sipping down some best collections of cocktails and wine. The lunch and dinner menus are a bit pricey but are worth it as they are carefully curated according to one’s dietary needs.
Location: 4-1-28 Toranomon tower, Minato, Tokyo
Cost for two: INR 16000
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
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8. Mikawa Zezankyo
This restaurant in Japan is famous for its seafood tempura dishes alone. The restaurant is located in the residential area of koto by the Sumida river in Tokyo. The interior of this restaurant is pretty basic with an L-shaped low table favoring the tradition of having food on the mat. The tempura prawns are a must try here with sake and local beer. One can visit this restaurant for a late lunch and enjoy some drinks with friends.
Location: 1-3-1 Fukuju, Koto, Tokyo
Cost for two: INR 22,000
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
9. Jimbocho Den
One of the most sought-after restaurants in Japan for its delectable food, Jimbocho Den is known for its quirky presentation skills. It is a petite and a humble restaurant located in Chiyoda and the dishes are made with particular care according to the customers’ needs. They have a fixed menu that is susceptible to frequent changes. They serve sake or western wine along with their meals. The place is perfect for a lunch date with family and friends.
Location: Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Cost for two: INR 18000
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
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10. Inakaya Restaurant
The restaurant specializes in robatayaki style of cooking. It is an art of cooking that resembles a barbeque where different elements are cooked in different temperatures. The food is cooked on the dining tables and served using a long wooden spatula over the fire. They use fresh seafood and meat produce and the selection of dishes are innumerable. The traditional Japanese wine called sake is served along the set menu and the prices are a bit on the higher side. Nonetheless, it is an experience in itself that is worth a visit.
Location: Alo building 1F, Minato, Tokyo
Cost for two: INR 20000
TripAdvisor rating: 3.5/5
Tips For Dining In The Restaurants In Japan
- Follow the strict dining etiquettes in Japan.
- Make reservations for a table beforehand.
- Eat using chopsticks.
- Japanese restaurants take their “no tipping” policy very seriously.
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All the renowned restaurants in Japan offer a fun and a delectable experience to foodies. The Japanese cuisine of ramen, udon, okonomiyaki, miso, and matcha tea leaves one delighted and wanting for more. Plan your trip to Japan and be a part of the culinary journey across the country that is sure to leave you asking for more! And while you’re at it, don’t forget to tell us about your experience.
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