Update-date: Mar 24 2025
Traditional Japanese food culture, called [washoku] in Japanese, was designated an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2013. When you come to Japan, the first thing you should do is try genuine washoku. In Tokyo in particular, there are a host of fine restaurants lined up competing for your patronage. This article will introduce a selection of 10 of the best restaurants for you to visit in Tokyo, as well as the history and special characteristics of washoku. We at Savor Japan are confident that you will love these restaurants, so please check them out!
What Is Washoku?
Washoku is used to describe the Japanese food culture that makes use of Japan's abundant seasonal produce grown by the seas and rivers, and on the mountains and land. Meals primarily consist of a combination of dishes including rice, soup, side dishes, and pickles. Washoku was designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, noted for its unique developments that saw it adopt and incorporate foods from overseas while still respecting its own traditions. Integral to washoku is the dashi (broth). It is this soup, made by drawing out the umami (Japanese savory taste) from ingredients such as katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), kombu (kelp), and niboshi (dried baby anchovies or sardines), that provides the fundamental flavors of the cuisine. Another characteristic flavor comes from the use of fermented condiments such as soy sauce and miso. Well-known washoku dishes include sushi and tempura, while foods from foreign cultures that have been adapted to a Japanese style are also eaten. Examples of such dishes include curry, ramen, and sukiyaki (hot pot stew).
1. Kappo Uzuki
Most guests at Kappo Uzuki opt for course meals, which highlight the chef's skills. The menu is customized based on guests’ preferences at reservation, using seasonal ingredients from Toyosu and other regions. The restaurant offers counter seating for an intimate experience with the chef and a private room for 3–4 guests. Ideal for business or anniversaries, Uzuki provides a refined dining experience. If you seek a place for special occasions, this hidden gem near Ebisu Station is worth visiting.
Kappo Uzuki
Open: Dinner from 5:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Ebisu Station. Follow the road to the right and down the stairs when you find them on your left. The restaurant is at the end of the road, on your right.
Address: 101, Daisan Ito Bldg., 4-4-5, Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Ebisu Station. Follow the road to the right and down the stairs when you find them on your left. The restaurant is at the end of the road, on your right.
Address: 101, Daisan Ito Bldg., 4-4-5, Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Map
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2. Tsumuguito
Opened in 2024 in quiet Nishi-Azabu, Tsumuguito quickly won over food lovers. Specializing in fugu and nodoguro, it offers both traditional and innovative dishes. Chef Hamane, trained at Yamadaya, showcases his expertise at the counter, creating exquisite flavors. The highlight is the "Chef’s Choice Course" featuring aged fugu and nodoguro, best enjoyed with drink pairings. With elegant counter seating and private rooms, it provides a refined dining experience, perfect for gourmet travelers seeking luxury in Tokyo.
Tsumuguito
Open: [Monday-Saturday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 25,000 JPY
Access: 12-minute walk from Exit A4 of Hiro-o Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line/ 11-minute walk from Roppongi Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
Address: FLEG Nishiazabu VIERGE Basement A, 4-11-14, Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 25,000 JPY
Access: 12-minute walk from Exit A4 of Hiro-o Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line/ 11-minute walk from Roppongi Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
Address: FLEG Nishiazabu VIERGE Basement A, 4-11-14, Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo Map
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3. Koryouri Kayou
Located on Sukiya-dori Street, Koryouri Kayou offers warm hospitality with thoughtfully prepared dishes and fine drinks. The proprietress, known for her attentive service, ensures a relaxing experience. Lunch is by reservation, while dinner is an omakase-style meal tailored to guests’ tastes. With counter, sofa, and semi-private seating, it suits various occasions. The menu features seasonal homemade dishes with fresh seafood from Tsukiji and local Chichibu ingredients, complemented by a curated sake selection for perfect pairings.
Koryouri Kayou
Open: [Monday - Saturday] Dinner 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) * Lunch is by reservation only.
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Ginza Station on Tokyo Metro
Address: 3F, Sakae Bldg., 6-3-6, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Ginza Station on Tokyo Metro
Address: 3F, Sakae Bldg., 6-3-6, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Map
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4. Okome to Wagyu Nakatake
Okome to Wagyu Nakatake, centered on Japan’s prized rice and wagyu, offers an exquisite dining experience in Ginza-itchome. A master chef prepares top-quality Uonuma rice, premium wagyu, and seasonal ingredients in a refined setting. The curated wine and spirits selection enhances special occasions like business meetings and anniversaries. With its tranquil, sophisticated atmosphere, this hidden gem provides an escape from the city's bustle, perfect for savoring unforgettable moments with someone special.
Okome to Wagyu Nakatake
Open: [Tuesday-Saturday] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:00 pm), [Weekdays, Saturday] Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: Sunday, National Holiday
Average price: [Dinner] 25,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Ginza-itchome Station on Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line
Address: 2F, VORT Ginza briller, 1-14-6, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Sunday, National Holiday
Average price: [Dinner] 25,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Ginza-itchome Station on Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line
Address: 2F, VORT Ginza briller, 1-14-6, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Map
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5. Ginza Yukari
Ginza Yukari offers seasonal courses based on the 24 solar terms, embodying "Kenbishokuen—Food that connects health and beauty." Each dish, crafted with peak seasonal ingredients, provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Guests can savor spring’s fresh greenery and summer’s light flavors. The refined interior, featuring Japanese-style architecture and Heian-period artwork, creates an elegant ambiance. With counter seats and private rooms, it is ideal for formal gatherings, business entertainment, and hosting overseas guests.
Ginza Yukari
Open: [Monday - Friday, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm)
Closed: Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 22,000 JPY
Access: 7-minute walk from Exit B7, B6 of Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Address: 2F, Fujii Bldg., 8-4-24, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 22,000 JPY
Access: 7-minute walk from Exit B7, B6 of Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Address: 2F, Fujii Bldg., 8-4-24, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Map
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6. Suijin-En
Suijin-En offers a serene escape into nature within Tokyo. The restaurant specializes in seasonal Japanese cuisine, highlighting the finest ingredients. A must-try is the handmade soba, served at the end of the course, cherished for its rich flavor. The stunning Japanese garden enhances the authentic atmosphere. With private rooms available, the space blends Western-style seating with tatami mats, making it ideal for various occasions, including betrothal ceremonies and children's celebrations.
Suijin-En
Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 7:30 pm), [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 7:30 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: From the north exit of Keio Chofu Station, take the Keio Bus bound for Kichijoji Station or the bus bound for Mitaka Station. It takes 3 minutes to walk from the "Jindaiji Entrance" bus stop.
Address: 5-10-3, Jindaiji Motomachi, Chofu-shi, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: From the north exit of Keio Chofu Station, take the Keio Bus bound for Kichijoji Station or the bus bound for Mitaka Station. It takes 3 minutes to walk from the "Jindaiji Entrance" bus stop.
Address: 5-10-3, Jindaiji Motomachi, Chofu-shi, Tokyo Map
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7. Japanese Restaurant SEIZAN
Situated in a quiet residential area, Japanese Restaurant SEIZAN is a starred restaurant run by a young chef. Particular care is taken in the making of the dashi here. Two types of dried fish flakes are used, katsuo (skipjack tuna) and maguro (bluefin tuna), and the amount of time the kombu is soaked in water is altered to suit the season. The Shogoin Daikon and Amadai Soup is a seasonal dish that fully showcases the flavor of this dashi. You can also try the set menu options with courses consisting of refined dishes made from ingredients such as organic vegetables that have been carefully chosen by the chef.
Japanese Restaurant SEIZAN
Open: [Tuesday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays]Dinner: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm )
[Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays]Lunch: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm )
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 17,000 JPY / [Lunch] 6,000 JPY
Access: 8 minutes walk from Shirokane-takanawa station on the Tokyo Metro subway
Address: B1F, Grande Mita, 2-17-29, Mita , Minato-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 17,000 JPY / [Lunch] 6,000 JPY
Access: 8 minutes walk from Shirokane-takanawa station on the Tokyo Metro subway
Address: B1F, Grande Mita, 2-17-29, Mita , Minato-ku, Tokyo Map
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8. Shunsai Oguraya
Situated next to Ikejiri-ohashi Station, not far from Shibuya station, Shunsai Oguraya is a small restaurant that frequently attracts food connoisseurs. Enjoy dishes full of seasonal flavors that make use of an abundance of ingredients such as beef and duck reared in Yamanashi Prefecture, as well as organic vegetables. Of these dishes, you must try the Seasonal Donabe Takikomi Gohan. This mild-flavored dish consists of rice cooked until fluffy in an earthenware pot along with ingredients that change with each season, including ikura (salmon roe), sea bream, pike, and sweetfish.
Shunsai Oguraya
Open: [Opening hours] 6:00 pm - 2:00 am (L.O. 1:00 am)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: A 1-minute walk from the east exit of Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, Ikejiri-Ohashi station. Follow the road that intersects diagonally with Tamagawa-dori.
Address: 2F, 2-31-18 Ikejiri, Setagaya, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: A 1-minute walk from the east exit of Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, Ikejiri-Ohashi station. Follow the road that intersects diagonally with Tamagawa-dori.
Address: 2F, 2-31-18 Ikejiri, Setagaya, Tokyo Map
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9. Ginza Ishizuka
Ginza Ishizuka is a Japanese restaurant in Ginza. As you walk through the shop curtain and enter the shop, you can't help but be impressed by the large hinoki cypress counter. You can try seasonal cuisine made from specially selected ingredients such as fish caught in Setouchi and flown in fresh every morning, and Kagawa-produced Sanuki Wagyu olive-fed beef—a meat that is not too oily or heavy but has an intense, concentrated flavor. They offer a menu with highlights such as Lightly Simmered Tonguefish and Claypot Sea Bream Rice that is loved by customers of all ages.
Ginza Ishizuka
Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Days before holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm)
[Weekdays, Saturday] 5:30 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Sundays
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Access: Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, Ginza Ichome Station, 1 minute walk from exit number 10. After exiting, turn left at the Family Mart. It's on your left.
Address: Habiuru Ginza 5F, Ginza 1-13-8, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Sundays
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Access: Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, Ginza Ichome Station, 1 minute walk from exit number 10. After exiting, turn left at the Family Mart. It's on your left.
Address: Habiuru Ginza 5F, Ginza 1-13-8, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Map
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10. Nihonbashi Suitengu Nanatosha
Nihonbashi Suitengu Nanatosha is a reservation only Kaiseki restaurant near Suitengu Shrine. Here, guests can enjoy a luxurious time while having Japanese masterpieces cooked before their eyes and enjoying sake. A representative item of this restaurant is the course option Boiled Clear Clam Soup. It uses natural hot spring water from Kagoshima, and is made with fine cooking techniques, such as using different seasonings depending on the season and ingredients. Nanatosha only has a counter with 6 seats, letting guests comfortably relax in a calm space.
Nihonbashi Suitengu Nanatosha
Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O. 1:00 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O.7:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 25,000 JPY / [Lunch] 25,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Exit 4 and Exit 5 of Suitengumae Station on the Hanzomon Line. 5-minute walk from Exit A1 or A2 of Ningyocho Station on Hibiya Line and Toei Asakusa Line
Address: 1F, 2-2-4, Kakigara-cho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Map
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Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 25,000 JPY / [Lunch] 25,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Exit 4 and Exit 5 of Suitengumae Station on the Hanzomon Line. 5-minute walk from Exit A1 or A2 of Ningyocho Station on Hibiya Line and Toei Asakusa Line
Address: 1F, 2-2-4, Kakigara-cho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Map
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From the traditional to the unique, there are all sorts of restaurants serving all kinds of Japanese foods. We hope you can use this article as a starting point to delve deeper into the world of Japanese cuisine.
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
