281 Best Restaurants in Japan

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We've compiled the best of the best in Japan - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Kappo Ajioka

$$$$ | Chuo-ku

The appeal of Ajioka's seasonal specialties like fugu (puffer fish) and suppon (Japanese turtle) lies as much in the unique texture and experience as in the subtle, nondescript taste. Licensed chefs prepare these in every way imaginable—raw, fried, stewed—using the fresh catch flown in straight from Shimonoseki, a prime fugu-fishing region. Try the house specialty of suppon (Japanese turtle) and fugu nabe, fugu sashimi, or fugu no arayaki (grilled head and cheeks). Menus change by season and reservations must be made two days in advance to order fugu.

7–7–12 Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061, Japan
03-3574–8844
Known For
  • Courses that give a small tast of unique Japanese foods
  • Excellent nabe (hot pots) courses
  • Intimate atmosphere and friendly staff (though little English is spoken)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations essential

Kaseiro

$$$$ | Naka-ku

Chinese food can be hit-or-miss in Japan, but not at Kaseiro. This elegant restaurant, with red carpets and gold-toned walls, is the best of its kind in the city, serving authentic Beijing cuisine, including, of course, Peking duck and shark-fin soup. The consistently delicious dishes, combined with the fact that both the owner and chef are from Beijing, make this restaurant a well-known favorite among locals and travelers alike.

186 Yamashita-cho, Yokohama, 231-0023, Japan
045-681–2918
Known For
  • Yokohama's flagship Chinese restaurant
  • Grand atmosphere
  • Excellent multicourse meals

Kastanie

$$

The tiled bar and wooden tables are as inviting as the staff of this family-friendly restaurant a few blocks north of Karuizawa Station. The menu is centered on rotisserie chicken, served alongside healthy salads and other dishes using local, seasonal produce. To go with that is a solid selection of wines and local craft beers, as well as soft drinks such as honey and yuzu soda.

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Katakuchi

$$

Here’s proof that an intimate sushi experience doesn’t have to be overly formal. Nor does it have to be expensive. Grab a seat at the counter of this laidback joint in the lively Harmonica Yokocho and enjoy an affordable sushi set prepared in front of you. There are pictures on the menu to help with ordering, but the eight-piece omakase set and 12-piece set of the day are both good options. If you only wanted a super quick bite while bar hopping, there's a three-piece set too. You could pair it with sake or something from the small wine list.

1-1-1 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino, 180-0004, Japan
0422-21--3066
Known For
  • Good-value sushi sets
  • Open daily for lunch and dinner
  • Laidback atmosphere

Kawara Cafe & Dining

$$ | Shinjuku-ku

For a quick lunch, you can grab reasonably priced set meals just a few minutes north of the station. Imagine a combination of Japanese and Western ingredients in a kind of modern home-cooking. The restaurant's location on the 8th floor makes it a bit hard to find but gives you an amazing view over a busy Shinjuku thoroughfare. There's a picture menu before the elevator, so you can decide before you even go in.

Kayaba Coffee

$ | Taito-ku

Standing on the border of Ueno and Yanaka, just a short walk to the west from the National Museum, this historic café is a popular stop for lunch or a light snack. A century old, the café has been stylishly renovated and serves homemade sandwiches, curries, cakes, and kaki gori, a traditional treat of flavored shaved ice. The first floor has a bar and dark wood tables, while the second is an airy Japanese style tatami room with low tables. Although Kayaba is usually not too crowded in the morning, expect to line up if you arrive at lunchtime.

Kazariya

$ | Kita-ku

Kazariya has been serving tea and aburi mochi—charcoal-grilled and skewered rice-flour cakes dipped in sweet miso sauce—for centuries. You can enjoy the treats under the eaves of 17th-century houses as you watch visitors proceeding to and from the Imamiya Shrine. Kazariya is just outside the shrine's eastern gate, northwest of Daitoku-ji.

96 Murasakino Imamiya-cho, Kyoto, 603-8243, Japan
075-491–9402
Known For
  • Relaxation spot
  • Rustic setting
  • Traditional snacks
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed most Wed.

Kerala

$$$ | Nakagyo-ku

Imported spices and very fresh vegetables are the secrets to this second-floor Indian restaurant's success. Dishes may not be as spicy as you would expect, but the spinach, lamb, and chickpea curries—also the tandoori chicken—are deeply flavorful. The house special chicken Kerala curry is the most popular dish. The evening set courses are reasonably priced, though lunch is better value. The furnishings are on the tatty side.

Kawaramachi-dori Sanjo-agaru Nishigawa, Kyoto, 604-8091, Japan
075-251–0141
Known For
  • Welcoming and kind staff
  • Hearty Indian food
  • Casual atmosphere

Keyaki

$ | Susukino

This ordinary-looking 10-stools-at-the-plastic-counter joint in Susukino has had lines of faithful slurpers outside since the year 2000 (a lifetime for a ramen shop) and is still chopping, boiling, and serving its succinct seven-item ramen menu. Order from the vending machine at the door then wait on the bench or stand around the corner; once seated wait for the cook to hand down a steaming bowl topped generously with vegetables from the raised and hidden kitchen.

If you want to keep your clothes clean, don't avoid slurping, just accept the paper bib they offer.

Minami 6 Nishi 3, Sapporo, 064-0806, Japan
011-552–4601
Known For
  • Corn and butter ramen
  • Garlic (ninniku) ramen
  • Cha-shu (seasoned pork) ramen

Kikufuji

$$

Tasty, healthful, and authentic dishes from the region are Kikufuji's specialty. Excellent local varieties of sake are available. They can provide you with a menu with pictures, but it does not include everything, so you could also look around at other tables to see what you might fancy.

1 Sakamoto-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8016, Japan
0172-36–3300
Known For
  • Very fresh seafood
  • Local vegetable stews
  • Local sake
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Thurs. and two other days per month (call to check)

Kincharyo

$$$$

As the seasons change, so do the menu options at this kaiseki ryori–focused showplace in the Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel. In spring your meal may include hotaru-ika (firefly squid) and iidako (baby octopus) no larger than your thumbnail, in fall expect matsutake mushrooms to make an appearance. Dinner courses can be very expensive, though the the cheapest menus are much more reasonable. The prices are similar at the far more atmospheric main branch-cum-traditional inn by the Sai-gawa River (the Tokyu surroundings are smart, yet a little sterile), although getting a reservation there is far harder.

Kintiti soba Kokusaidori Mutsumi Shokudoten

$

This greasy spoon has been serving some of the island's best fare since 1958; locals know it simply as Mutsumi. Everything is twice as big and three times as filling as it looks, with soup and rice included.

2--1--16 Makishi, Naha, 900-0013, Japan
098-867–0862
Known For
  • Big bowls of Okinawa soba
  • Homey atmosphere
  • All parts of the pig including the squeal
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Kisaki Yudofu

$$ | Sakyo-ku

Tempura and tofu hot pots cooked at the table are staples at this attractive two-story restaurant along the tree-lined Philosopher's Path. Try the Kisaki nabe, which includes pork, chicken, beef, chrysanthemum leaf, shiitake mushrooms, and spinach. Though like the nabe some dishes include meat, this is essentially a tofu house whose cuisine is centered on fresh vegetables, including plenty of pickles and seaweed. The hospitable, English-speaking owner, Emiko, will cater to special requests.

Kisoji

$$$$ | Minato-ku

The specialty here is shabu-shabu: thin slices of beef cooked in boiling water at your table and dipped in sauce. Kisoji, which has been serving the dish for more than 60 years, elevates the experience, with all the tasteful appointments of a traditional ryotei—private dining rooms with tatami seating (at a 10% surcharge), elegant little rock gardens, and alcoves with flower arrangements. The easiest way to order is to opt for a course, which range from ¥5,000 to ¥10,000. There are branches in Ginza, Shimbashi, Shinjuku, Ueno, and elsewhere as well.

3–10–4 Akasaka, Tokyo, 107-0052, Japan
050-3462–1931
Known For
  • Elegant atmosphere
  • Melt-in-your-mouth beef

Kisoji Nishikiten

$$$$ | Naka-ku

Come here for shabu-shabu—thinly sliced beef and vegetables that you boil in broth in the center of your table and then dip into various sauces before eating. The set courses aren't cheap, but the quality makes this restaurant worth a splurge. There are a dozen other branches around Nagoya, including one in Sakae.

Korean Kitchen Anpan

$

Authentic and delicious Korean food in the heart of Kyoto. While the presentation and surroundings won't win any prizes, the basic no-frills vibe fits well with the general punchiness of the flavors. Wonderfully varied menu, and the friendly owners make everyone feel welcome.

37 Kamanza-cho, Sanjo-dori, Japan
075-223--1928
Known For
  • Hearty homestyle dishes
  • Central location
  • Great service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Kumasotei: Traditional Satsuma Cuisine

$$

This restaurant offers the best of Kumamoto specialties in a maze of private and semiprivate Japanese-style rooms. There's an English-language menu with helpful photos, and staff can give recommendations for dishes.

6--10 Higashi Sengoku-cho, Kagoshima, 892-0842, Japan
099-222–6356
Known For
  • Satsuma-age (fish cakes filled with potato or burdock root)
  • Kurobuta tonkotsu (breaded, fried pork cutlets from locally bred black pigs)
  • Multicourse menus with a selection of local dishes

Kurofuneya

$$ | Kitahama Alley

You'll find good Mexican fare alongside Japanese favorites at this second-floor establishment on Kitahama Alley. The friendly owner will happily take a break from playing jazz records, mixing fancy cocktails, and pouring beer and seasonal sake to supply delightfully quirky travel advice.

3-2 Kitahama-cho, Takamatsu, 760-0031, Japan
087-826–3636
Known For
  • Beautiful evening view
  • Fancy cocktails
  • Relaxing atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch, No credit cards

KuShuKuShu (9494)

$$

You'll be happy to find this lively little izakaya, a Kurashiki favorite for more than 20 years. Cool music and loud laughter can be heard from here when everything else on the street is locked up tight. Unwind to an eclectic mix of traditional white stucco, black wooden beams, bright lights, and jazz. Though the staff don't speak English, an English menu is available. Scores of tasty snacks, such as grilled meats or cheese and salami plates are paired with low-priced beer and sake. It's tucked along the east side of the covered Ebisu-dori shopping arcade halfway between the station and Kanryu-ji. Last orders are at 10 pm.

2--16--41 Achi, Kurashiki, 710-0055, Japan
086-421–0949
Known For
  • Cash only
  • Lively in the evenings
  • Classic izakaya fare
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues.

Kyorai-an

$$

A traditional Japanese structure houses this restaurant known for its excellent Western-style beef stew along with homemade cheesecake, pastas and local wines. Half the seats are on tatami mats and half are at tables, but all look out on a peaceful patch of greenery.

157 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, 247-0062, Japan
0467-24–9835
Known For
  • Classic Japanese–Western cuisine
  • Local wines and ingredients
  • Lovely views
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Thurs. and Fri.

Kyubey

$$$$ | Chuo-ku

In contrast to the borderline solemn atmosphere at many top sushi restaurants, this world-famous spot proves that a high-end sushi restaurant does not have to be cold and unfriendly to be refined. In addition to their skill with a knife, many of the sushi chefs know English and are happy to chat with customers about the food and restaurant, making Kyubey a great choice for one's first high-end sushi experience.

8–7–6 Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061, Japan
03-3571–6523
Known For
  • Originator of the gunkan-maki style sushi rolls
  • A history of making excellent sushi dating back to 1935
  • Easier to book than other high-end sushi restaurants (make reservations a couple weeks in advance rather than months)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.

Le Dimanche Boulangerie

$ | Chuo-ku

Even among Kobe's many excellent bakeries, Le Dimanche stands out. The owners bake some of the city's best artisanal bread, seamlessly integrating Japanese and European elements. Unique specialties include the renkon (lotus root) tartine, crème brûlée croissant, and signature viennois aux airelles (Viennese cranberry roll). The second-floor café is bright and airy, with rustic hardwood floors and tables. It's the perfect spot for a light snack while browsing the many boutiques along Tor Road.

3-12-16 Kitanagasa-dori, Kobe, 650-0012, Japan
078-331–8760
Known For
  • A stunning array of pastries
  • Light and tasty breakfasts
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner, No credit cards

Light Up Coffee

$

Drop by this hipster hangout for hand-dripped coffee made with house-roasted beans, or lattes with artistic patterns in the foam. If you are really into your coffee, try the taster set to compare three different beans. And don't worry, Light Up doesn't mean this is a smoker's cafe. It's smoke free.

4-13-15 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino, 180-0004, Japan
0422-27--2094
Known For
  • House-roasted beans
  • Coffee taster sets
  • Mellow ambience

Lohas Cafe Ariake

$ | Koto-ku

After strolling over the broad Yumeno Ohashi Bridge, it might be time for a break. Attached to Musashino University's Ariake Campus is a cheap, bright, and fun cafe with good weekly specials and a wide variety of dishes including pasta and rice bowls. You'll find students either working behind the counter or studying at the tables. 

3−3−3 Ariake, Tokyo, 135-0063, Japan
03-6457--1150
Known For
  • Open space and high ceilings
  • Cafe dishes at student prices
  • Veranda with tree views
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner

Louran

$$
Exquisite Chinese fare is presented French-style at a wooded resort in Kyoto's northwestern quadrant. The chefs focus on the cuisines of four regions—Szechuan, Guangdong, Shanghai, and Beijing—and the meals are served graciously in dining areas decorated with black carved Chinese furnishings. The eclectic offerings include spicy Szechuan-style buckwheat noodles, dim sum shrimp and pork dumplings, minced duck wrapped in lettuce leaves, and Beijing duck. The grounds, a former kimono magnate's estate, are well landscaped for strolling.

Maeda Coffee Meirin

$
The lively café occupies a classroom in a former elementary school the city converted into an arts center. Maeda serves simple fare, an assortment of beverages, and some innovative desserts. With its creaky wooden classroom floors and the artworks of many university students and local artist groups, the arts complex is heavy on atmosphere.

Mafali Cafe

$

Hidden on the second floor of a building behind the Makishi Station, this laid-back oasis has good food, great music, and a relaxed staff and clientele. A decent drink selection is backed by a surprisingly varied menu, with tacos, curry soups, and alligator steaks. Coffee and cake sets are also available. There's live music some weekends.

1-1-3 Asato, Naha, 902-0067, Japan
098-894–4031
Known For
  • Live music
  • Laid-back crowd
  • Good drink selection
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Wed., no lunch, No credit cards

Maidreamin Akihabara Honten

$$ | Chiyoda-ku

Maid cafés won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you do want to try one out, this main branch of Japan’s biggest maid café chain is as reputable a place as any. All manner of people come to be served by young women in French maid outfits who affect extreme levels of kawaii (cute) and occasionally break into song and dance. As for the fare, the menu includes colorful parfaits, simple pastas, and omuraisu (rice omelet), plus the option of taking paid photos with the maids. The long drink menu features coffee, juices, and cocktails. Be aware that there’s an admission fee of ¥770.

3-16-17 Soto-Kanda, Tokyo, 101-0021, Japan
0120-229--348
Known For
  • The quintessential hyper-kawaii maid café experience
  • Colorful parfaits
  • Omuraisu (rice omlets)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: ¥770 admission fee

Maisen Aoyama

$$$ | Shibuya-ku

Converted from a sento (public bathhouse), Maisen still has the old high ceiling (built for ventilation) and the original signs instructing bathers where to change, but now bouquets of seasonal flowers transform the large, airy space into a pleasant dining room. Maisen's specialty is the tonkatsu set: tender, juicy, deep-fried pork cutlets served with a tangy sauce, shredded cabbage, miso soup, and rice. There is usually a long line, but it moves quickly. Solo diners can jump the line to sit at the counter. Those who want to keep their taste buds sharp should try for the nonsmoking rooms upstairs. There are also branches in Hikarie building in Shibuya and the Daimaru department store by Tokyo Station.

4–8–5 Jingumae, Tokyo, 150-0001, Japan
050-3188-5802
Known For
  • Retro-chic decor
  • Hearty lunch sets
  • Succulent deep-fried pork

Manzaratei Nishiki

$$$ | Uradeyama-cho

The unpretentious vibe, the sense of adventure, and the superb cuisine—Japanese-based, with European and other Asian influences—have made Manzaratei a local favorite. Depending on the season, the ample menu includes handmade soba, oven-roasted chicken, or spring rolls with citrusy ponzu dressing. Outdoor dining in warm months and counter seating on both floors of the two-story town house facilitate mingling with other patrons; for a more intimate experience, ask for a table upstairs under the eaves. An English menu is available.