Understanding Michelin Ratings
The Michelin Guide uses a carefully calibrated rating system to identify exceptional dining experiences:
- Three Stars: “Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey” – the highest recognition
- Two Stars: “Excellent cooking, worth a detour”
- One Star: “High-quality cooking, worth a stop”
- Bib Gourmand: Venues offering exceptional value (under ¥5,000 in Tokyo) while maintaining outstanding quality
Three-Star Excellence
Kanda (かんだ) – Atago
A flagship of Japanese cuisine recognized globally for its exceptional kaiseki dining. Chef Hiroyuki Kanda has maintained the impressive achievement of 16 consecutive years with three Michelin stars, and was honored with the Michelin Chef Mentor Award in 2021. His philosophy of “reaching customers with eyes, hands, and heart” is evident in every meticulously prepared seasonal dish.
Restaurant Details
Essential Information
- Address: Toranomon Hills Residential Tower 1F, 1-1-1 Atago, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 2-minute walk from Toranomon Hills Station (Hibiya Line, Exit A1); 6-minute walk from Toranomon Station (Ginza Line, Exit 2b)
- Hours: Monday-Saturday, 5:00PM-11:00PM (Counter seating in two shifts: 5:00PM/5:30PM and 8:00PM/8:30PM; Private rooms: arrival between 5:00PM-8:00PM)
- Closed: Sundays, holidays, Golden Week, Obon, New Year holidays, and occasional irregular closures
- Budget: ¥80,000-99,999
- Course Options: Omakase course ¥55,000 (additional ¥30,000 for private room)
- Payment: Credit cards accepted; 10% service charge
- Reservations: Required via Omakase reservation system: https://omakase.in/r/te664320
- Phone: 03-6459-0176 (accepts calls from noon)
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Two-Star Destinations
Seizan (日本料理 晴山) – Mita
Overview
Located in a quiet residential area of Mita, Seizan showcases the artistry of chef Haruhiko Yamamoto. The restaurant focuses on pristine ingredients including 32-month-aged female beef and organic vegetables, all elevated by perfectly balanced dashi and immaculate temperature control.
Restaurant Details
Essential Information
- Address: Grande Mita B1F, 2-17-29 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 12-minute walk from Azabu-juban Station (Exit 2); 10-minute walk from Shirokane-Takanawa Station (Exit 2); 10-minute walk from JR Tamachi Station (Mita Exit)
- Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 5:30PM-11:00PM; Saturday: 12:00PM-2:00PM, 5:30PM-11:00PM (last entry 8:30PM)
- Closed: Mondays and Sundays
- Budget: ¥40,000-49,999
- Course Options: Lunch ¥15,000; Dinner ¥17,000 or special dinner course ¥25,000
- Payment: Major credit cards accepted (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners); 10% service charge
- Reservations: Required via TableCheck: https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/seizan-mita/reserve
- Phone: 03-3451-8320 (accepting calls Tuesday-Friday, 3:00PM-5:00PM)
- Special Note: BYOB allowed with corkage fee
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Akasaka Kikunoi (赤坂 菊乃井) – Akasaka
Overview
The Tokyo outpost of the renowned Kyoto restaurant founded in 1912. True to its dedication to authenticity, all water used in cooking is transported from the original Kyoto location’s well. While honoring traditional kaiseki principles, the restaurant continually evolves, as evidenced by creative touches like macadamia nuts in the shira-ae (tofu and vegetable dish).
Restaurant Details
Essential Information
- Address: 6-13-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 10-minute walk from Akasaka Station (Chiyoda Line)
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 12:00PM-2:00PM, 5:00PM-10:00PM (arrival time 12:00PM-12:30PM for lunch, 5:00PM-7:00PM for dinner)
- Closed: Mondays and Sundays, plus New Year and Obon holidays
- Budget: Lunch ¥14,300; Dinner options at ¥22,000, ¥33,000, or ¥44,000
- Payment: Major credit cards accepted (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners)
- Reservations: Required by phone
- Phone: 03-3568-6055
- Service Charge: 10-20%
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One-Star Establishments
Okamoto (おかもと) – Toranomon
Overview
Founded by a master chef who previously led the prestigious three-star Azabu Yukimura, Okamoto features an open kitchen design that creates focused dining environment. The restaurant aims to share the ultimate expression of Japanese cuisine through meticulous preparation of seasonal ingredients.
Restaurant Details
Essential Information
- Address: Succeed Toranomon B1F, 5-2-8 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Directly next to Kamiyacho Station (Exit 2)
- Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday: 6:00PM-11:00PM (L.O. 9:00PM); Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 12:00PM-2:00PM, 6:00PM-11:00PM (L.O. 9:00PM)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Budget: Lunch ¥21,780-48,400; Dinner ¥30,250-48,400
- Payment: Major credit cards accepted (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners); 10% service charge
- Reservations: Required; lunch reservations only available for 12:00PM start
- Phone: 03-6432-0414
- Note: Cancellation fees apply for same-day cancellations
Preview
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Essential Information:
Sorahana (虎ノ門 空花) – Toranomon
Overview
After building a reputation at her Kamakura location in a historic house, chef Kanako Wakimoto relocated to Kamiyacho to test her skills in Tokyo’s competitive dinner scene. A veteran of three-star Kanda, she crafts an 11-course menu highlighting essential flavors with remarkable clarity and gentle feminine sensibility.
Restaurant Details
Essential Information
- Address: Kamiyacho Place 1F, 5-3-3 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 1-minute walk from Kamiyacho Station
- Budget: ¥20,000-29,999
- Payment: Credit cards accepted
- Reservations: Available through Hitosara
- Phone: 080-4071-0555
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Shinbashi Sasada (新ばし 笹田) – Nishi-shinbashi
Overview
Since earning its first Michelin star in 2008, Sasada has maintained its stellar reputation. The elegant hinoki cypress counter sets the scene for pure, unpretentious Japanese cuisine that emphasizes natural flavors through meticulous preparation and minimal seasoning. A signature highlight is the individually prepared Koshihikari rice from Uonuma, served in a clay pot.
Restaurant Details
Essential Information
- Address: Precious Court Toranomon 1F, 1-23-7 Nishi-shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 4-minute walk from Toranomon Station (Ginza Line); 5-minute walk from Uchisaiwaicho Station (Mita Line); 10-minute walk from JR Shinbashi Station
- Hours: Monday-Saturday: 6:00PM-9:00PM
- Budget: ¥20,000-29,999
- Payment: Select credit cards accepted (JCB, AMEX, Diners); 10% service charge
- Reservations: Required through Pocket Concierge, dinner course only at ¥21,600 per person
- Phone: 03-3507-5501
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Akanezaka Ohnuma (茜坂大沼) – Akasaka
Overview
Focused on seasonal ingredients with particular emphasis on natural products from Yamagata Prefecture, Akanezaka Ohnuma offers formal kaiseki in an approachable atmosphere in the heart of Akasaka. Chef Ohnuma applies techniques refined through experience in Japanese cuisine and soba restaurants.
Restaurant Details
Essential Information
- Address: Akasaka Keiwa Building 3F, 3-12-2 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3-minute walk from Akasaka Station (Exit 2); 3-minute walk from Akasaka-mitsuke Station (Exit 11); 5-minute walk from Tameike-sanno Station (Exit 7)
- Hours: Monday: 6:00PM-11:00PM; Tuesday-Saturday: 11:30AM-2:00PM, 6:00PM-11:00PM (last entry for lunch 12:30PM, dinner 8:30PM)
- Closed: Monday lunch service only
- Budget: Lunch ¥15,000-19,999; Dinner ¥30,000-39,999
- Course Options: Hagi Course (lunch only, 9 dishes) ¥18,700; Tsubaki Course (10 dishes) ¥27,500; Botan Course (most popular, 11 dishes) ¥30,800
- Payment: Major credit cards accepted (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners); QR code payments (PayPay, Alipay); 10% service charge
- Reservations: Required via Tabelog
- Phone: 050-5456-7200
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Shirosaka (炭火割烹 白坂) – Akasaka
Overview
This charming restaurant specializes in charcoal-grilled kappo cuisine, presenting seasonal ingredients with finesse. Located just steps from Akasaka Station yet offering a tranquil escape, Shirosaka welcomes guests through atmospheric stone paving and a white noren curtain into a warm wooden interior.
Restaurant Details
Essential Information
- Address: 6-3-9 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 1-minute walk from Akasaka Station (Chiyoda Line, Exit 6)
- Hours: Monday-Friday: 6:00PM-11:00PM (last entry 9:00PM)
- Closed: Saturdays and holidays (irregular); check with restaurant
- Budget: ¥20,000-29,999
- Payment: Major credit cards accepted (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners); QR code payments (d-barai); 10% service charge
- Reservations: Required; omakase course only (price varies based on ingredients)
- Phone: 050-1809-9898
- Special Note: English-speaking staff available; English website with reservations: https://www.shirosaka.jp/english/
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Nogizaka Shin (乃木坂 しん) – Akasaka
Overview
Established in June 2016, Nogizaka Shin represents the harmonious partnership between chef Shinji Ishida (formerly of a starred Ginza restaurant) and sommelier Yasuhide Tobita. The restaurant uniquely balances traditional Japanese cuisine with thoughtful wine and sake pairings that elevate both the food and beverages.
Restaurant Details
Essential Information
- Address: Eclair Nogizaka 1F, 8-11-19 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3-minute walk from Nogizaka Station (Chiyoda Line, Exit 1)
- Hours: Monday-Saturday and holidays: 5:30PM-11:00PM (L.O. for food 9:00PM, drinks 10:30PM)
- Closed: Sundays and irregular holidays
- Budget: ¥40,000-49,999
- Course Options: Chef’s Recommendation Evening Menu ¥33,000; Seasonal Premium Ingredient Menu ¥38,500
- Payment: Major credit cards accepted (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners); PayPay; 10% service charge
- Reservations: Required via website: https://www.nogi-s.com/
- Phone: 050-5571-2866
- Cancellation Policy: 100% fee for same-day cancellations, 50% for previous day; groups of 5+ have 50% fee starting 2 days prior
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Tenoshima (てのしま) – Minami-aoyama
Overview
Chef Ryohei Hayashi, formerly the sous chef at Kyoto’s Kikunoi main restaurant, opened Tenoshima in Minami-aoyama in 2017. His vision of “Japanese cuisine for everyone” combines traditional Japanese techniques with approachable dishes like minced cutlets and karaage (fried chicken). The drink selection is equally impressive, with approximately 100 wines, craft beers, and an array of Japanese sake and shochu.
Restaurant Details
Essential Information
- Address: 1-55 Building 2F, 1-3-21 Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3-minute walk from Aoyama-itchome Station
- Hours: Monday-Saturday: 6:00PM-10:00PM (L.O. 8:00PM)
- Closed: Sundays, holidays, and irregular closures (check with restaurant)
- Budget: ¥20,000-29,999
- Payment: Major credit cards accepted (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners); service charge applies
- Reservations: Required through Pocket Concierge; omakase course ¥24,200
- Phone: 03-6316-2150
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Hakuun (伯雲) – Minami-aoyama
Overview
Established in January 2021 by Shingo Sakamoto, who previously served as head chef at a Michelin 3-star establishment, Hakuun quickly earned its own Michelin star within the same year. The omakase course features dishes with deep umami, aromatic elements, and perfect temperature control, all served with precise pacing.
Restaurant Details
Essential Information
- Address: Minami-aoyama K Building 1F, 4-11-2 Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 7-minute walk from Omotesando Station; 8-minute walk from Gaienmae Station
- Hours: Monday-Saturday and holidays: 5:30PM-11:30PM
- Closed: Sundays and irregular holidays
- Budget: ¥30,000-39,999
- Course Options: Seasonal Omakase Course ¥39,600
- Payment: Major credit cards accepted (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX); 10% service charge
- Reservations: Required via Omakase: https://omakase.in/r/yq340257
- Phone: 03-6812-9613
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Miyasaka (宮坂) – Minami-aoyama
Overview
Relocated in November 2021, Miyasaka offers a fresh take on Japanese cuisine under chef Nobuhiro Miyasaka, who explores the spirit of tea ceremony in his culinary approach. The dining experience begins with a seasonal atmospheric approach, continues through a full course of Japan’s seasonal ingredients, and concludes with a genuine tea ceremony featuring homemade sweets and thick matcha.
Restaurant Details
Essential Information
- Address: Villa Soleil E, 5-4-30 Minami-aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 5-minute walk from Omotesando Station (Exit B3)
- Hours: Monday-Saturday and holidays: 6:00PM-11:00PM; Select lunch services available (see special notes)
- Closed: Sundays and irregular holidays
- Budget: Lunch ¥20,000-29,999; Dinner ¥40,000-49,999
- Course Options: Omakase Lunch Course ¥25,000 (tax and service included); Omakase Dinner Course ¥46,000 (tax and service included)
- Payment: Major credit cards accepted (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners)
- Reservations: Required via Omakase or phone
- Phone: 03-3499-3877
- Special Note: Limited lunch service on selected Saturdays and Wednesdays
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Akiyama (あき山) – Shirokane
Overview
Hidenori Akiyama’s gentle demeanor translates into attentive, adaptive service—offering sake pairings for those who drink, and increasing course portions for those focused on the food. The finale features rice cooked in an earthenware pot, accompanied by an abundance of condiments such as marinated tuna, beef simmered in ginger, and chirimen sansho (young sardines with Japanese pepper).
Restaurant Details
Essential Information
- Access: 14-16 minute walk from various stations including JR Ebisu, Hiroo Station (Hibiya Line), and Shirokane Station (Namboku Line)
- Budget: ¥29,600-71,280 depending on seasonal course
- Course Options: Standard Omakase Course ¥29,600-35,600 (varies with ingredients); Bamboo Shoot Course (Mar 20-Apr 30) ¥35,640; Matsutake Mushroom Course (Sep 1-Oct 31) ¥47,520; Crab Course (Nov 1-Mar 31) ¥47,500-71,280
- Reservations: Available through Omakase and Pocket Concierge
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Yama (山) – Shirokane
Overview
A unique concept restaurant focused on dessert courses that spotlight Japan’s exceptional fruits, explored through global culinary techniques. Chef Koichi Katsumata, born in Yamanashi Prefecture with views of Mt. Fuji, creates experiences that reflect Japan’s mountainous terrain through pure sweetness with varying intensities.
Restaurant Details
Essential Information
- Address: 6-16-41 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 1F
- Access: 16-minute walk from JR Ebisu Station; 13-minute walk from Hiroo Station (Hibiya Line); 14-minute walk from Shirokane Station (Namboku Line)
- Hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 12:00PM-5:00PM (Two seatings: 12:00PM-2:00PM and 3:00PM-5:00PM)
- Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays
- Budget: ¥30,000-39,999
- Course Options: Seasonal courses include Citrus and Spring Ingredients + Silk (Mar-Apr) ¥30,800; Miyazaki Mango and Early Summer Ingredients (May-Jun) ¥32,800
- Payment: Major credit cards accepted (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX); 10% service charge (15% for private rooms)
- Reservations: Lottery system—applications open on the 1st of even-numbered months at 5:00PM for the following two months via website: https://yama-dessert.com/ or Instagram DM
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Daigo (精進料理 醍醐) – Atago
Overview
Originally located within Seishoji Temple grounds, Daigo specializes in shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), though not strictly vegan as it uses bonito in its dashi. Fourth-generation owner Yusuke Nomura continues the tradition of hospitality-focused shojin cuisine in a sukiya-style setting that provides a tranquil respite.
Restaurant Details
Essential Information
- Address: 2-3-1 Atago, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Room 201
- Access: 5-minute walk from Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya Line, Exit 3); 3-minute walk from Onarimon Station (Mita Line, Exit A5)
- Hours: 11:30AM-1:00PM (last entry), 5:00PM-8:00PM (last entry)
- Closed: New Year’s holidays only
- Budget: Lunch ¥10,000-14,999; Dinner ¥20,000-29,999
- Course Options: Kiku Kaiseki Course (by request) ¥15,870
- Payment: Major credit cards accepted (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners); 15% service charge
- Reservations: Required by phone
- Phone: 03-3431-0811
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Practical Tips for Visitors
- Reservations Essential: Nearly all these establishments require advance reservations, with many using online systems like Omakase, TableCheck, or Pocket Concierge. Book weeks or even months ahead for the most prestigious venues.
- Budget Expectations: Michelin-starred Japanese dining in Minato-ku typically starts at ¥15,000 for lunch and ¥25,000-80,000 for dinner, plus a 10-15% service charge at most establishments.
- Dining Etiquette: Many restaurants operate on strict time schedules. Plan to arrive exactly at your reservation time, as late arrivals may forfeit their reservation or incur cancellation fees.
- Dietary Restrictions: Most high-end Japanese restaurants have limited flexibility with dietary restrictions. Inform the restaurant of any allergies or restrictions when booking, but be aware some may decline accommodations for certain preferences.
- Language Assistance: While several restaurants offer English support (particularly Shirosaka and Seizan), having basic Japanese phrases prepared or using a translation app can enhance your experience at less internationally-oriented establishments.
- Cancellation Policies: Most venues have strict cancellation policies, typically charging 50-100% of the meal cost for cancellations within 1-2 days of the reservation.
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