Why not make the most of your trip to Japan by visiting some of the country’s truly exceptional restaurants? In this guest article, AutoReserve will introduce 12 carefully selected restaurants that are truly worth going out of your way for.
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TOKYO
浅草じゅうろく Asakusa Juroku
Tucked away behind the famous Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, Asakusa Juroku is a hidden gem known among locals soba enthusiasts for its exceptional handmade buckwheat noodles.
The restaurant features eight counter seats and two fully private table rooms separated by traditional fusuma (sliding doors). It offers a serene, refined setting where guests can enjoy a truly elevated soba dining experience.
Menu & Pricing
Budget: Around ¥20,000
The restaurant specializes in “ni-hachi soba”—a blend of 80% buckwheat flour and 20% wheat flour—crafted with great attention to detail, from the grind to the kneading technique. Rather than using 100% buckwheat, the chef chooses the ni-hachi ratio to achieve the ideal balance of smooth texture and pleasant mouthfeel.
The soba is served with a rich, flavorful dipping sauce made exclusively from thick-cut bonito flakes (honkarebushi), creating a broth with remarkable depth and umami.
Getting there
Asakusa Juroku is located about an 8-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express Line).
Address: 1F Odai Building, 4-37-8 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan (Google Maps)
The restaurant is open from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, but please note that it closes once the soba is sold out.
伊吹 Ibuki
Located quietly on the second floor of a building in Nishi-Shinjuku, Tokyo, Ibuki is a long-established sukiyaki restaurant that has been serving loyal customers since its founding in 1950. Cherished by generations, it remains a beloved destination for authentic, traditional Japanese dining.
The restaurant offers an intimate setting with around 20 seats, including both counter and tables. Its cozy size allows for warm, attentive service from the proprietress and staff. Guests can enjoy a relaxed and unhurried dining experience.
Menu & Pricing
The menu is refreshingly simple, offering just two specialties: sukiyaki and shabu-shabu. Both dishes feature carefully selected, top-grade A5-ranked Japanese wagyu beef, known for its rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
The Kanto-style sukiyaki served here is prepared by simmering thinly sliced beef and vegetables together in a sweet soy-based broth (warishita).
By slowly cooking the ingredients, the flavors of the broth are absorbed deeply, resulting a harmonious and richly layered taste that brings everything together beautifully.
Shabu-shabu course has premium wagyu meat, the restaurant’s reputed homemade sesame dipping sauce, and a unique soup infused with aosa seaweed, green onions, and rock salt.
The average budget is around ¥6,000, with sukiyaki priced at ¥4,400 and shabu-shabu at ¥4,600.(Please note that course prices may vary depending on the season.)
Getting there
Ibuki is located just a 3-minute walk from both the West and South exits of JR Shinjuku Station.
Address: 2F Annex, Kawano Building, 1-16-8 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan (Google Maps)
The restaurant is open from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Please note that it is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
銀座 とんかつ 斉藤 Ginza Tonkatsu Saito
Located in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district, Ginza Tonkatsu Saito is a specialty restaurant that offers carefully selected premium pork from various regions of Japan, with the featured breed changing monthly. Among them, the rare pork from Kumamoto Prefecture is especially popular with diners.
The interior features a warm, wood-toned design that creates a calm and inviting ambiance. In addition to counter seating — where guests can observe the chefs’ skills up close — the restaurant also offers semi-private rooms for 5 to 8 people, making it an ideal setting for business dinners or special occasions.
Menu & Pricing
The dishes are crafted by a chef who trained at the famous tonkatsu restaurant Narikura. Using expert techniques, the premium pork is slow-fried at a low temperature, resulting in a tender, juicy texture that brings out the meat’s natural sweetness to the fullest.
The harmony between the light, crispy coating and the juicy, deeply flavorful pork is simply exquisite. To ensure each bite is enjoyed at its peak flavor and temperature, the tonkatsu is thoughtfully served two pieces at a time. Guests are invited to savor the natural taste of the ingredients with simple seasonings such as salt or the homemade sauce.
The average budget is around ¥3,500, with variations depending on the course and drinks selected. (Please note that prices may vary depending on the season.)
Getting there
・2-minute walk from Exit 4 of Higashi-Ginza Station
・5-minute walk from Ginza Station
・7-minute walk from Shimbashi Station
Address: B1F, Ginza 7 Building, 7-14-14 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan (Google Maps)
Business hours are from 11:30 am to 9 pm, but please note that the last order for food is at 8 p.m. The restaurant is closed on weekends, and closes at 3 pm on public holidays.
CENTRAL JAPAN
味の与平 Ajino Yohei
Operated by Funasaka Sake Brewery, a historic brewery with over 200 years of history, Aji no Yohei is a specialty Japanese restaurant focused on Hida beef. Deeply rooted in local tradition and pride in Gifu Prefecture, the restaurant offers a variety of beautifully crafted set meals (gozen) featuring top-grade Hida beef and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The interior reflects the warmth and craftsmanship of Hida’s traditional woodworking culture, creating a serene and authentic Japanese setting. On the first floor, guests can dine at tables furnished with locally made traditional furniture, while the spacious second floor can accommodate groups of up to 40 people.
Menu & Pricing
The restaurant’s signature is the Hida Beef Gozen (set meal) series. Slices of premium Hida beef are grilled simply on a ceramic plate at the table and can be enjoyed with homemade sauces, wasabi, or a touch of salt for a clean, refined flavor.
For an even more indulgent experience, try the Premium Gozen, where generous portions of Hida beef are served so abundantly they nearly overflow from the plate.
Hida beef, known for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and rich, sweet taste, truly shines in the restaurant’s Sukiyaki Gozen.
The beef is gently simmered in a homemade warishita (sweet soy-based broth), which enhances the meat’s natural umami and depth of flavor.
The cuisine perfectly pairs with local sake from Funasaka Sake Brewery, the restaurant’s proud origin.
Among the offerings, “Miyamagiku Hida no Jingorō” stands out with its clean, crisp finish, making it an ideal match for rich meat dishes like Hida beef.
The average budget is approximately ¥4,500 for lunch and ¥7,000 for dinner. The Hida Beef Gozen starts from ¥3,278, while the Hida Beef Sukiyaki Gozen starts from ¥2,618, with pricing varying depending on the course level. (Please note that course prices may vary depending on the season.)
Getting there
Aji no Yohei is approximately a 15-minute walk from Takayama Station. If traveling by car, the restaurant is about a 30-minute drive from Takayama Interchange.
Address: 105 Kamisan-no-machi, Takayama-shi, Gifu, Japan (Google Maps)
Lunch is served from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, and dinner from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Please note that the restaurant has irregular closing days, so it’s best to check in advance.
鰻う おか冨士 Unagiu Okafuji
Located just a 3-minute walk from Fushimi Station in Nagoya, Unagiu Okafuji sits on the first floor of the Misonoza Tower. This specialty unagi (eel) restaurant carries on the legacy of the famed Unafuji, having been officially granted the right to operate under its name—a testament to its authentic and traditional approach to eel cuisine.
The restaurant features a refined Japanese ambiance, with a total of 70 seats, including VIP private rooms with horigotatsu (sunken floor seating) and raised tatami-style seating. Its elegant setting makes it an ideal choice for business meetings, special occasions, or celebratory dinners.
Menu & Pricing
Only carefully selected, premium-quality eel is used. Each piece is seasoned with a traditional sauce passed down through generations, then expertly grilled over charcoal to bring out a rich, smoky aroma. From preparation to grilling, every step reflects the craftsmanship and precision of skilled artisans.
The restaurant’s signature dish is hitsumabushi, a Nagoya specialty. Guests can enjoy it in three delicious stages: first as-is, then with condiments, and finally topped with a light broth to enjoy it ochazuke-style. This step-by-step approach offers a layered and satisfying dining experience.
The average budget is around ¥8,000. À la carte options include the small unagi rice bowl (¥3,440) and the premium hitsumabushi (¥5,640). For dinner, multi-course meals are also available, starting from 7 dishes at ¥8,800. (Please note that course prices may vary depending on the season.)
Getting there
Unagiu Okafuji is located just a 3-minute walk from Exit 6 of Fushimi Station on the Nagoya Municipal Subway’s Higashiyama Line.
Address: 1F Misonoza Tower, 1-6-15 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan (Google Maps)
Lunch is served from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, and dinner from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with last orders at 9:00 pm. The restaurant is closed on January 1st, with additional irregular holidays scheduled throughout the year.
WESTERN JAPAN
天ぷら 大坂屋 草哲 Tempura Osakaya Sotetsu
Located in Osaka’s bustling Umeda district, Tempura Osakaya Sotetsu offers a calm and refined atmosphere, making you feel as though you’ve stepped away from the city’s hustle and bustle. This specialty restaurant is dedicated to the art of tempura, focusing on elegance and precision.
The interior exudes the refined elegance of a traditional Japanese tearoom, creating a peaceful space where guests can fully immerse themselves in the dining experience.
Despite its renowned reputation in Osaka, the restaurant remains relatively easy to book, which is a pleasant surprise for many. Many regulars are drawn not only by the food, but also by the warm and gentle personality of the owner, making it a welcoming place even for first-time visitors.
Menu & Pricing
The tempura here is prepared using a specially developed water blend and coated in an ultra-thin batter, resulting in a crisp, delicate texture that enhances the natural flavors of each ingredient. Every dish reflects the refined skills and attention to detail of the chef, shows his artisanal technique.
The ingredients are carefully selected with a focus on wild-caught and seasonal produce, often sourced directly from their place of origin.
The menu features luxurious items such as wild-caught kuruma ebi (Japanese tiger prawns), Kuroge Wagyu beef, and fresh sea urchin, as well as seasonal delicacies like baby sweetfish (ayu) from Lake Biwa in spring and fukinoto (butterbur sprouts)—capturing the essence of Japan’s changing seasons in each bite.
The average budget is approximately ¥7,000 for lunch and ¥26,000 for dinner. The most popular offering is the Chef’s Seasonal Recommended Course, which features 14 carefully curated dishes for ¥20,000.
Highlights include tempura made with Kuroge Wagyu filet and fresh sea urchin, along with a variety of seasonal vegetables, all showing the chef’s refined techniques and seasonal sensibilities. (Please note that course prices may vary depending on the season.)
Getting there
The restaurant is located about a 5-minute walk from JR Fukushima Station (Osaka Loop Line) and approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Osaka Station.
Address: 1F Sunto Building, 6-8-2 Fukushima, Fukushima-ku, Osaka, Japan (Google Maps)
Dinner is served from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, while lunch is available only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, starting from 11:30 am. Please note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays. However, if Monday is a public holiday, then it will be closed on the following day.
侘家古暦堂 祇園花見小路本店 Wabiya Korekido Gion Hanamikoji Honten
Located along the charming cobblestone streets of Gion, this refined restaurant welcomes guests into a serenely renovated traditional Kyoto townhouse. Blending modern elegance with classic Kyoto aesthetics, it offers a tranquil atmosphere where diners can enjoy beautifully crafted chicken-focused cuisine that reflects the city’s deep-rooted sense of beauty and harmony.
On the first floor, guests can enjoy counter seating where they can watch the chefs’ skills up close. The second floor features private rooms that accommodates four to eight people.
Menu & Pricing
The restaurant offers a variety of dishes that shows the full appeal of chicken, including its signature yakitori course, which reflects the changing seasons of Kyoto. From deeply flavorful chicken soup to carefully prepared à la carte dishes, every item highlights the chef’s dedication to quality.
The yakitori is particularly exceptional—expertly trimmed and minimally seasoned to draw out the natural umami of each cut. Every skewer is a refined expression of craftsmanship.
Don’t miss the Ishiyaki Oyakodon, a lunch-exclusive dish that has become one of the restaurant’s signature offerings. Served sizzling in a hot stone bowl, this indulgent dish features tender chicken and savory dashi blended with crispy rice, creating a deeply satisfying harmony of flavors and textures.
The average price is around ¥2,500 for lunch and ¥12,000 for dinner. The standard Kyoto Yakitori Style course starts at ¥10,000, and can be enjoyed with a wine for ¥17,800. (Please note that course prices may vary depending on the season.)
Getting there
・5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Main Line)
・10-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Kyoto Line)
Address: Gion-machi Minamigawa, below Hanamikoji-dori Shijo-sagaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto (North of Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater) (Google Maps)
Lunch is served from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, and dinner from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Please note that both meal periods have designated last order and final entry times, so be sure to check in advance.
The restaurant is closed on Sundays, but if a three-day weekend falls on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, it will be closed on Monday instead.
木山 Kiyama
Located in Kyoto, Kiyama is a distinguished kaiseki (traditional Japanese multi-course) restaurant that earned a Michelin star within just one year of opening. Renowned for its refined techniques and exquisite sensibility, it continues to captivate discerning gourmets from both Japan and abroad.
The interior is a serene Japanese space, imbued with the warm, natural texture of solid wood that creates a soothing ambiance. Especially popular among guests seeking a special dining experience is the second-floor counter, which evokes the quiet elegance of a traditional tea room.
Menu & Pricing
At the heart of Kiyama’s cuisine is the pure water drawn from a well on the property. This natural blessing forms the foundation for a dashi-centered menu, carefully crafted to highlight the changing seasons. Each dish offers a clear, refined umami and a delicate, lingering finish, allowing guests to fully appreciate the subtle depth of traditional Japanese flavors.
The kaiseki meal unfolds like a beautifully composed story, beginning with a clear white broth made from well water, followed by delicate courses such as soup bowls, small side dishes, and grilled items.
Each dish is a masterful expression of harmony and tranquility, culminating in a serving of light matcha tea that leaves a lasting impression of quiet elegance.
The average price is approximately ¥14,000 for lunch and ¥30,250 to ¥40,000 for dinner.
Meals are served as chef’s choice omakase courses, which vary depending on the season and ingredient availability—offering a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience with every visit. (Please note that course prices may vary depending on the season.)
Getting there
The restaurant is located in a quiet residential area, about a 5-minute walk from Marutamachi Station on the Kyoto Subway Line.
Address: 1F Verdor Gosho, 136 Kinuyacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan (Google Maps)
Lunch is served from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and dinner from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Please note that there are designated last order and final entry times, so customers are advised to check in advance. The restaurant is closed on irregular days.
うな菊 Unakiku
Nestled in Takabatake-cho, Nara, Unakiku is a specialty restaurant dedicated to eel cuisine, with its roots tracing back to the famuous traditional inn and restaurant Kikusuiro.
Housed in a traditional Japanese building over 130 years old, Unakiku offers a serene dining experience that reflects the timeless charm of Nara, the ancient capital. Located near the torii gate of Kasuga Taisha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the restaurant also enjoys a convenient location for sightseeing.
Menu & Pricing
Unakiku serves authentic Edo-style eel dishes, prepared using time-honored techniques. Guests can enjoy premium flavors across a wide price range—from the approachable “Unaju Half Portion” (¥2,800) to the “Unagi Zukushi Course” (¥9,000), a luxurious dinner-only tasting menu featuring eel in various styles.
The cuisine is crafted by a master chef with over 43 years of experience, who has honed his skills at top establishments in Tokyo and Kyoto, and earned a Michelin star for his exceptional work.
Each eel is carefully prepared using traditional Edo-style techniques—after meticulously removing the belly and back fins, it is first grilled plain (shirayaki) and then slowly cooked over charcoal with a rich tare sauce.
The signature sauce is made with a unique blend of soy sauce and deeply fragrant, high-grade mirin, resulting in a deep, mellow flavor that beautifully enhances the natural umami of the eel.
(Please note that course pricing may vary by the season.)
Getting there
・10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station
・15-minute walk from JR Nara Station
If arriving by car, the restaurant is approximately 10 kilometers from Tenri IC on the Nishi-Meihan Expressway, and about 10 kilometers from Horai IC on the Daini Hanna Toll Road.
Address: 1130 Takabatake-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, inside Kikusuiro (Google Maps)
Opening hours are from 11:00 am to 2:45 pm for lunch, and from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm for dinner. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.
KYUSHU
たつ庄 Tatsusho
Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood of Fukuoka City, Tatsusho is a highly acclaimed sushi restaurant that draws not only local connoisseurs but also dedicated sushi lovers from afar.
The interior features a calm and refined Japanese design, centered around a counter seating area where guests can enjoy direct conversation with the chef while savoring their meal The restaurant is also known for its exceptional hospitality, offering warm and attentive service to international guests as well.
Menu & Pricing
The chef, whose work has been featured in the Michelin Guide, serves Edo-style sushi crafted primarily with seasonal fish sourced from nearby waters.
Each piece is a carefully prepared expression of the ingredient’s natural flavor and character, showing the chef’s refined skills and sensibility.
The rice used is from Iki Island in Nagasaki, and the natural salt also comes from the same region. The wasabi is specially selected from Izu, reflecting the chef’s uncompromising attention to detail. These thoughtful choices contribute to the perfection of each piece.
Beyond sushi, the menu features an array of exquisite Japanese dishes, such as grilled tilefish (amadai) in the Wakasa style, pike conger (hamo) shabu-shabu, and creamy milt (shirako )—all showing the essence of Japanese culinary tradition.
Each dish is a reflection of carefully selected ingredients and expert craftsmanship.
The average price is approximately ¥12,000 for lunch and ¥30,000 for dinner. Only omakase (chef’s choice) courses are offered for both lunch and dinner. (Please note that course prices may vary depending on the season.)
Getting there
The restaurant is about a 7-minute walk from Yakuin Station, which is served by both the Nishitetsu Line and the Fukuoka City Subway Nanakuma Line.
Address: 1F Espoir Watanabe-dori Minami, 1-19-28 Takasago, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, Japan (Google Maps)
Dinner is served from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, with a fixed schedule. Please note that lunch hours vary slightly on Mondays, so guests are encouraged to check in advance. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
馬刺・馬焼肉 らむ Ramu
Established in 1959, Ramu is a long-standing horse meat specialty restaurant that has been loved by locals in Kumamoto Prefecture for over 60 years. Frequently featured in TV programs and magazines, it is widely regarded as one of the top destinations for horse meat cuisine in Japan.
The interior has a retro charm reminiscent of old-fashioned Japanese cafés, creating a welcoming and nostalgic ambiance that makes even first-time visitors feel at ease.
Menu & Pricing
The restaurant’s signature dish, Sakura Natto, features marbled horse sashimi topped with egg yolk, natto (fermented soybeans), chopped green onions, and a touch of mustard. The creamy texture of the natto and the firm bite of the horse meat create a wonderfully balanced and flavorful combination.
Other popular choices include the Premium Horse Sashimi, known for its exceptional freshness, and the horse liver sashimi, which offers a crisp, chewy texture that many fans love.
Another house specialty is grilled horse meat, cooked on a traditional jingisukan (domed iron) grill. Unlike beef, it offers a mellow richness and savory aroma that many find irresistibly delicious.
The popular “RAMU Course” (¥5,500) offers a full tasting of the restaurant’s signature dishes, including premium horse sashimi, Sakura Natto, and grilled horse meat cuts such as kurashita (chuck eye roll) and kata rosu (shoulder loin).
Other well-loved course options feature Kumamoto specialties like Karashi Renkon (lotus root stuffed with mustard miso) and Hitomoji no Guruguru (blanched green onions rolled into spirals), as well as sets that include horse liver sashimi.
For budgeting, plan for around ¥6,000 for a course meal only, and about ¥7,000 to ¥10,000 if you wish to enjoy drinks or additional à la carte dishes. (Please note that course prices may vary depending on the season.)
Getting there
The restaurant is around a 2-minute walk from Hanabatamachi Station (Kumamoto City Tram). From JR Kumamoto Station on the Kagoshima Main Line, it takes approximately 10 minutes by tram to reach Hanabatamachi Station.
Address: 1F Hanabata Building, 13-23 Hanabatamachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan (Google Maps)
The restaurant is open from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with last orders taken by 8:30 pm. It is closed on Sundays.
HOKKAIDO
札幌成吉思汗 しろくま 札幌本店 Sapporo Jingisukan Shirokuma
A famous Jingisukan (grilled mutton) specialty restaurant, Shirokuma offers carefully selected lamb not only from Hokkaido but also from around the world. Its culinary excellence has earned it a place in the Hokkaido Michelin Guide.
The restaurant features 22 counter seats only. Staff members grill the first serving of meat and vegetables right in front of you, offering a warm and interactive experience. From the second serving onward, you are encouraged to grill the meat yourself.
Menu & Pricing
The restaurant offers a selection of lamb meat based on the age of the animal, allowing guests to enjoy distinct flavors depending on the maturity:
- “Lamb” from sheep under 12 months old,
- “Hogget” from those between 12 and 24 months,
- and “Mutton” from sheep over 24 months old.
All meats are served completely fresh, never frozen, and sliced to order, ensuring exceptional freshness and rich flavor in every bite. A true highlight is the lamb directly delivered from Charo Sheep Farm (茶路めん羊牧場), a rare and highly sought-after source even within Hokkaido.
In addition to domestic selections, the restaurant also offers premium imported lamb from countries like Australia and Iceland, each with its own unique character and taste profile.
What truly enhances the flavor of the lamb is the use of seasonal vegetables from Hokkaido. Simple yet deeply satisfying, the experience at Shirokuma offers a refined and authentic take on Jingisukan that allows the quality of each ingredient to shine.
The average price is around ¥6,000. The highly recommended Hokkaido-raised lamb is priced between ¥2,400 and ¥2,900, while rare cuts of Hokkaido lamb are available starting from ¥1,800. (Please note that prices may vary depending on the season.)
Getting there
・3-minute walk from Susukino Station (Subway Namboku Line)
・1-minute walk from Hosui-Susukino Station (Subway Toho Line)
Address: 1F Joyful Sapporo, Minami 6-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan (Google Maps)
Opening hours vary depending on the day of the week, but the restaurant is generally open from around 6:00 pm until late at night on weekdays. Please note that the restaurant has no fixed holidays other than December 30 to January 3, so we recommend confirming availability at the time of reservation.
For any inquiries regarding reservations, please contact AutoReserve directly. For my write-ups on interesting restaurants in Japan, check out the archives.