Aoyama Asada

In spite of the restaurant’s current reputation as one of Japan’s go-to establishments for fine dining, the Asada group of restaurants has its roots in trade. Asadaya first served as a courier between Kanazawa and the Tokyo region, first started in 1659. Befitting of a company with a history that began in the early Edo period, Asada’s Aoyama branch expresses a regal and refined air through its intricate attention to detail, not to mention its exquisite Kaga-style cuisine. From the moment diners step into the restaurant, they are transported into a space steeped in Japanese tradition, with extravagant sunken kotatsu tables on tatami, and decorated with seasonal flowers. The minimalistic yet intricate detail of the restaurant only becomes more evident as each dish arrives: an even more striking arrangement of traditional cuisine. The Asada restaurants have made a name for themselves with Kaga kaiseki, a Kanazawa and Hokuriku specialty known for its vibrant presentation. From the appetizers and seafood to the jellied sweets, each course uses fresh ingredients directly from Kanazawa, beautifully depicting Japan’s distinct seasons and offering a wholly unique experience with each visit.