Kusunoki (Toyama)

You don’t have to travel to Kobe to taste high-end wagyu beef, or to Okinawa to indulge in golden crab. Proof of that is Kusunoki: a restaurant in Toyama with a dynamic menu combining local produce with some of Japan’s most exclusive high-end meats. Kusunoki prides itself in seasonal luxury offerings like Tajima beef, a Japanese black Kobe wagyu that melts in your mouth and is similar to bluefin tuna in terms of leanness and texture. Those who enjoy seafood will delight in golden crab, a fleshy and flavorful delicacy that is a natural crossbreed between snow and red snow crabs, making it very rare. Kusunoki is constantly redeveloping its menu, a big part of which is seasonal. This cozy restaurant is located in a residential area away from the bustling city center but still accessible via public transportation, or by taxi in less than 10 minutes from Toyama Station. It only serves four groups a day, and guests can see see chefs work their magic in the kitchen for a deeply personal dining experience.