Shibo Saikitagawa

Tucked away in a residential area somewhere in Matsusaka is this Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant. The place of Shibosai Kitagawa used to be a private home before it was renovated, but the ambiance of a welcoming, traditional Japanese home is still notably present. That adds to the special aspects of this restaurant. On top of the warm hospitality of the chef-owner, who greets guests to the restaurant like he’s welcoming them to his own home, the Cantonese-specialty Chinese dishes are far from ordinary. The chef goes light with the oil and fats so that the dishes are made healthier. He also uses homemade seasonings to bring out various unique flavors. With seasonal dishes to keep things fresh at Shibosai Kitagawa, the restaurant gets numerous returning customers who can’t get enough. It’s so popular that many have mentioned how difficult it is to secure a reservation — so it’s recommended to make one well in advance.