Shion

The ultra-urban metropolis of Tokyo can be stifling at times, and Shion recognises this. Tucked away in a back alley of one of Tokyo’s most active districts, Akasaka, this kaiseki restaurant positions itself as an oasis of calm and repose amidst the tens of thousands of people who pass through every day. At Shion, guests are invited to still their hearts and reconnect with the natural beauty of Japan through food — in particular, premium seasonal ingredients. These are then assembled delicately, almost reverently by chefs into kaiseki course menus, comprising traditional dishes that harken back to the wild, unspoiled beauty of the Japanese mountains and seas. Menu offerings range from yellowtail hotpot, to Kanazawa-style jibu-ni stew, to charcoal-grilled conger caught off the coast of Tsushima. Accommodating parties of just two to banquets of up to 14 people, Shion offers five different private rooms in which to partake in these meals, each one a softly-lit, intimate space. But some regulars opt instead for the counter seats, which hold not just the opportunity to interact personally with the chefs, but also the chance to enjoy exclusive menus. Don’t forget to browse the souvenirs on your way out: Shion offers a bevy of traditional Japanese sweets and other treats as a parting gift, the perfect way to end a meal.