Washoku Restaurants(36)
COURSE MENUFunaokayama Shimizu
These Michelin-starred kaiseki course menus feature the best ingredients from Japan, but the rice is the real star. Made with Kyoto groundwater from Daitokuji Temple, it is fluffy, fragrant and cooked to perfection in an earthenware pot.
COURSE MENUGanko Takasegawa Nijoen
Admire the Keicho-era grounds and intricate architecture of this historic Kyoto residence, before tucking into wagyu sukiyaki or kaiseki with seasonal ingredients.
COURSE MENUGinza Ugai
Gratitude drives every service here at this Ginza kaiseki restaurant. Chef Ryogo Fujii’s mastery of umami, sweetness and bitterness augments the choice quality of his ingredients, all sourced from an extensive network of suppliers across the country.
COURSE MENUXEX ATAGO GREEN HILLS / tempura & sushi An
Located in one of the most cosmopolitan areas of Tokyo, this restaurant has an Iron Chef with over 20 restaurants founded as its advisor. Combined with seafood from the finest suppliers in Toyosu, XEX ATAGO GREEN HILLS is an unmissable destination.
COURSE MENUBekkan Nakameguro Rokkakutei
The Nakameguro branch of this famed kushiage restaurant upholds the original’s excellent reputation with premium seasonal skewers and a varied selection of wine and sake.
COURSE MENUILBrio Azabu
The highlight of this Azabu-Juban restaurant is the melt-in-your-mouth Hida beef, cut into thick, satisfying slices. Premium seasonal ingredients from all over Japan are crafted into immaculate course menus.
COURSE MENUGanko Sanjo Honten
While its convenient riverside location, affordable prices and impeccable cuisine draw hundreds of customers a day, many also come to marvel at the traditional Japanese interiors of this Sanjo establishment.
COURSE MENUGanko Kyoto Station
Transport yourself into the past at this Kyoto Station fixture, which has an eye-catching facade straight out of the Edo period. Popular with commuters looking for a quick bite, it’s also known to be excellent for sukiyaki or kaiseki courses.
COURSE MENUGanko Kameoka Rakurakusou
Indulge in a succulent sukiyaki or kaiseki course meal beneath the rafters of one of Japan’s Tangible Cultural Properties.
SEAT RESERVATIONJapanese Restaurant Hamayu (Shima Kanko Hotel)
Delicate, elegant, and high-quality dishes filled with Ise-Shima’s finest seasonal ingredients put on a show at Hamayu, located in one of Mie Prefecture’s most luxurious hotels.
SEAT RESERVATIONBenkei
Indulge in the sprawling menu and premium quality characteristic of Japan’s best hotels at the Nikko Hotel Fukuoka, where Benkei serves high-end Japanese delicacies and home-cooked comfort food with equal skill.
SEAT RESERVATIONSushi & Japanese Cuisine Shinjuku Yonegami
Discover the roots of traditional nihon-ryori through the unparalleled culinary skill of Yonegami’s chefs. Seasonal ingredients, freshly purchased from local sources daily, are crafted into expert displays of hashiri, shun and nagori.
COURSE MENUWashoku Uoman (Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo)
In a movement that calls to mind the historic convergence of northern and southern ingredients on the capital, the finest ingredients from all over Japan, like Omi wagyu beef from Shiga, are combined here into traditional kaiseki course menus.
COURSE MENUNishiazabu Isseki Sancho Bettei
Experience authentic Edo-period charm and exquisite kappo cuisine at this tranquil and sophisticated restaurant. At the heart of the establishment is the main robatayaki grill, where carefully prepared dishes come to life.
COURSE MENURestaurant Tsukimichi
A hidden sanctuary in Fukuoka, where quiet hospitality and soulful cuisine offer a true retreat for the spirit.
SEAT RESERVATIONOno
After years of operating his elusive traveling restaurant, the Michelin-starred chef Ono Koto has finally settled into a permanent home in the Kitashinchi district to deliver kaiseki using Awajishima-sourced items.
SEAT RESERVATIONFushimimachi Kakoiyama
Ezomae, not Edomae — the warm, welcoming space of Sushi Kai brings Hokkaido’s sushi to the forefront of its venue, crafted by an English-fluent sushi master.
SEAT RESERVATIONWashokuya Taichi
The owner-chef of this Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Jiyugaoka izakaya shows off his skills by expertly balancing flavor profiles and seasonality, elevating izakaya food to new heights.
SEAT RESERVATIONTOGO'S
Modern washoku cuisine reaches new heights at Kenchiro Togo's namesake restaurant, which blends tradition with modernity and a touch of global flair.
COURSE MENUGomangoku Honten
Gomangoku Honten won the hearts of local diners with its kaiseki menu plotted around ocean-caught and mountain-gathered ingredients from Toyama’s fertile lands.
SEAT RESERVATIONOryori Honjo
From Tokyo to Paris and now back to Kansai, Oryori Honjo represents a chef's journey dedicated to preserving Nara’s food culture and Kyoto cuisine's traditional flavors.
SEAT RESERVATIONKikka-So
Originally designed as a private villa for the Imperial Family, Kikka-So, located in the historic Fujiya Hotel, serves seasonal kaiseki worthy of royalty.
SEAT RESERVATIONKabukizaura Masashi
A nondescript grey facade behind the KabukizaTheater in Ginza conceals a vibrant tapestry of traditional Japanese dishes and carefully selected sake.
SEAT RESERVATIONTakezaki
Takezaki’s exploratory route of constant discovery and rediscovery become gastronomic delights at this petite kappo eatery near the Imperial Palace.
COURSE MENUSakuragi
Right next to Tsukiji Station and the former market, the newly Michelin-recognized Sakuragi is founded on the principle of freshness, committing to kaiseki meals prepared right before guests at an eight-seat counter.
COURSE MENUKaiseki Mita Basara Bettei
Enjoy the fine cuisine and wine list that put Mita Basara on the map, plus location exclusives like donabe-cooked rice and the master chef’s own special creations.
SEAT RESERVATIONAman Kyoto Taka-An Restaurant
The course menus at this resort restaurant perfectly embody the delicate artistry of kaiseki cuisine. In the serene surroundings of the northern Kyoto foothills, guests can relax and unwind with a meal that’s perfectly in sync with the seasons.
SEAT RESERVATIONYAMAHA Resort Katsuragi Hotel Kitanomaru
From the restored walls of an ancient Japanese home to the exclusive audio spaces designed by its proprietors, dining at Kitanomaru offers a sense of time and place that transcends even the excellent kaiseki courses offered here.
Recent Reviews from GuestsDiscover the Authentic Flavors of Washoku
If you are on a culinary adventure and looking for the finest Japanese cuisine, exploring Washoku restaurants should be on your itinerary. Washoku, which translates to “Japanese food,” is deeply ingrained in Japan's culture and recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. It emphasizes seasonal ingredients and the balance of taste, texture, and presentation. Whether you're craving a heartwarming miso soup or a beautifully plated sashimi, Washoku is bound to offer an array of unforgettable flavors.
Washoku utilizes fresh, often local ingredients, to create dishes that celebrate the bounty of each season. It entails a wide variety of preparations, from steaming and grilling to raw preparations such as sushi or sashimi. With a focus on natural flavors, these restaurants emphasize the harmony between food and nature, making use of rice, fish, seaweed, and vegetables.
The art of Washoku goes beyond simply nourishing the body; it is also a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors and meticulous presentation of each dish are crafted to reflect nature and the changing seasons. From the subtle sweetness of dashi broth to the umami-rich flavors of soy-based sauces, the balance in each dish exemplifies the philosophy of this culinary art.
Why Choose Washoku Restaurants?
Dining at Washoku restaurants offers more than just a meal; it’s an immersive tradition-rich experience. Each bite invites diners to partake in a time-honored practice that Japanese chefs have perfected over centuries. The diversity found within Washoku means that it caters to various palates. Whether you enjoy the delicacy of tofu dishes or the full-bodied flavors of a well-marinated yakitori, there is something for everyone.
Many Washoku restaurants take pride in sourcing local ingredients to ensure the highest quality and freshness. Seasonal menus allow chefs to showcase the best produce available, with an understanding of umami and balance central to the execution of each dish. This dedication to excellence is why many Washoku establishments have earned global acclaim and even prestigious accolades.
Furthermore, visiting a Washoku restaurant is an opportunity to engage with Japanese culture in a genuine, impactful way. The knowledgeable staff are often eager to share the stories behind the dishes and offer insight into traditional Japanese dining etiquette, enhancing your dining experience.
Find Your Perfect Washoku Dining Experience
With countless Washoku restaurants to choose from, selecting the right one can enhance your culinary journey. Whether you prefer a quiet, intimate setting or a vibrant restaurant bustling with energy, there is a unique Washoku dining experience waiting for you. Some venues offer traditional tatami mat seating, where you can dine in a setting reflective of Japanese home traditions, whereas others may provide a contemporary twist on the classic offerings.
If you are in search of variety, opt for a kaiseki experience - a multi-course meal that showcases the chef’s creativity and skill across a series of small, beautifully presented dishes. For those looking for comfort food that leaves an impression, a warm bowl of ramen or steaming hot pot might be the answer.
Exploring Washoku restaurants is an enriching addition to any travel itinerary and will leave you with lasting memories and perhaps an inspiration to recreate these dishes at home. Take the chance to savor the deep flavors and artistic presentation that Washoku is celebrated for, and discover why it remains a beacon of Japanese cultural heritage.