"Welcome to our curated list of recommendations for traveling and dining in Japan. These suggestions have been gathered from our personal networks. While these recommendations are not personally vetted by us, they come highly recommended by those within our network. Please feel free to add your own favourite spots or share any updates in the comments section below. If you come across any information that may have changed, such as closures or updated details, we would greatly appreciate your feedback. Let's build a community-sourced guide to ensure that everyone can enjoy the best of what Japan has to offer." Marco van Embden, Cape Town
1. Tour Operators / Travel Agent Recommendations
- Inside Japan Tours
- Plan Japan
Contact person: Rachel Laing She speaks fluent Japanese and her team is based in Japan. Rachel has done multiple exclusive trips for YPO members and families. For a foodie she can get you into private and exclusive restaurants which are amazing.
Email: info@planjapan.com.au
Contact number: 0061 434 400 151 - The Real Japan
Email: info@real-japan.com - Michi Travel Japan
Contact person: Shiro Yagaki
Email: shiroyagaki@michitravel.com “I wanted to share our great experience working with Michi Travel who was recommended to us by several people. We couldn’t have asked for a more flawless execution. Everything was perfect! They understood exactly our wants and needs.” "Fellow YPO’er Marisa Ruiz lived in Japan for 3 years and now organizes bespoke trips to Japan. She has organized two for me and my family, she is truly amazing and offers unique experiences! mr@sheva.com" – added April 2024
Index
More Travel Agents
- Espirit Travel
Contact person: Elaine Baran Email: ebaran@esprittravel.com
“I’ve been to Japan 16 times. December will be my 17th. I highly recommend” - Japan guide
Contact person: Ramki
Contact number: +81 80 9283988 - The J Team - Japan DMC
Contact person: James Kent
Email: mistertea@thejteam.jp - Tokyo Way
Contact person: Dhwani
Email: dhwani@tokyoway.jp - Plus Alpha
Contact person: Nemo Glassman
Email: nemo@plus-alpha.jp
Contact number: +81 90-9875-1696
2. Dining Recommendations
Dining in Kobe:
Dining in Kyoto:
- Scorpione Kichiu Kyoto - Italian
- The Shinmonzen - "a blend of French, American, and Asian influences"
- Katsu at Katsukura in Chome district Kyoto City
Dining in Tokyo:
- Cicada - Mediterranean restuarant
- Coco Curry – “all over Japan just walk in, Japanese curry rice, really nice desi touch and taste. Chains all over Tokyo. Vegetarian friendly.”
- Daikanyama Tsutaya Books / Ivy Place Restaurant (Western - assorted) “Welcome to the world’s best bookstore… but so much more! An indoor/outdoor experience within three buildings, come here to experience a masterclass of design, care, and attention. Experience the concierge service and buy some books, gifts, and stationery while you’re at it. Also, Ivy Place is an outstanding place for varied Western foods with an Italian and modern West Coast bent to it. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, coffee, and drinks, it’s the perfect culinary complement to your retail safari.”
- Farmers Cafe - ometsando hills accommodates vegetarians
- Fureika (Chinese - varied) - “I know, Chinese in Japan—why bother, right? It's a mid-scale sit-down restaurant which combines all the virtues of Japanese culinary skills with Chinese recipes. Certainly, try the PEK Duck which is prepared by two dedicated staff directly in the dining room.”
- Ginza Koso (Japanese - mid-end beef varied-style) “An all-around favourite for beef lovers... Upstairs in an unassuming building in a fancy district, this resto serves everything from a quick sit-down lunch @ $30 to a high-end dinner with top beef. Try the guy-don here, as well.”
- Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu - "popular because it featured in Kill Bill movie. If you go Sunday at 7pm there is a Japanese drum show (Taiko Drumming)"
- Hakashu Teppanyaki Shibuya - "hole in the wall place. Family run. Don’t expect fancy but the best Kobe Beef anyone will ever have. Casual steak house. MUST DO"
- Ishigaki-Yoshida (Japanese - high-end beef teppanyaki-style) “A very special experience and among the best teppan's in the world. Have a set-course tasting menu, and make sure to try the charcoal bread "beef sandwich" and the scrambled eggs with sea urchin. Prices range from $150 to $400 per person with a wine list to match.”
- Ise Sueyoshi - “Intimate, minimalist venue for thoughtfully plated, traditional multi-course Japanese meals. veg friendly”
- Isetan Department Store Food Hall (everything - varied) - “Forget Harrods in London, forget Le Bon Marché in Paris, heck even forget Taipei 101’s basement—this is the world’s number one best food hall. Come here for everything form a $2 lunch to one of the world’s best selections of Bordeaux’s available for sale. Heck, come here just to browse even if you’re not hungry (don’t worry, you’ll leave hungry).”
- INUA - Chef Thomas Frebel showcases Japanese ingredients in a whole new light. Taking its name from the Inuit term for the life force in all living things, INUA marries Japanese seasonality and ingredients with a Nordic sensibility.
Afuri Fine Ramen,Tokyo
Ramen Restaurants in Tokyo:
- Afuri Fine Ramen - "only one vegetarian ramen"
- Ichiran - "Ramen (Asakusa) not veg-friendly but best ramen in the world"
- Ippudo Ramen - "all over Japan just walk in"
- Ichiran Ramen - "all over Japan just walk in"
- Ts Tantan - "vegan Ramen restaurant inside Tokyo station"
Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo:
- Genki Sushi - "all over Japan just walk in"
- Jiro Sushi "in Ropponggi this is the sons restaurant of the famous Jiro Dreams of Sushi."
- Kinka “My husband and I had the best sushi dinner at Kinka in Roppongi. Took the kids to Gonpachi (Kill Bill restaurant) - really fun setting, unique, even if a little 'touristy'. Also a good sushi place called"
- Kyubey - “Great for a sushi experience. Not expensive and easier to get a booking.”
- Sukiyabashi Jiro - "Roppongi Hills branch"
- Saito Sushi
- Sushiiwa - “we learned was Steve Jobs favorite sushi restaurant. It was tiny, and ridiculously good.”
- Sushi Sukiya-bashi JIRO Roppongi - “We've been 5 of the top 10 sushi restaurants in Tokyo, and he's the best so far. This is not the original JIRO (of documentary fame) in the Ginza subway station; this is his son (a young 60 years), and he has a 12-seat restaurant in one of the cooler Western-style developments in Tokyo (Roppongi Hills). There you'll also find L'Atlier Joel Roubuchon (great pastries) among dozens of amazing restaurants and stores. Cost- $125-200 per person depending on how much fish you eat and sake/wine choices. MAKE RESERVATIONS.”
Michelin Star Restaurants in Tokyo:
- Arva - (Italian) Restaurant at Aman Hotel
- Daigo - vegetarian Japanese zen restaurant, 2 Michelin stars
- Jöel Robuchon Restaurant - “The most “starred” chef in the world, Joël Robuchon has created a true dining experience in Japan. Located inside a French-style chateau, the restaurant is filled with sparkling crystals everywhere you look. Your gorgeous surroundings and their impeccable service are mere footnotes to the actual food: a French dining experience on par with the best in the world. Actually, 3 Michelin stars means, it is amongst the best in the world.”
More Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Tokyo:
- L'Effervescence (Fusion - French/Japanese fine dining) - “If you want the Japanese take on high-end French cuisine, this is your place. A Michelin 3-star chef trained in Europe, this is the most beautiful dining room I think I've ever seen. Go for dinner. Cost-$200-$300 per person. This is a special experience. Make reservations.”
- L'Osier (French - fine dining) - “Located in Shisedo's luxury Ginza headquarters, The French call this one of the best French restaurants in the world - 3 stars, every award you can imagine. It's French Nouvelle Cuisine adapted to using the best ingredients from around the world - especially northern Japan. Cost-$150-300 plus wine. Make reservations.”
- Ometosando Ukai Tei - "Authentic Teppanyaki - Michillean - Beautiful ambience. President Trump had dinner here on his recent visit to Tokyo."
- Narisawa - “Japanese Asian - gastronomic experience. It’s fine dine for sure. Be ready to eat almost anything and everything. The menu and course is a surprise.”
“The satoyama-inspired cuisine that Yoshihiro Narisawa serves at his sleek Tokyo restaurant is nothing short of a great experience deserving of the restaurant’s accolades and consistently rated amongst the top restaurants in Asia and in the world.” - Tapas Molecular Bar - “Fusion cuisine - Molecular gastronomic experience. Almost like a food opera. Very difficult to get a reservation. MUST DO”
- Tratoria dai Paesani (Italian) vegetarian friendly
- Yanesen Nakamura - bring cash, tell them your budget, and they will tailor it to you.”
More incredible restaurants in Tokyo:
- Krung Siam Nakameguro - Thai restaurant in Shibuya veg friendly
- Koffee Mameya - coffee beans experience
- Kitsuneya (Japanese - casual beef gyu don-style)
“A treasure which, ironically enough, is located at the main fish market for the country. They have a half-dozen menu items, but the Guy-Don (stewed beef in onion sauce on rice) is one of the best in the world. You'll need to eat outside, standing-up, but you'll spend less than $10 per person. If you're a little more adventurous, also try the tripe dish. Make sure you use the TableLog website since you'll have to study the map and recognize the food stand from photos.” - Las Dos Caras - Mexican good food near ometasando hills, veg friendly
- Nissan Crossing Cafe - 2nd floor cafe latte art you can get a coffee with your photo on it.
- New York Grill - "on the 52nd floor of the Tokyo Park Hyatt. “Great food and incredible views of the city”
- Patisserie Aoki (Fusion - bakery/desserts) - “An upscale boutique steps from the Imperial Palace grounds where Sadaharu Aoki combines his classical French training with Japanese flavours to create some seriously wonderful desserts. They're particularly famous for the matchstick chocolates—which will make a fantastic gift for folks back home. Make this a mid-afternoon break with a cup of tea/coffee.”
- Roku Roku at the Grand Hyatt.
- Roppongi Robotaya - Reservations required
- Soba Noodles and tasting plate at Kamakura Matsubaraan Keyaki near Harajuku
- Sakura Tei - "Shibuya for Okonomiyaki English friendly arty vibe area"
- Tofu Ukai
- Tempura Kondo - "for a tempura tasting meal watching a 67 year old master at work"
- Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan - "when going to the market and sit at the bar with the older man in the round glasses. Worth the wait and tucked away in a narrow pathway at the market."
- Tempura Horikawa - “Incredible tempura restaurant in the MAIN building at the New Otani Hotel, Akasaka—it's not a hotel resto but rather a 3rd-party that rents. Reservations not necessary, but you can. I've been going here for 20 years. We've been to all the 2 and 3-star tempura places in Tokyo—this gentleman beats them all.”
- Teppan Baby Shinjuku - need to reserve
- Tsukishima Monja Street - for okonomiyaki
- Tonkatsu Maisen (Japanese - katsu) - “Perhaps the world’s ultimate comfort food, katsu is tempura’s deeper-flavoured cousin. Come here for a classic and classy take where you’ll be presented with the katsu of your choice (go for the pork cutlet!) and its traditional accompaniments, including unlimited additional servings of rice and fresh chopped cabbage (Oliver Garden meets Japanese style and tradition). For real eaters, order both a katsu set and a katsu sando. Great for lunch or dinner and even better with a large beer.”
- Ukai Tei - “in world famous Ginza with its array of Japanese and Western antique furniture, an atmosphere where art-nouveau and Japanese style meet, just like a museum. Here the food is one half of the thrill; the other is watching the mesmerizing skills of the teppanyaki chefs.”
3. Bar Recommendations
Bars in Tokyo:
- Gen Yamamoto (Global - cocktails) - "If you only go to one place we recommend, go to Gen Yamamoto for drinks. It's an 8-seat 'bar/lounge' where the bartender/owner/only employee prepares the most special tastings I've ever had. Sincerely, I've never had food or drink so thoughtfully created, as delicious as he prepares. Block out 90-120 minutes, and please have the 6-course drink menu dégustation. Portions are small. He's a master. Cost can be as low as $20USD, but for the full experience, plan on spending about $100USD. Make reservations - 8 seats only. E-mail Gen-san directly at office@genyamamoto.jp"
- Jus de Pêche (Global – cocktails) "If Gen Yamamoto’s 6-course drinks degustation isn’t right for tonight, head here for a more traditional cocktail bar set-up. Located in the heart of Roppongi, the creative and traditional selection is the perfect beginning or end (open until 3a!) to any night. Don’t be surprised to find the world’s greatest chefs who visit Tokyo blended among the crowd."
- Star Bar Ginza (Western - bar)
“You instantly go back in time to the 1950's America feel at this magnificent, super-clean basement bar in the Ginza district. The only bar to have won the best Scotch bar award outside the UK. Check it out. Cost- $15-$30 per person based on what you order. Beware it can be very smoky inside.” - Tokyo Whiskey Library
- Mandarin Oriental Bar - "Below Tapas Molecular. Have a drink there. Excellent collection of whiskey"
- Ritz Carlton Bar - 45th Floor
- In Ebisu – Bar Martha for Japanese whisky and a great record collection and, just a couple of storefronts down, Ippo which is on the second floor; sushi and sake at a counter with six or eight seats max - http://travel.cnn.com/tokyo/eat/ippo-sake-and-sushi-all-one/.
4. Activities Recommendations
Activities in Hakone:
- Stay in Mikaway Ryokan to eat kaiseki cuisine and bath in your own private onsen (hot spring)
- Visit Hakone Open-air Museum – “one of the best art experiences I have had in my life anywhere in the world”
Activities in Hiroshima:
- See the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
- Visit Miyajima Island
Activities in Kyoto:
- The train or transportation is super easy. Google does everything. One open is to get a Japanese SIM card.
- Food at Nishiki Market
- Gion district evening Geisha walk - "This immersive walk lasts about 2 hours, starting at 7 pm in front of Yasaka Temple. It's the ideal occasion to experience the unique atmosphere of Gion under the stars, discovering its nighttime secrets"
- Fushimi Inari Shrine and Bamboo Forest
- Kinkakuji Golden Sshrine
- Yamazaki Distillery
- Arashiyama and Bamboo Forest
- Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- Kinkaku-ji Temple
- Nijo-jo Castle – Kyoto
- Ryoanji Temple – Kyoto
Activities in Tokyo:
- Asakusa Shrine - "Also known as Sanja-sama (Shrine of the Three gods), it is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in the city. The shrine honors the three men who founded the Sensō-ji and then food in the market next door - good on holidays and festivals"
- Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku District
- Nakano Broadway - “Otaku ‘Nerd’ culture hotspot for anime, games, cosplay girls etc.”
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Tsukiji fish market - "one of the biggest fish markets in Japan. It is located in central Tokyo, and there are about 400 shops lining the streets selling fresh foods and kitchen utensils. Tsukiji is the best place to learn Japanese culinary culture and the history of Tokyo."
- Tokyo Skytower
- Shibuya crossing for the spectacle
- A971
- Add snowboarding to the list of to do’s and mountain biking in the summer.
- do a boat tour, possibly get a private tour guide
- Golden Gai – it’s a must-see
- Imperial Palace Plaza
- Japanese Garden
- Kaiayka by the sea - cheap and personal favorite's
- Naka Meguro is picturesque and much quieter than the rest of Tokyo, it’s fun to stroll along the canal
- Nakamise Street
- Sensoji Temple
- Shashimi, fish capacio, the fish of the day, octopus and you pick. It’s amazing
- Shibuya station - outside, up and left, cigar shop next to the barber.
- Shinjuku alleys of Kabukicho Golden Gai
- The Perfect 24 hours: Fish market, Museums, Sky tree, Shibuya, Shopping, Dinner - Make dinner reservations a week in advance
- Tsukiji Fish Market
- Wall Street café
Interesting classes in Japan with kids:
- I always suggest a cooking class with a grocery store tour to pick ingredients. Perhaps a tour of their famous fish market as well.
- Ninja and Samurai experience for kids
- Wakaba Building 4F, 1-1-18 Taishi,
- Nishinari-ku, Osaka City
- In Kyoto don’t miss the Murakami exhibition at Kiocera museum of art. Simply amazing.
- In Tokyo visit the new area Azubadai Hills were the new Hotel Janu is.
- Also the Yayoi Kusama museum is a must.
- Try to go to a Zumo tournament if there is one.
- In Naoshima the Bennese House Oval side is spectacular.
- The Asaba Ryokan (near Hakone) in Shuzenji is an incredible experience
5. Accommodation Recommendations
- Stay in the five-star Palace Hotel Tokyo in the Marunouchi district.
”An iconic fixture since opening in 1961, a three-year redesign resulted in a gleaming new 23-story tower that’s retained hints of its historic past — from the original white grand piano in the lobby to the aji stone walls echoing the Imperial Palace stonemasonry. An award-winning hotel to match their award-winning restaurants.” - The Grand Prince Shinaguya
6. Shopping Recommendations
- Art and Antiques on Shinmonzen - Dori Street
- Donguri - in Kyoto Teppanyaki - just walk in
- Ginza district for high street shopping
- Shimo Kitazawa district for vintage clothing - known as one of Tokyo's coolest, most bohemian neighbourhoods, the Shimokitazawa district is a can't-miss destination for vintage lovers: The streets are lined with vintage clothing and record stores, cafés, and bars
- U-kiyo print shopping and other shopping at Nishiki Market
- A Guide to Shibuya, Tokyo’s Most Fashionable District
Maidreamin - There are several shops in Akihabara so check for the shops’ addresses and access
Omotesando is great for shopping. I basically just wandered around here – there’s a ton of stuff.
Shimokitazawa – cool independent retailers, small funky options
Bashar Requests:
- The Cassette Store, Waltz – 4-15-5
- Nakameguro, Meguro – Closed Mondays
- Morimoto Museum Tokyo
- Commes de Garcons Tokyo
- Neighborhood Tokyo
- Supreme Tokyo
Japan Forum Retreat example
Japan info recommended by a fellow YPO'er for a forum:
We just did our forum trip to Tokyo and Kyoto. See below for the ideas compiled:
Night:
- Tokyo Tower
- Tokyo Sky Tree
- Roppongi - tokyos metro Hibiya line
- Roppongi - Mori Tower observat deck
- Tokyo Metropolitan Goverment offices building
- Spider sculpture, Maman then to Moro tower 52nd floor observation deck
- Shibuya crossing to Shibuya 109
- Shibuya is on the JR Yamanote Line
Saturday:
- fish market. Tsukiji Fish Market
- Akihabara
- Imperial palace
Northern:
- Tokyo national museum
- Tokyo Skytree
- Tokyo Skytree, 634m amazing views of the city. On a clear day mt Fuji would be the shot
Make a reservation at these for dinner: Edo-Tokyo Museum, Asakusa
Western:
- Shibuya
- Meiji shrine
- Shinjuku
- Tokyo metro government building
- Harajuku (omotesando avenue)
Southern:
- Roppongi Hills
- Tokyo tower
