Washoku Restaurants(35)
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 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 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.
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 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 MENUGinza Wakyo
A think-outside-the-box culinary philosophy drives the creative cuisine at this restaurant, which aims to make haute Japanese cuisine fun. Beautiful artisanal tableware and crockery meet creatively-plated and immaculately-prepared cuisine.
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.
COURSE MENUTokyo sakaki.
“From Tokyo to the world" — after 25 years in the making, this neo-Japanese haven in Yoyogi bursts onto the scene, led by a visionary chef whose boundless ambition fuels every dish.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
SEAT RESERVATIONYoshizawa
A traditional Kyoto experience in the lavish Roppongi district, this kaiseki restaurant keeps its guests on their toes with a new array of dishes each month. The sukiya-style design of the restaurant sets a homey yet sophisticated ambience.
SEAT RESERVATIONAomi (Halekulani Okinawa Hotel)
In this Halekulani Okinawa Hotel signature restaurant, some of Japan’s most beloved dishes and preparation styles are served in an upscale, contemporary dining space on the Okinawa coast.
SEAT RESERVATIONOtemachi Asada
Historically from Kanazawa, Kaga cuisine’s resplendent dining style is characterized by high ingredient quality and showmanship. Ryotei Asada brings it to Tokyo, delighting locals and guests with rich flavors from Japan’s western coast.
SEAT RESERVATIONJapanese Dining KURA (ANA Crowne Plaza Niigata)
This Niigata restaurant is famed for luxury kaiseki menus — lunch and dinner both — that show off the best of Japan’s four seasons. Seasonal ingredients like chestnuts, sweetfish and wagyu beef take turns to share the spotlight.
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.
Recent Reviews from Guests
Discover the Essence of Washoku
Washoku, the heart of traditional Japanese cuisine, is an exquisite culinary art that emphasizes seasonality, quality of ingredients, and meticulous presentation. Originating in Japan, this culinary tradition is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, celebrated for its cultural significance and health benefits. Whether you are a first-time taster or a seasoned enthusiast, exploring Washoku provides a unique opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Japanese culture through its food.
In a Washoku restaurant, you can expect to experience a meal that is well-balanced both in flavor and nutritional content. Dishes typically consist of rice, a main protein, and several side dishes accompanied by miso soup and pickles. The emphasis is on preserving the natural flavors of the ingredients, making each dish a reflection of Japan's natural abundance.
What to Expect at a Washoku Restaurant
At a Washoku restaurant, you will find a variety of dishes that highlight the four seasons, thanks to the Japanese philosophy of using ingredients at their peak freshness. From spring's tender bamboo shoots to summer's vibrant tomatoes, autumn's earthy mushrooms, and winter's hearty roots, the menu is finely tuned to the seasons. This ensures not only a flavorful dining experience but also one that is in harmony with nature.
The dining setting in a traditional Washoku restaurant is often as important as the food itself. Many of these establishments pay careful attention to ambiance, including traditional tatami floors, paper lanterns, and sometimes even garden views to enhance your dining experience. This adds to the overall tranquility and enjoyment of your meal.
Choosing the Right Washoku Restaurant
When selecting a Washoku restaurant, consider what aspect of the cuisine you are most eager to explore. Some restaurants might specialize in kaiseki, a multi-course dining experience akin to a Western degustation menu, while others might focus on specific dishes such as sushi, tempura, or soba noodles. Each type offers its own unique approach to Washoku, whether it’s the intricate preparation of kaiseki or the simple, yet artful, presentations of a sushi counter.
Moreover, many Washoku restaurants offer options for various dietary preferences and needs. Whether you're looking for vegetarian dishes or need something gluten-free, the versatility and diversity of Washoku ensure that you will find something suitable for your preferences. Always check the menu in advance or feel free to speak to the staff about specific dietary requirements.
Embarking on a Washoku dining experience is more than just a meal; it’s a journey through the rich culinary traditions and meticulous artistry of Japan. Whether you are in search of a casual everyday meal or an elaborate dining affair, the world of Washoku awaits with its harmonious blend of taste, health, and tradition.