The cuisine of Japan is as varied as the islands that the country is composed of. While noodles, rice, and sushi are given the lead, Japan has specialized in various regional and seasonal dishes. It doesn’t matter if it’s traditional or international cuisine, Japan has something available to everyone’s budget. There are many extravagant themed restaurants that provide delicious food but provide an experience of dining there exquisite.
From eating on tatami mats that are placed on the floor to having your food treated by ghosts here’s an overview of the most unusual restaurants that are located within Japan which serve delicious food.
Suggested read: 10 Best Hotels In Japan: A Traveler’s Experience
10 Great Japanese Restaurants to Try
Explore the top places in Japan in which you can indulge in the finest dining experience with your family and friends. Which of these places would be the first place you visit first?
1. Kobe Beef Kaiseki 511
The restaurant is situated close to close to the Akasaka station located in Tokyo The restaurant is renowned for its signature Japanese wagyu beef recipes. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is elegant and tranquil, with the option of the main dining space and private rooms. Kobe beef is cooked to perfection. Kobe steak is cooked at a very high temperature in order to get an ideal texture to the outside and keep the meat moist. It is possible to choose between the set Kobe lunch or dinner menu with wine, or an a la carte menu. The prices are reasonable as well. The place is ideal for the perfect romantic dinner with a partner.
Location: B1, Dear plaza Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo
Two-hour cost people: INR 4500 excluding drinks
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
2. Touzan-Hyatt Regency
Touzon restaurant located in the Hyatt Regency hotel in Kyoto is an internationally renowned Michelin stars restaurant. Its minimalist interiors Touzon serves authentic Japanese meals like Sashimi and Udon noodles prepared with fresh ingredients. The Japanese restaurant favors casual and stylish attire for guests to keep the ambience of the elegant place. The wine and beers served at the bar at the restaurant go perfectly with the excellent food.
Location: 644-2, Sanjusangendo, Hyatt Regency, Kyoto
Price for 2 persons: INR 3600
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5
3. Robot Restaurant
As odd as it might seem it may sound, the Robot restaurant located in the Shinjuku nightlife district in Tokyo is well-known around the world. It’s not a typical restaurant but rather a place that offers shows performed by actors in bright costumes and robots as well as savoring delicious food. The interiors are scary with the pulsing lights and loud music. It’s a bit intimidating. Robot restaurant is among the swankiest restaurants in Tokyo, Japan that should be on every list of places to visit.
Location: 1-7-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku 160-0021, Tokyo
Price for 2 persons: INR 6000
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5
Also read: 10 Magnificent Places To Visit In Japan: Land of The Rising Sun
4. Narisawa Restaurant
Narisawa is a Michelin star restaurant acknowledged as one of the top restaurants in Tokyo, Japan 2018. The restaurant is known for its contemporary satoyama food that is reminiscent of the natural landscapes and scenery on the plate. They offer a set dinner and lunch menu which changes throughout the year. There is a limited seating capacity in this chic, sleek and stylish restaurant so reservations are highly recommended. The wine collection at the restaurant is perfect with any food item available.
Location: 2-6-15 Minami Aoyama, Minato, Tokyo
Two-time cost persons: INR 32000
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
5. Ninja Akasaka
This Japanese restaurant located in Japan can be described as the sole restaurant which offers a fascination with eating with Ninjas. The restaurant is a specialist in Kaiseki and sushi, however, it also serves international cuisine. Inside, the restaurant looks like a remodeled Ninja’s home featuring trapdoors, fake ceilings, and secret hallways. The food prepared by ninjas is delicious because they cook with enthusiasm. They offer a set menu for dinner and an a la carte menu. Desserts are simply amazing. It’s a great place for kids to visit since there will be unplanned ninja shows during.
Location: Akasaka Tokyu Plaza, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Price for 2 people: INR 10000
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5
6. Honke Owariya Restaurant
This is a classic Japanese restaurant serving soba noodles as well as soba rice cakes at a budget-friendly cost. Just a stone’s throw from the most popular sightseeing places in Kyoto, Honke Owariya has been in business for over 400 years selling confectionaries made from soba. Its interiors restaurant is extremely homey with low tables, mats for tatami, and benches that are low. Soba noodles and vegetable soups are both a must at this restaurant.
Location: 64 Tienmeianocho, Shijo, Simogyo-Ku, Kyoto
Price for 2 persons: INR 2500
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5
Related read: 13 Most Fascinating Things To Do In Winter In Japan
7. Nobu Restaurant
Nobu restaurant is among the most well-known restaurants located in Tokyo, Japan for serving authentic Japanese cuisine with a unique twist. The atmosphere is a great part of this restaurant is elegant and elegant, complete with an upscale sushi bar. Their most requested dishes include yellowtail sashimi topped with jalapenos and miso black cod. It’s the perfect place to meet up with your business partners and friends while sipping on the best selections of wine and cocktails. The menus for dinner and lunch aren’t cheap, however, they are worth it because they are carefully designed in accordance with one’s diet.
Place: 4-1-28 Toranomon tower, Minato, Tokyo
Price for 2 persons: INR 16000
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
8. Mikawa Zezankyo
This restaurant located in Japan is well-known for its tempura seafood dishes in and of themselves. The restaurant is situated in the koto area, a residential area near the Sumida river in Tokyo. The interior of the restaurant is simple with an L-shaped table that is a nod to the tradition of eating food served on the mat. The tempura prawns are an absolute must-try here, along together with local beer and sake. It is possible to visit the restaurant for a late lunch, and also have a drink with your friends.
Location: 1-3-1 Fukuju, Koto, Tokyo
Price for 2 persons: INR 22,000
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
9. Jimbocho Den
A highly desired restaurant in Japan because of its exquisite cuisine, Jimbocho Den is known for its unique presentation techniques. It’s a tiny and modest restaurant situated in Chiyoda and its dishes are prepared with particular attention to the needs of customers. The menu is fixed which is subject to changes frequently. They serve western or sake wines with their food. The place is ideal to have a lunch date with friends and family.
Location: Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Price for 2 people: INR 18000
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
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10. Inakaya Restaurant
The restaurant is a specialist in the style of robatayaki cooking. It’s a method of cooking that is similar to barbeque, where different ingredients are cooked at various temperatures. Food is prepared at the dining tables and served with an extended wooden spatula that is placed on the grill. The restaurant uses fresh meat and seafood and the variety of food is endless. The traditional Japanese sake wine is included on the menu, and the costs are slightly higher than. But, it’s an experience to be had that is worth a visit.
Location: Alo building 1F, Minato, Tokyo
Two-time cost persons: INR 20000
TripAdvisor rating: 3.5/5
Tips for Dining Out In Restaurants in Japan
- Respect the strict dining rules In Japan.
- Reservations for tables should be made in advance.
- Chopsticks are used to eat.
- Japanese restaurants are known for the “no tipping” policy very seriously.
All of the well-known restaurants in Japan provide a pleasurable and delicious experience for those who love food. The Japanese dishes of ramen miso, okonomiyaki, and udon leaves, and matcha tea leaves are sure to leave you wanting more. Make a plan for the trip to Japan and be one of the participants in the food adventure across the country that’s guaranteed to make you want to come back for more! While you’re there be sure to inform you about the experience.