Japanese people all over the country take the selection of the ingredients very seriously. This will become apparent should you wander into any grocery store and have a look at the fruit section in particular. Not only are the fruits huge, magnificent, and perfect, but they are priced as such. And it’s a price that most Japanese people are willing to pay, for an exceptional product. The demand for excellent cuisine has made Japan the location of many of the top restaurants in the world. Tokyo currently holds more Michelin 3-star restaurants than Paris and dominates the list of the top 50 best eateries in Asia. Experience these world-class options for yourself from the famous sushi of Jiro to the intricate delicacies of Kojyu.
Restaurant Type
Destinations
Sapporo
Sushi Ikko, tucked away in Susukino's busy entertainment district, is one of the most prominent sushi establishments in Sapporo, and is rated at 2 Michelin stars. A modern stone entrance leads beyond a wooden sliding door into a classical interior, dominated by a massive counter of polished hinoki wood. From behind this culinary stage, Chef Kudo carefully crafts his sushi dishes to complement each other throughout the meal. A course may include grilled seaperch preceding a piece of gizzard shad, complemented with a serving of fatty tuna, which is then followed by yellowtail - a journey of flavors and textures that tell the stories of their respective seasons. Courses at Sushi Ikko start at ￥20,000.
Sapporo
Nihonryori Komatsu, in the Maruyama area of Sapporo, serves elegent kaiseki cuisine in a splendid garden setting, and has earned a Michelin star. After stepping past the flowing noren curtain, guests step into a brightly lit restaurant featuring a large window with a thick forest view. Chef Komatsu, using his locally-sourced, fresh ingredients, takes his guests on a mouthwatering culinary journey through the seasons. Traditional seafood common to kaiseki arrive, perfectly prepared, but presented in a uniquely playful manner, such as hair crab soaking in grilled miso within a bowl of yuzu fruit rind, or tender ayu sweetfish swimming among a sea of autumn leaves. Komatsu's courses start at ￥10,000.
Sapporo
Hanakoji Sawada, in the Susukino neighborhood of Sapporo, is a superlative establishment that sits among the top kaiseki places in Hokkaido. The chef and his wife smilingly welcome guests to their Michelin 3-star restaurant, an interior that seamlessly blends traditional decoration with a modern Japanese elegance. Chef Kago serves his guests such seasonal delicacies as kinki rockfish in an exquisite dashi, chrysanthemum greens with caviar topping, and fresh Hokkaido sea urchin set over grilled eggplant in white miso. His signature dish, a deep-fried corn, is grown locally, prepared so that each grain bursts with savory flavor with each bite. Courses at Hanakoji Sawada start at ￥15,000.
Sapporo
Molière, a Michelin 3-star French restaurant in the Miyagaoka neighborhood of Sapporo, flawlessly weaves French cooking with locally-sourced Hokkaido ingredients and old-fashioned Japanese hospitality. Elegant French aesthetic and homespun Hokkaido charm meet in a classically chic dining area lit by large glass windows overlooking Maruyama park, but it is the seasonal floral arrangement that truly brightens the room. Chef Nakamichi, the true pioneer of French cuisine in Hokkaido, carries his refined approach to each ingredient, with a special emphasis on Hokkaido's vegetables and seafood, often making them the central focus. Courses at Moliere start at ￥20,000.
Sapporo
Le Musée, in the Maruyama neighborhood of Sapporo, is a fashionable French restaurant with 1 Michelin star. Upon entry, you'd be forgiven if you felt like you walked into a modern section of the Louvre, with walls the tone of creamy ivory accented by chic paintings carefully spaced at intervals. Chef Ishii brings his own culinary artwork to the table, bringing to life the fresh and natural delicacies of Hokkaido. His focus is bringing out all the colors and scenes of nature in his dishes, no matter if they are the frozen textures and pure colors of winter or the bright and blooming images of a new spring. The courses at Le Musee start at ￥20,000.
Fukuoka
Sushi Takao, found in the neighborhood of Hakata, is a high-end sushi restaurant with one Michelin star. Guests are welcomed to sit behind the cedar-wood counter by the chef's friendly and attentive wife, while Chef Takao gives his entire focus to preparing the course. The chef pays close attention to the rice accompanying each tender cut of fish, producing an al dente rice blend that melts in the mouth. Delicately placed atop the rice are carefully worked pieces of seasonal favorites, including fatty tuna, giant locally-caught shrimp, and silvery gizzard shad. Courses at Sushi Takao start at ￥10,000.
Fukuoka
Sagano is located in Hakata, and is among the top restaurants serving kaiseki cuisine in Fukuoka. Rated at 3 Michelin stars, the restaurant, first established in 1967, offers guests the the rare opportunity to experience traditional Kyoto-style cuisine in an old-fashioned private room behind a tranquil courtyard of bamboo trees. Immersing his guests in his cultural roots, Chef Uchiki serves masterfully prepared dishes - fresh vegetables, warm dashi broth, and fresh seafood arrive on picturesque tableware that evoke all the images and flavors of each season. Courses at Sagano start at ￥20,000.
Japan is known for having some of the most lavish spas, succulent cuisine, and of course, a rich history and culture to captivate any traveler. See below for examples of the luxury you can find in Japan. Browse our collection of exclusive Extraordinary Experiences carefully hand-elected by our professional Japan travel specialists. Our Luxury Hotel Collection lists Japan's grandest, most comfortable hotel accommodations with every possible amenity. Our collection of Luxury Ryokan offer the tranquil atmosphere of a traditional Japanese inn paired with world-famous hot spring baths. Finally, check out our listing of Best Dining Experiences for world-class, Michelin-star restaurants in every major city to appeal to every taste.
Let AJT be your gateway to carefully curated experiences and high-quality travel services as you enjoy the best that Japan has to offer. Only the most authentic, traditional Japanese experiences.
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Stay at one of Japan's ultra-luxurious hotel accommodations. AJT has partnered with the best hotels Japan has to offer. Enjoy the top hotels at great locations to get the most out of your trip.
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After a long day of experiencing Japan, steep yourself in the relaxing atmosphere of a traditional Ryokan, complete with world-renowned hot spring baths.
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Japan offers some of the best dining scenes on the planet. Enjoy dining and culinary experiences you won’t want to miss when visiting Japan.
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We truly enjoyed our custom family of 10 tour!
The Sugino Group
This tour was a once in a lifetime experience and we are so happy and grateful we got to experience it. We learned so much about Japan and its culture. We got to stayed in traditional Japanese hotels and enjoyed traditional meals. Our guide and driver were very professional and always on time. They always made sure we were comfortable. We really hope we get the opportunity to do another tour with AJT
The Lam Family
Excellent trip with wonderful guides and drivers. Would not do it any other way! Thank you for listening to what we wanted to do for our trip and accommodating us! We loved that you could book our experiences for us! We will definitely use your company again!
Christine, Jamie, and Wendoyn
Complex itinerary. Perfectly organized logistics. Excellent people to work with.
Shakeel & Joan
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Mr. Takasugi & Ms. Kubota
When you contact us through e-mail or phone, we will discuss the type of trip and services you're interested in. There are many things to consider when planning your trip to Japan, such as your travel date, length of stay, destination cities, points of interest, and budget. Based on this information, we will create an initial “sketch” itinerary that includes an outline of recommended travel routes, destinations, accommodations, transportation type, and services we can provide.
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