Michelin Guide Japan

History and presence of the Michelin Guide in Japan

The history of the Michelin Guide in Japan is relatively recent compared to its existence in Europe. The first edition of the Michelin Guide Tokyo was published in 2007, marking the famous red guide's first foray into Asia. The first edition was a resounding success, selling no fewer than 90,000 copies on its very first day. Japan thus became the first non-Western country to welcome the prestigious gastronomic guide.

Right from the start, the Michelin Guide recognized the excellence of Japanese cuisine by awarding eight three-star restaurants in Tokyo, placing the Japanese capital among the world's top gastronomic destinations. The 2008 edition confirmed this trend, and in 2014, with its seventh edition, Tokyo established itself as the world capital of gastronomy with 14 three-star establishments, surpassing Paris (10) and New York (7).

Over the years, the Guide has extended its coverage to other regions of Japan. The Kansai region (Kyoto, Osaka and Nara) got its own guide in 2012, followed by other major cities such as Hokkaido. Today, the Michelin Guide covers most of the Japanese archipelago, testifying to the gastronomic richness of the entire country.

Starred restaurants and their distribution across the Japanese archipelago

Japan stands out as one of the countries with the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. In 2024, according to official statistics, Japan ranks second in the world with a total of 378 starred establishments, just behind France with 639. Particularly impressive is the proportion of three-star restaurants, with 21 in Japan versus 30 in France.

Tokyo remains the most starred city in Japan, and one of the most starred in the world. The Japanese capital stands out for the diversity of its award-winning establishments: sushi, tempura, traditional kaiseki, fugu (puffer fish) and even contemporary French cuisine.

The Kansai region, comprising the cities of Kyoto, Osaka and Nara, is the country's second major gastronomic hub. Kyoto, the former imperial capital, is particularly renowned for its kaiseki haute cuisine restaurants, respecting centuries-old Japanese culinary traditions. In 2014, this region already boasted 7 three-star restaurants, equalling the number of three-star establishments in Osaka-Kobe-Nara.

Other cities such as Hokkaido in the north and Fukuoka in the south are also home to their fair share of starred restaurants, testifying to a relatively even spread of culinary excellence across the whole of Japan.

Understanding the Michelin rating system and evaluation criteria

The Michelin Guide rating system in Japan follows the same principles as elsewhere in the world. Restaurants are evaluated according to five universal criteria: the quality of the products, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef expressed through his or her cuisine, and consistency over time.

The guide uses its famous star system to classify establishments:

• Three stars (***): "Exceptional cuisine worth the trip"
• Two stars (**): "Excellent cuisine well worth the detour"
• One star (*): "High-quality cuisine"

In addition to the stars, the Michelin Guide also offers the "Bib Gourmand" distinction, created in 1997, which rewards establishments offering excellent value for money. This category is particularly well represented in Japan, where there are many restaurants offering high-quality cuisine at affordable prices. Some establishments, such as Tsuta, a ramen restaurant in Tokyo, have even managed to go from Bib Gourmand to Michelin-starred status.

The restaurants are assessed by anonymous professional inspectors who visit the establishments several times at different times of the year. These inspectors are former restaurant and hotel professionals, employed full-time by Michelin. To guarantee uniform evaluation criteria worldwide, the inspectors acquire international experience and use the same standards, whatever the destination.

Japanese culinary specialties highlighted by the guide

The Michelin Guide Japan highlights the richness and diversity of Japanese cuisine in over 25 different categories. Here are the main specialties represented:

Sushi, the emblem of Japanese gastronomy, is very well represented, with over 120 establishments rewarded in the guide, including several three-star restaurants such as Sushi Yoshitake in Tokyo. The art of sushi, which marries vinegared rice with the finest raw fish, is considered one of the most refined expressions of Japanese cuisine.

Kaiseki cuisine, a multi-course culinary tradition stemming from the tea ceremony, represents the very essence of Japanese haute cuisine, with its respect for the seasons and meticulous aesthetics. This category, often referred to as "Japanese" in the guide, includes over 350 award-winning establishments.

Tempura, a light-frying technique originating in Portugal but perfected in Japan, has some 28 restaurants honored, including 5 with two stars. Perfect control of oil temperature and cooking time is essential to achieve the characteristic airy frying.

Other specialties such as ramen (noodles served in a broth), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), fugu (puffer fish) and unagi (eel) are also represented in the guide, illustrating the diversity of Japanese gastronomy.

The Michelin Guide also recognizes more specific cuisines, such as shojin (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) or Okinawan cuisine, demonstrating its desire to embrace all facets of Japanese gastronomy.

Beyond restaurants: the Michelin Green Guide to Japan

Alongside the famous Red Guide, dedicated to gastronomy, Michelin also publishes the Green Guide, geared towards tourism and cultural discovery. Available in French and regularly updated, this guide offers a wealth of information for exploring Japan beyond its starred restaurants.

The Japan Green Guide offers a selection of tourist sites classified according to the Michelin star system: three stars for places "worth the trip", two stars for those "worth a detour" and one star for "interesting" sites. The three-star sites include such must-sees as Mount Fuji, Kyoto 's historic temples such as Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), and the sacred island of Miyajima.

The guide also includes themed itineraries to help you plan your trip, such as "Heading south: Kyushu and the archipelagos in 20 days", "The Tokaido route in 14 days" or "Around the Inland Sea in 10 days". These itineraries allow you to discover Japan at your own pace, according to your interests.

For families, the Green Guide offers activities adapted to children aged 6 to 14, such as a dive into the world of Japanese anime, a walk among the deer in Nara, or a desert experience on camelback in Tottori.

With its 845 richly illustrated pages and numerous maps, the Japan Green Guide is the ideal companion for preparing your trip and exploring the Japanese archipelago in all its cultural and natural diversity.

Practical tips for booking and enjoying recommended establishments

Booking a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant in Japan can be complex for foreign visitors, but a few strategies can make the process easier:

For the most prestigious restaurants, especially those with three stars, it is advisable to book several months in advance. Some establishments, such as Sukiyabashi Jiro (made famous by the documentary "Jiro Dreams of Sushi") only accept reservations for Japanese customers or those accompanied by a Japanese person, making access even more difficult.

Your hotel concierge can be a great help in making reservations, especially in high-end establishments. 5-star hotels generally have privileged relationships with Michelin-starred restaurants, and can sometimes secure tables even for the most sought-after establishments.

Specialized reservation services such as TableAll, Pocket Concierge or JpneaZy offer to make reservations for you for a fee. These platforms also offer information on restaurants in English, and can be a practical solution despite their cost.

For those who speak Japanese or are accompanied by a Japanese-speaking person, calling the restaurant directly remains the most efficient method. In fact, some establishments only accept reservations by telephone.

Once you're there, a few rules of etiquette are important to observe:

• Punctuality is essential - arriving late may result in cancellation of your reservation
• Respect the meal duration indicated at the time of reservation
• Inform the restaurant in advance of any allergies or dietary restrictions
• For sushi and kaiseki restaurants, avoid strong perfumes that could interfere with the delicate flavors

Budget and affordability of Michelin Guide Japan restaurants

Contrary to popular belief, Michelin Guide restaurants in Japan offer a wide range of prices, making the dining experience accessible to different budgets.

Three-star restaurants are generally the most expensive, with menus that can exceed 30,000 yen (around 230 euros) per person. These establishments often offer a complete experience with numerous dishes using Japan's most prestigious and rare ingredients.

One- and two-star restaurants offer more affordable rates, generally ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 yen (75 to 190 euros) for a full meal. Some also offer more affordable lunch formulas, at around 5,000 to 8,000 yen (40 to 60 euros).

The Bib Gourmand category represents the best value for money, with complete meals priced at less than 5,000 yen (around 40 euros). These include ramen, tonkatsu (breaded pork) and soba (buckwheat noodles) restaurants offering high-quality cuisine at very reasonable prices.

Some Michelin-starred establishments even offer menus for less than 1,000 yen (approx. 8 euros), particularly at lunchtime. For example, Tsuta, the world's first Michelin-starred ramen restaurant, offers bowls from 800 yen, while Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima, a one-star restaurant, also offers lunch packages for 800 yen.

To maximize your experience while keeping your budget in check, opt for lunches rather than dinners, choose Bib Gourmand restaurants or one-star establishments offering affordable formulas. This strategy will enable you to discover the excellence of Japanese gastronomy without necessarily spending considerable sums.

The Michelin Guide Japan offers a complete panorama of Japanese gastronomy, from the most prestigious establishments to the most affordable addresses, enabling everyone to find a culinary experience to suit their tastes and budget.