Japanese sushiChef Kagehisa Imada¥¥¥¥¥27,000-40,000Book 2-4 weeks via Pocket Concierge ahead
Ginza Kyubey Honten has run an Edomae sushi counter since 1935 and invented the gunkan-maki seaweed-wrapped style. La Liste No. 2 worldwide in 2018.
Tip: Lunch omakase is the value play at half the dinner price. Counter only on the ground floor.
French fine diningChef Shinobu Namae¥¥¥¥¥38,500Book Online 90 days ahead ahead
L'Effervescence in Tokyo's Nishi-Azabu is Shinobu Namae's three-Michelin-star modern French room with a Green Star, sourcing 80% Japanese produce.
Tip: Closed Sundays and Mondays. Online bookings via TableCheck open 90 days ahead; lunch is the only reachable seating most weeks.
JapaneseChef Koji Koizumi¥¥¥¥¥38,500Book 60 days via Pocket Concierge ahead
Kohaku in Tokyo's Kagurazaka is Koji Koizumi's three-Michelin-star kaiseki house tucked up an alley. Counter and private rooms, ten guests per service.
Tip: Closed Sundays. Reserve via Pocket Concierge; the cha-kaiseki tea-ceremony seasonal menu is the through-line.
French fine diningChef Shuzo Kishida¥¥¥¥¥27,500Book 60 days via Pocket Concierge ahead
Quintessence in Tokyo's Gotenyama is Shuzo Kishida's three-Michelin-star modern French room, no menu and no choice, the chef decides each day from market.
Tip: Closed Sundays. The lunch course is the same as dinner at lower price; reserve through Pocket Concierge.
Japanese sushiChef Takashi Saito¥¥¥¥¥40,000+Book Concierge-only since 2020 ahead
Sushi Saito in Tokyo's Roppongi is Takashi Saito's eight-seat edomae sushi counter in Ark Hills South. Three Michelin stars 2009-2019, concierge-only.
Tip: Top hotel concierges and a few private members handle bookings; cold-call requests are not accepted.
JapaneseChef Seiji Yamamoto¥¥¥¥¥44,000Book 90 days via Tableall ahead
Nihonryori RyuGin in Tokyo Midtown Hibiya is Seiji Yamamoto's three-Michelin-star kaiseki room. Asia's 50 Best lifetime list, holds No. 2 status in Japan.
Tip: Closed Sundays. The strawberry candy-apple dessert is the landmark closer; reserve through Tableall 90 days ahead.