With its fascinating culinary history, superb quality ingredients, and diverse food scene, it is no surprise that Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a paradise for everyone. From authentic Japanese food to elevated fine dining experiences, Tokyo has it all.

It boasts 200 Michelin-starred restaurants, surpassing other eclectic cities like New York and Paris, and it is no wonder how this data intrigues more visitors to dive into the culinary experience of Michelin-star dining in Tokyo. For a casual traveler, a passionate foodie, a VIP, or an expert Michelin inspector – this vibrant city is a gastronomic playground waiting to be explored.

Learn more: Top 10 reasons why Tokyo is the dining capital of the world | The ultimate guide to Tokyo's top Omakase restaurants

How the Michelin stars rating system work in Japan

A Michelin-starred restaurant is always an irresistible attraction for guests, as it also serves as an excellent quality assurance. Michelin inspectors, who assess and reward stars to restaurants, work anonymously, independently, and of course, are people with solid expertise and non-debatable passion in the industry. As a result, their restaurant ratings are widely recognized and trusted globally, which can impact the reputation and future of a restaurant.

This Michelin star rating system is universal and extends to Japan, a country known for its exceptional culinary scene with Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka leading with the most number of Michelin-starred restaurants nationwide.

Now comes the million-dollar question; how to get a Michelin star and get listed in the Michelin Guide? Japanese restaurants may receive one star (high-quality cooking, two stars (exceptional cooking to three Michelin stars (exceptional cuisine) based on five criteria:

• Quality of ingredients

• Expertise in cooking techniques and flavor

• Chef's distinctive style

• Balance and harmony of flavors

• Consistency between visits
  

The Michelin Guide is updated annually: new stars may be awarded and restaurants may gain or lose stars in every edition. The Michelin Guide has also started handing out Michelin Green stars to highlight restaurants that operate and follow sustainable business practices.

Learn more: What can you learn from Michelin-starred restaurants and iconic establishments?

List of Michelin-starred TableCheck clients in Tokyo

Within all of the noteworthy Michelin Star dining places in this dreamy city, here is a list of TableCheck clients who are amongst the best Michelin restaurants in Tokyo:

1. Florilège: Award-winning restaurant in the Minato-ku neighborhood in Tokyo

Spearheaded and owned by Chef Hiroyasu Kawate, Florilege is a star-studded, award-winning restaurant in the Minato-ku neighborhood in Tokyo. Chef Kawate’s dream of a “Table d’hôte” style French restaurant where guests can share a large table with all guests has led the establishment to be one of the best restaurants in Tokyo, including earning two Michelin stars, a Michelin Green Star and World’s & Asia’s 50 Best. With its sustainability initiatives and plant-based menus, the team is committed to serving more vegetables and less meat and seafood, with local fresh ingredients, to delight the guests with Japanese warmth and finesse.

Address: 2nd floor, Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza D, 5-10-7 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001
Website: Florilége
Reservations: TableCheck

2. Sazenka: Blending Japanese flavors with ancient Chinese techniques

Sazenka is one of the restaurants with three Michelin stars in Tokyo, precisely at Minami-Azabu, led by Chef Tomoya Sawada. Under Sawada’s vision and lead since 2017, Sazenka’s gastronomy has been elevated with Japanese and Chinese cuisine interpretation, through the triumph of Japanese spirit and executed with ancient Chinese techniques. With its delectable degustation and seasonal courses cooked with Japanese flavors, this Chinese-Japanese restaurant has become a regular in the yearly Michelin Guide Japan.

Address: 4 Chome-7-5 Minamiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0047, Japan
Website: Sazenka
Reservations: TableCheck

3. Ginza Toyoda: Elegance meets traditional Japanese cuisine in the heart of Ginza

Ginza Toyoda, a Michelin-star restaurant in the prestigious area of Ginza, is a culinary haven where Chef Seiji Funashima expresses his passion for traditional Japanese cuisines through his delectable dishes using the finest seasonal ingredients in gorgeous Celadon vessels. The establishment also spoils its guests with exquisite selections of curated wine and sake and overall wraps the whole experience solemnly to be a core memory worth telling with its elegant and warm wood decor, soft lighting, and delightful flavors, designed by the talented Nakamura Sotoji Komuten.

Address: 2F Laviale Ginza Building, 7-5-4 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Website: Ginza Toyoda
Reservation: TableCheck

4. Jukuseizushi Yorozu: Omakase oasis in Shibuya's backstreets

Nested in a hideaway spot near the hustle-bustle neighborhood of Shibuya, the one-Michelin-starred Jukuseizushi Yorozu is the place to go to savor an omakase meal. Chef Akira Shirayama’s expert hands and techniques build the perfect umami symphony of vinegar, matured rested fish, and rice into the shape of delectable sushi.

Guests are guaranteed one of the best sushi in Tokyo, while also offering selected sake to pair with. With another side of traditional Edomae sushi with perfectly aged fish, Jukuseizushi Yorozu is a sublime attraction in the vibrant Tokyo food scene, surely not to be missed.

Address: 〒150-0011 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Higashi, 4 Chome−6−5 ヴァビル 301
Reservations: TableCheck

5. Pierre Gagnaire at ANA InterContinental Tokyo: Culinary experience amidst Tokyo's skyline

Pierre Gagnaire by Chef Pierre Gagnaire is a stunning two-Michelin-starred restaurant prestigiously located on the 36th floor of the five-star hotel ANA InterContinental Tokyo. Guests will be invited to discover his award-winning contemporary French cuisine with a shimmering and elegant ambiance of Tokyo metropolis and Tokyo Tower as a backdrop. For culinary lovers who are keen to indulge in Chef Pierre’s dedication to creating unprecedented tastes and to immerse in the fine dining scene in Tokyo, Pierre Gagnaire is the place to go.

Address: 1 Chome-12-33 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Website: Pierre Gagnaire – ANA InterContinental Tokyo
Reservations: TableCheck

6. Dominique Bouchet: French culinary jewel in Ginza blending authenticity and Innovation

Located within the posh shopping district of Ginza, the one-Michelin-starred Dominique Bouchet Tokyo offers delightful gastronomic indulgence. This French-inspired restaurant undoubtedly makes it to the A-list with carefully curated lunch and dinner menus using locally sourced Japanese ingredients, presented in a distinctive interpretation of French cuisine that is both authentic and innovative. The whole dining experience is elevated with its diverse selection of French wines, including notable choices from Bordeaux, Bourgogne, and Burgundy, to its in-house blended coffees and teas accompanying the final petit four. It is safe to say that Dominique Bouchet Tokyo exemplifies French culinary artistry in Tokyo.

Address: 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 1 Chome−5−6 銀座レンガ通り福神ビル ２F
Website: Dominique Bouchet
Reservations: TableCheck

7. Chez Olivier: Savoring seasonal French authenticity in a one-Michelin-Starred relaxed setting

Opening its door in 2009, Chez Olivier is the chef-owner Olivier Oddos’ pride and joy which offers wholesome, authentic French cuisines in a relaxed atmosphere. With organic vegetables and ingredients thoughtfully sourced from small producers from all over the country, this one-Michelin-starred restaurant values genuine taste and homemade process. Dishes are made based on orders, served fresh, and allowing the guests to fully indulge their tastebuds in the distinctive, rich flavors of the season.

Address: 〒102-0074 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Kudanminami, 4 Chome−1−10 グランドメゾン九段南 1F
Website: Chef Olivier
Reservations: TableCheck

Tokyo as the Michelin capital of the world

These Michelin-starred restaurants headed by award-winning chefs in Tokyo are constantly in demand throughout the years, and to ensure seamless culinary adventure, it’s always advisable to book at least a few months in advance.

When it comes to discovering the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Japan, there are various methods available to curious diners. Many people rely on well-known sources such as the Michelin Guide, Tripadvisor or SavorJapan before departing on their voyage to Nippon. These platforms are integrated with TableCheck, so users can book Michelin restaurants that use TableCheck seamlessly and easily.

Even better, by visiting TableCheck.com directly, diners have a higher chance of finding exceptional Michelin dining experiences since the majority of popular restaurants in Japan are already utilizing the TableCheck system, hence it serves as a reliable source for those seeking remarkable gastronomy explorations. Research the restaurant in advance, and find out more about the chef and their style of cuisine to earn a full appreciation of Michelin stars dining.

Learn more: TableCheck and gourmet website SAVOR JAPAN announce partnership | TableCheck and Michelin Guide announce partnership | TableCheck and Tripadvisor announce partnership

From the ambiance, food, and customer service, Michelin-starred restaurants in Japan are renowned for exclusive eateries and the culinary experience that truly live up to their reputation, even beyond. With TableCheck, these restaurants can provide award-winning experiences to their guests and drive more revenue to their businesses.