Many people have heard of the "Michelin Guide" at least once. It originated as a guidebook for drivers published by Michelin, the world-renowned French tire manufacturer.
As the guide gradually gained fame, a star rating system was born, and now restaurants and hotels worldwide are subject to evaluation. In Japan, there are editions for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other regions, introducing a wide range of restaurants and hotels.
Earning Michelin stars is proof that a restaurant serves excellent cuisine. Tokyo has numerous Michelin-starred establishments.
In this article, we'll introduce a carefully curated selection of sushi restaurants in Tokyo featured in the Michelin Guide.
3-Star Sushi Restaurants
Harutaka
source：Tabelog
At "Harutaka," a 3-star Michelin sushi restaurant in Ginza, you can enjoy high-quality seasonal sushi. The chef has mastered the techniques of Edo-style sushi, showcasing historical and traditional skills in creating sushi and appetizers using carefully selected seafood according to the season.
Edo-style sushi, familiar even overseas, is the style of sushi with raw fish atop bite-sized vinegared rice, which became popular in the early 1800s during the Edo era.
The menu consists solely of omakase courses chosen by the chef. However, they flexibly accommodate requests such as focusing on sushi, so please consult with them when making a reservation or before your meal.
<Restaurant Information>
- Address: Ginza Jiden 6F, 8-3-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Sundays and holidays
- Phone: 050-5486-9488
- Hours: 17:00-24:00
- Website: https://gfs3000.gorp.jp/
2-Star Sushi Restaurants
Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi
source：Tabelog
"Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi" is a 2-star Michelin sushi restaurant. It's a branch of the famous "Sukiyabashi Jiro," which consistently earned 3 Michelin stars for 12 consecutive years from 2008.
The chef, who trained rigorously for over 20 years at the world-renowned "Sukiyabashi Jiro" before becoming independent, serves meticulously crafted sushi. Following the main restaurant's teachings, this Roppongi location only offers nigiri sushi without appetizers.
The interior features just 8 counter seats. This simplicity allows guests to focus on the sushi before them. The chef can communicate in English and Chinese, providing explanations about the sushi. It's highly recommended for those who want to savor carefully prepared, delicious sushi.
<Restaurant Information>
- Address: 6-12-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Please refer to the official website
- Phone: 03-5413-6626
- Hours: Lunch: 11:30~ and 13:00~ (two seatings), Dinner: 17:30~ and 19:30~ (two seatings)
- Website: https://pocket-concierge.jp/restaurants/245225?date=2024-06-12&partySize=2&serviceType=DINNER
Kobikicho Tomoki
source：Tabelog
"Kobikicho Tomoki" is a 2-star Michelin sushi restaurant in Ginza. The chef's carefully selected fresh seafood is transformed into exquisite sushi and appetizers through years of experience and ingenuity.
While it's a high-end establishment, many guests find it comfortable due to the chef's genial personality. In addition to fish sourced from Japan's largest Toyosu fisheries market, they've developed their own procurement routes, allowing guests to enjoy fresh and delicious fish from all over the country.
Particularly recommended are the hair crab and sea urchin appetizers, as well as the uniquely prepared steamed abalone. The menu is omakase only, but they're willing to discuss your preferences.
<Restaurant Information>
- Address: 4-12-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Sundays, holidays, and market holidays
- Phone: 03-5550-3401
- Hours: 17:30-22:00
- Website: https://www.sushi-tomoki.jp/
Sushi Yoshitake
source：Tabelog
"Sushi Yoshitake" is a 2-star Michelin sushi restaurant in Ginza. It's a renowned establishment run by a master chef pursuing the highest quality sushi.
Yoshitake aims for deliciousness in three aspects: "visually beautiful," "harmonious in taste," and "leaving a satisfying feeling after the meal."
Both the sushi and appetizers are crafted to achieve harmony in taste, aroma, and texture when consumed, not just visual appeal.
The menu is omakase only, typically featuring 5-6 appetizers and about 12 pieces of sushi. The restaurant has 8 counter seats and a private room. The abalone sauce is particularly exquisite, so be sure to try it.
<Restaurant Information>
- Address: Brown Place 9F, 7-8-13 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Sundays, holidays, and irregular days (please refer to the official website)
- Phone: 03-6253-7331
- Hours: Weekdays 18:00~ and 20:30~, Weekends and holidays: 12:00~ and 18:00~
- Website: https://sushi-yoshitake.com/
Sushi Kanesaka
source：Tabelog
"Sushi Kanesaka" in Ginza is a renowned establishment that has earned 2 Michelin stars. This restaurant, dedicated to authenticity, allows you to appreciate Japanese beauty in every aspect, from taste to interior design and ambiance. Flowers are arranged in 500-year-old vases, and dishes are served on plates created by a famous gourmet ceramicist born over 100 years ago. The visual beauty enhances the deliciousness of the food.
Of course, the cuisine itself is prepared by highly skilled chefs using the finest ingredients, offering meticulously crafted sushi and appetizers. Although it's a high-end restaurant, many customers feel a sense of familiarity with the approachable chef.
Note that foreign guests need to make reservations through their hotel concierge, so please consult with your hotel if you wish to make a reservation.
<Restaurant Information>
- Address: Mitsuki Building B1F, 8-10-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Mondays and Sundays
- Phone: 03-5568-4411
- Hours: 12:00 - 14:00, 17:30 - 22:00
- Website: https://www.sushi-kanesaka.com/
1-Star Sushi Restaurants
There are 21 sushi restaurants in Tokyo that have earned 1 Michelin star. Each of these establishments offers exquisite sushi with their unique dedication and long-honed techniques.
In this article, we'll introduce some of the most recommended among these. At these restaurants, you can enjoy not only seasonal fresh seafood but also experience the skills of sushi chefs.
Sushi Masashi
source：Tabelog
"Sushi Masashi" in Aoyama opened in 2020 and quickly gained fame. It subsequently earned 1 Michelin star in 2022, proving its prowess as a sushi restaurant.
The chef, who previously served as head chef at a prestigious hotel, is known for his high level of hospitality. Unlike the tense atmosphere often found in high-end sushi restaurants, this place offers a relaxed space where you can enjoy carefully crafted, delicious sushi.
The restaurant has a 9-seat counter and a private room for 4. The menu is omakase only. Seasonal ingredients are transformed into appetizers and nigiri sushi using refined techniques. The chef can also communicate in English.
<Restaurant Information>
- Address: Blue Hills OK Building 5F, 2-12-27 Kitaaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Sundays, holidays, and irregular days
- Phone: 03-6384-5526
- Hours: 12:00 - 14:00 (L.O. 13:30), 17:30 - 19:30, 20:00 - 22:30 (L.O. 22:30)
- Website: https://sushimasashi.tokyo/
Sushi Ryujiro
source：Tabelog
"Sushi Ryujiro" is a 1-star Michelin sushi restaurant in Aoyama. The chef, who trained for many years under a renowned sushi master before becoming independent, is known for his exceptional skills. The restaurant is reputed for further refining the inherited techniques.
There are two types of courses: the Lunch Nigiri course and the Omakase course. A unique feature of this restaurant is that nigiri sushi is served immediately after the initial appetizers served with drinks.
While the restaurant is particular about ingredients and sushi-making techniques, many patrons are captivated by the chef's friendly personality. The "Kappa maki" (cucumber roll) has become popular on social media, so feel free to ask about it if you're interested.
<Restaurant Information>
- Address: 1F, 2-11-11 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Sundays and holidays
- Phone: 050-5492-6729
- Hours: 12:00-14:00, 18:00-23:00
- Website: https://ggrc700.gorp.jp/
Sushi Matsuura
source：Tabelog
"Sushi Matsuura" in Shirokane is another 1-star Michelin sushi restaurant. This establishment is characterized by its labor-intensive appetizers and nigiri sushi, offering a menu that's appealing to both sushi enthusiasts and beginners.
While they certainly select and procure fresh seafood, they also pay attention to cooking methods to bring out the best in the ingredients. For example, abalone is simply steamed with a few seasonings to preserve its umami. When you taste it, you'll be surprised by its tenderness and rich flavor.
The restaurant is popular due to the chef's homely personality and good cost-performance.
<Restaurant Information>
- Address: Wing Tsunashima 1F, 5-7-8 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Sundays and holidays
- Phone: 050-5492-7882
- Hours: 12:00-14:00 (L.O. 13:00), 17:00-23:00 (L.O. 20:30)
- Website: https://ggsu200.gorp.jp/
Points to Note When Visiting Michelin Guide Listed Restaurants
Reservations are Essential
Most restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide require reservations. Especially for popular sushi restaurants, it's rare to find an available seat if you drop by without a reservation.
For popular establishments, it's not uncommon for reservations to be fully booked several months in advance. Without a prior reservation, you might miss the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal.
Reservation methods vary by restaurant, so it's necessary to check their official website. It's recommended to make a reservation as early as possible once your schedule is decided. Also, note that some restaurants may charge a cancellation fee if you're late, so be careful.
Remove Your Watch
At high-end sushi restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide, it's considered good manners to remove your watch and elaborate rings, especially when seated at the counter.
The single-piece wooden counter at a sushi restaurant is a precious item filled with the chef's dedication. Watches, elaborate rings, or bracelets might scratch the counter if they come into contact with it.
To protect the beautiful wooden counter and maintain the restaurant's atmosphere, put your watch and any accessories that might scratch the counter in your bag when you're seated.
Perfume and Cigarette Odors
For high-end sushi restaurants, it's also necessary to be mindful of perfume and cigarette odors. Strong scents can potentially interfere with the delicate flavors of fresh seafood, so it's considered proper etiquette to visit without wearing perfume.
Similarly, the smell of cigarettes can also ruin the flavors of the dishes. Refrain from smoking before entering and be careful not to let the smell linger on your clothes or papers.
Being mindful of perfume and cigarette odors is not only necessary for your own enjoyment of the sushi but also a consideration for other customers. To fully enjoy the highest quality sushi that has earned Michelin stars, please be very careful about perfume and cigarette odors.
Don't Take Photos Without Permission
Some high-end sushi restaurants prohibit photography. If you want to take pictures of the interior or the food, always check with the staff before taking any photos.
Some restaurants may allow photos of drinks but not of the food, while others may completely prohibit photography inside the restaurant. Flash photography might also disturb other customers or the sushi chefs.
Checking with the restaurant staff in advance will ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. Even if photography is allowed, be considerate of others and try to take photos as quietly as possible. By observing these manners, you can show respect for the restaurant and the chefs.