Nikkō
Treat yourself to an elegant course of shōjin-ryōri, Japanese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. Meals are made from locally-sourced vegetables and bean curd…
Must-see restaurants in Around Tokyo
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Fuji Five Lakes
In this beautiful old thatched building, diners sit on the floor around traditional irori charcoal pits grilling their own meals – skewers of fish, meat,…
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Kamakura
Dinner reservations are recommended for this upscale soba restaurant in a lovely old house. Try the goma seiro soba (al dente noodles served cold with…
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Izu Peninsula
Elegant, understated ambience and fantastic seafood. The isōjiru soup is made from more than a dozen varieties of shellfish and looks like a tide pool in…
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Izu Peninsula
Generous seafood sets come with sashimi, perfectly grilled fish and multiple tiny appetisers at this traditional restaurant beside the little port (go for…
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Izu Peninsula
It's well worth dragging yourself away from the beach for the tasty sandwiches, burgers, salads and curries (not to mention the must-have brownies) at…
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Yokohama
Yokohama has its own version of the beef hotpot dish sukiyaki, called gyū-nabe. This elegant restaurant, established in 1895, is the place to sample it.
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Around Tokyo
Sample unagi (freshwater eel) here, grilled on hot coals and served in lacquered boxes over rice. Eel numbers have plunged in recent years, and the…
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Hakone
Savour premium Japanese beef, cooked teppanyaki-style in front of you by the chef, at this elegant restaurant, an outpost of the celeb chef Nobu's dining…
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Kamakura
Popular with Japanese celebrities, this rustic little restaurant specialises in handmade ju-wari (100% soba), including kamo seiro (cold soba in hot broth…
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Izu Peninsula
This roadstop chain restaurant opposite the beach has zero character, but who cares when it's this cheap, tasty and fun? Choose from bargain-priced bites…
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Hakone
The 'Hakone lava' chicken over rice looks burnt to a crisp at this casual joint, but actually it's a juicy, tasty treat and simply a bit of gastronomic…
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Izu Peninsula
Fish brought in to neighbouring Futo port supply the pearlescent sashimi platters at this former fishing lodge dating back to the 17th century. 'Bora'…
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Fuji Five Lakes
Hōtō are Kawaguchi-ko's local noodles, hand-cut and served in a thick miso stew with pumpkin, sweet potato and other vegetables. It's a hearty meal best…
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Izu Peninsula
In a 140-year-old former shipping workshop, this funky snack shack hawks yummy tako-yaki (fried wheat balls filled with octopus) and shimodoyaki, its own…
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Izu Peninsula
Choose from chair or hammock to savour the serenity at this homespun cafe, part of Wabi Sabi guesthouse, serving veggie and vegan Japanese fusion food…
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Nikkō
This sophisticated arts-and-crafts-style cafe near the top of Nikkō's main boulevard serves beautifully plated meal sets with lots of small dishes to try…
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Hakone
This friendly sushi shop is known for its aji-don (horse mackerel over rice). If you know how to fold an origami crane, ask to try their special challenge…
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Kamakura
This mellow day-to-evening joint serves up dishes such as pad thai (stir-fried rice noodles) and green curry, with veggies sourced from the local farmers…
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Fuji Five Lakes
Load up on some delicious, deep-fried goodness pre- or post-hike at the Idaten counter, where you can watch the chefs prepare your tempura to order. Aside…
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Around Tokyo
Hale's deck, facing Chichi-jima's port, is a top spot to enjoy a delicious lunch of sashimi on a bowl of rice, or a slice of lemon cheesecake. They also…
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Around Tokyo
This sushi restaurant on the south coast is considered the island's best by locals, and so it pays to book ahead. A must-try is bekko sushi, made with…
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Yokohama
Friendly staff grill up a wide range of okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) at your table, with prawn, squid, pork or veg (the English menu has some cute manga…
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Fuji Five Lakes
Ex-New Yorker Michael has run the show here for over two decades, pouring drinks at the bar and recounting Fuji folklore while his wife cooks up authentic…
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Izu Peninsula
A cute izakaya cluttered with eclectic decor. The menu caters to all with cheap and tasty dishes such as jumbo okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), tempura and…
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Nikkō
Enjoy lovingly prepared vegan dishes in this former antique shop with a grand, faded ceiling fresco. Arrive as soon as it opens if you want to eat lunch –…
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Izu Peninsula
A fishmonger downstairs and a casual restaurant above, this humble, market-fresh eatery is noted for its grilled fish and squid (cooked DIY on hot plates)…
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Around Tokyo
Fresh mountain air, serene temples and...all-you-can-drink craft beer. Day-trippers pack out the plastic chairs and tables at this scenic perch at the top…
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Yokohama
Popular for brunch, the zesty fusion food here comes from the cookbooks of Australian celebrity chef Bill Granger. Try his signature ricotta hotcakes, the…
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Izu Peninsula
This institution serves the local noodle speciality, zendera soba (¥1260), with a stalk of fresh wasabi root to grate yourself – they even give you a…
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Kamakura
Boho beachfront spot mixing ocean views with an organic hemp-based menu, including vegetarian hemp taco rice, several vegan options, macrobiotic cakes and…
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Yokohama
Char is the star at this hip grill restaurant and bar that serves pink-centred steaks and smoky chicken to go with craft beers on tap and a decent wine…
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Izu Peninsula
Sun streams into this weatherboard cafe-bar where locals and tourists dine on beach fare such as burgers, pizza and seafood barbecues (order a day ahead)…
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Kamakura
It's worth searching out this charmingly decorated, shabby-chic wooden house for its laid-back vibe, good coffee and tasty meals, cakes and crêpes. It's…
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Izu Peninsula
Run by a friendly Nagano native, this Italian-style bakery offers ¥200 cups of coffee to go with seasonal treats like blueberry jam-and cream cheese pull…
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Hakone
A few doors downhill from the Hakone Open-Air Museum, this friendly sushi place also does tasty chirashi-zushi (rice topped with assorted sashimi), and…
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Yokohama
This palatial Cantonese restaurant is one of Chinatown's oldest (1892) and most respected. It serves a great selection of dim sum from 11am to 4pm, all in…
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Izu Peninsula
A hip young family moved here from Yokohama run this tiny burger counter grilling a range of stacked sandwiches including spicy chilli, three cheese, and…
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Izu Peninsula
Cosy diner with vintage toy cars, gingham tablecloths and surfboards on the walls. Serves light fare such as pizza, salads and omurice (omelette and fried…
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Kamakura
The humble donburi (rice bowl) gets a hip, healthy remake at this comfy hangout, with toppings such as smoked salmon and avocado, and meat-free Mexican…
