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
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
Kamakura
Popular with Japanese celebrities, this rustic little restaurant specialises in handmade ju-wari (100% soba), including kamo seiro (cold soba in hot broth…
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…
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…
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'…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 –…
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)…
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…
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…
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…
Kamakura
Boho beachfront spot mixing ocean views with an organic hemp-based menu, including vegetarian hemp taco rice, several vegan options, macrobiotic cakes and…
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…
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)…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
