A Culinary Adventure Around Japan
April 2026
I have just returned from an incredible adventure in Japan. We spent three wonderful weeks discovering the sights in and around Tokyo, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Takayama and Tsumago. What a very special country it is; super clean, super friendly and super organised – what’s not to love?! And then, of course, there’s the food. Before going, I spent a lot of time researching restaurants and booked dinner at those that I particularly wanted to visit. However, during the day, we went with the flow, and I soon realised that it’s very difficult to eat badly in Japan. However, there were a few standout restaurants that I feel I must share with you…
Tokyo
First of all, a big shout-out to our hotel, Hotel K5; if you like smaller, boutique-style hotels, you’ll love this is one with its cool vibe! It’s in a great location in the underrated Nihonbashi district with three metro stations on its doorstep. The restaurant scene in Tokyo is vast, it’s the city with the highest number of restaurants in the world; roughly one for every 100 residents. So you really are spoilt for choice!.. Our two favourites during our week-long stay were…
Kan is on the banks of the Meguro Canal, and during cherry blossom season its outlook is particularly beautiful. We ate at Kan twice: once during our first week, when the blossoms were in full bloom, and then again on our return before our flight home. On our second visit, although the blossom had gone, the ambience was still wonderful. You can order à la carte, but I’d recommend ordering the Omakase menu (chef’s tasting menu). We particularly enjoyed the ‘Deconstructed Sushi with Sea Bream, Shrimp and Seasonal Vegetables ‘ which was wonderfully fresh and ‘Chargrilled Bamboo with Wagu Beef’, who knew that bamboo could be so delicious?!
Sushi Inase is an intimate sushi bar with just ten seats. It’s not far from the hectic Shibuya ‘Scramble’ crossing; however, once you descend the stairs to this, almost hidden basement restaurant, you soon forget the outside world. They serve an Omakase (Chef’s tasting menu); you won’t be disappointed. Watching the chef carefully prepare each piece of sushi is a wonder; he adds just the right amount of wasabi and a dash of soy; perfection!
Osaka
Namba Kuroge Wagyu Yakiniku Kasumi
You can’t go to Japan and not try the Wagyu! The intense marbling creates the most buttery, melt-in-your mouth texture, and the flavour is incredibly rich. Namba Kuroge specialises in premium Japanese Black Wagyu Yakiniku. We were seated at the counter (my favourite position at Japanese restaurants for a front row seat!). Each dining space has its own grill; the chef cuts your beef to order, and you then grill the pieces of meat yourself (under the attentive supervision of the chef!). You can choose various menus and grades of beef, some of which are quite pricey; we chose one of the cheaper menus and the beef was absolutely delicious. I don’t think you can go wrong at this restaurant!
Kyoto
Sushi Hananoi is a small, local restaurant in the heart of the magical Gion district. This restaurant has a very special place in my memory; not only was the food incredibly tasty and beautifully presented, but the service was super attentive and welcoming. We ordered the Omakase menu, every dish was perfectly executed, however, it was the ‘Black Miso Cod’ that won our hearts and taste buds. Apparently, Sushi Hananoi has been in the same family for three generations, and it was the chef’s elderly mother who walked us into the street, bowing deeply as she thanked us for our custom, waiting until we were out of sight. Bidding farewell to guests in this way is a deep rooted Japanese tradition, it’s one of those humbling traditions that makes Japan so special.
Kanasawa
Otome Sushi, is a compact counter restaurant tucked away down a little backstreet of Kanazawa, off the beaten tourist track. Sitting at the counter watching the chef prepare the sushi, whilst we waited to be fed like seals(!), was a joy. With the help of ‘Google Translate’, he explained each course, and our taste buds were excited by every dish. The balance between the sushi rice and toppings was exquisite; it’s no surprise that this restaurant has two Michelin Stars!
Gifu/Nagano Prefectures
Ryokan Wanosato, Takayama & Takimi Onsen, Tsumago
Staying in a ryokan when you’re visiting Japan is a must. Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns which offer a true cultural experience with tatami-mat floors, futon bedding and onsens. After leaving your shoes at the door, you’ll be encouraged to change into the provided ‘yukata’(a casual kimono); it’s a totally immersive experience. On the final leg of our amazing Japanese trip, we ventured up into the mountains to the areas of Gifu and Nagano and stayed at two ryokans, Ryokan Wanosato near Takayama and Takimi Onsen near Tsumago. In addition to their views and private onsens, the highlight was the lavish ‘kaiseki’(multi-course) dinner and breakfast that they served. Our taste buds were spoilt by the incredibly fresh local ingredients which they meticulously prepared; dishes included the delicate flavours of grilled fish, miso soup, rice and pickled vegetables. These ryokan experiences were the perfect end to our Japanese culinary adventure!
Menu Mistress 