Discover the Best Restaurants in Japan with MACHIYA LOCALS
Experience Authentic Kaiseki Dinner Courses, Recommended by Locals Looking for the best restaurants in Japan? MACHIYA LOCALS connects you with authentic, local restaurants offering exquisite kaiseki dinner experiences. Handpicked by locals, these dining spots will immerse you in Japan's rich culinary traditions with seasonal, multi-course meals that showcase the finest ingredients.
How it works: Simply select the city you'll be traveling to. Next, explore a range of kaiseki dinner options, carefully tailored to the season and region, ensuring an authentic experience. Once you've found the perfect course, submit a reservation request to secure your table at one of our highly recommended local restaurants.Let MACHIYA LOCALS be your guide to an unforgettable and truly local dining experience in Japan!
STEP 1Choose a City
KyotoLocated in Kyoto Prefecture. Savor a number of traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine in Japan's former capital.
TakayamaLocated in Gifu Prefecture. A city surrounded by the Japanese Alps, enjoy seasonal mountain vegetables, and surprisingly, some of the freshest sushi in Japan.
KanazawaLocated in Ishikawa Prefecture. Kanazawa is a charming seaside city that offers fresh seafood, locally grown "kaga vegetables," and a variety of delicious regional dishes.
TokyoLocated in Tokyo Prefecture. Japan’s vibrant capital where centuries-old traditions meet modern sophistication. Discover refined kaiseki dining and exclusive seasonal menus tucked away in historic neighborhoods.
'Kaiseki' (懐石料理) is a traditional Japanese-style multi-course meal that is usually enjoyed for dinner.
As it is a more "luxurious" style of meal, many Japanese people opt for the kaiseki cuisine style for special occasions, celebrations, or large gatherings.
With the evolution of 'kaiseki,' these days there are no set rules that must be followed,
but the modern kaiseki is still characterized by serving large number of dishes based on seasonal ingredients.
Why do I need to make a reservation in advance? Can I just walk in a restaurant?
To enjoy a kaiseki dinner, you must make a reservation (usually) at least 2 days in advance.
This is because each menu is planned & prepared in according to each reservation. Chefs will often procure ingredients 1 day before or the day of your reservation to ensure that you are able to enjoy the freshest in-seaason ingredients.
Preparation for certain dishes even begin 1 or 2 days beforehand to allow flavors to develop & enhance. In addition, advanced reservations are required as each kaiseki meal will usually last about 1.5 hours ~ 2 hours.
Why do I have to pay in advance?
As each chef at MACHIYA LOCAL's recommended restaurants all strive to serve the best in-season ingredients,
almost all of your kaiseki dinner course ingredients must be procured in advance, specifically for each reservation. You'll not only be guaranteed the freshest ingredients,
but as each chef will be able to carefully plan each guests' meal, you'll be helping them to deter any unnecessary food loss, too!
Choose a City
Choose a Kaiseki Dinner
Kyoto
Located in Kyoto Prefecture. Savor a number of traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine in Japan's former capital.
Takayama
Located in Gifu Prefecture. A city surrounded by the Japanese Alps, enjoy seasonal mountain vegetables, and surprisingly, some of the freshest sushi in Japan.
Kanazawa
Located in Ishikawa Prefecture. Kanazawa is a charming seaside city that offers fresh seafood, locally grown "kaga vegetables," and a variety of delicious regional dishes.
Tokyo
Located in Tokyo Prefecture. Japan’s vibrant capital where centuries-old traditions meet modern sophistication. Discover refined kaiseki dining and exclusive seasonal menus tucked away in historic neighborhoods.
