Local Restaurants and Experiences in Japan
MACHIYA LOCALS is a guide to local restaurants and experiences in Japan, based on recommendations from people who live here. Rather than repeating the same well-known names found in most travel guides, we ask locals directly where they eat and what they do — and share those recommendations with visitors traveling to Japan.
Restaurants
MACHIYA LOCALS focuses on kaiseki dining, Japan's traditional multi-course cuisine.
Kaiseki restaurants are some of the most highly regarded dining destinations in Japan,
and can be difficult for visitors to book independently due to language barriers and reservation requirements.
We handle reservations on your behalf for kaiseki restaurants in Kyoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, and Tokyo.
Experiences (Coming Soon)
In addition to restaurant reservations, MACHIYA LOCALS will be expanding to include local experiences in Japan.
These will be activities and cultural experiences recommended by locals, covering a range of interests and regions across the country.
More information will be available soon.
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.