Tokyo Maintains Culinary Crown with 12 Three-Star Restaurants in Latest Michelin guide
TOKYO – Tokyo continues to solidify its position as a global culinary capital, with twelve restaurants achieving the coveted three-star ranking in the newly released Michelin Guide Tokyo 2026. The guide, published by Nihon Michelin Tire Co. on September 25,underscores the city’s unwavering commitment to gastronomic excellence and its enduring appeal to discerning diners worldwide.
The annual Michelin recognition isn’t merely a list of restaurants; it’s a important economic driver for Tokyo’s tourism and hospitality sectors, influencing dining trends and attracting international visitors. Maintaining a high concentration of three-star establishments signals a consistent level of quality and innovation, bolstering Tokyo’s reputation and supporting the livelihoods of chefs, staff, and local producers. The guide’s selections also provide a benchmark for aspiring culinary professionals and shape the future of Japanese cuisine.
Among the celebrated establishments, Myoujaku, a Japanese restaurant in Minato Ward, was elevated to three-star status this year. Owner and chef Hidetoshi Nakamura expressed his philosophy, stating, “Our lives continue within the blessings of mountains and oceans, water and soil, wind and light. Reflecting on that origin,we cook our dishes with sincerity.”
Beyond the three-star accolades,the guide also presented special awards recognizing individuals who contribute to the culinary landscape. Kenjiro Kanemoto, the fifth-generation head chef and owner of Nodaiwa Azabu-Iikura Honten, an eel restaurant, received the Mentor Chef award for his dedication to nurturing the next generation of chefs. at 97 years old, Kanemoto is now recognized as the world’s oldest mentor chef. ”I have always strived to recognize and nurture the strengths of my staff members,” Kanemoto shared in a message. “As a lifelong craftsman, I hope to walk just a little ahead so thay can take pride in the path they’ve chosen.”
Additional awards honored service and wine expertise. Yasuyo Kumagae of Piao-Xiang (Shibuya Ward) was recognized with the Service Award, while Tsuyoshi Nakamura of Manoir (Shibuya Ward) received the Sommelier Award.
The complete list of Tokyo’s three-star restaurants in the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2026 includes:
* Quintessence (French, Shinagawa Ward)
* Kagurazaka Ishikawa (japanese, Shinjuku Ward)
* Haraka (Sushi, College Ward)
* L’osier (French, Chuo Ward)
* sezanne (French, Chiyoda Ward)
* RyuGin (Japanese, Chiyoda Ward)
* Azabu kadowaki (Japanese, Minato Ward)
* Kanda (Japanese, Minato Ward)
* Sazenka (Chinese, Minato Ward)
* Myoujaku (Japanese, Minato Ward)
* L’Effervescence (French, Minato Ward)
* Joel Robuchon (French, Meguro Ward)
