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Navigating your way through restaurants in Japan can be as tantalizing to your taste buds as it can be damaging to your wallet! Some of the freshest, most farm-to-plate foods can be found in this region, and there’s certainly a price-tag associated with that privilege. Japan is known to have some very high-priced grocery costs, with the most basic of grocery items priced at astronomical costs. It’s really no wonder that indulging in fine-dining restaurant meals can quickly rack up a hefty bill. If you have a few extra bucks to shell out – these are some unforgettable meals with a fresh ingredient list that would be tough to find anywhere else in the world. Let’s take a look at the 10 Most Expensive Restaurant Meals In Japan…
Aragawa, Tokyo
If you’re seeing a high-end restaurant experience in Japan, Aragawa is the place you want to be! The meat on this menu is the focus – and is the reason that the price tag is as high as it is. You’ll have to be prepared to spend up to $370 per person to dine here, but you will never leave disappointed. This restaurant is known for their purebred Tajima cattle that are raised for 28 months. They are raised in the Sanda Region of Hyogo Prefecture, and only the animals that meet strict specifications are led to slaughter. This is considered to be Japan’s ultimate beef experience.
Kitcho, Kyoto, Japan
Kitcho features an exquisite dining experience that won’t soon be forgotten. The restaurant itself features stunning décor and surrounds diners with an air of prestige and opulence. The chef believes every dish is a work of art, and treats it as such. Great care is taken in both the presentation of each meal, and the fine ingredients that are used. Everything is fresh and handmade with great care, and dining here will cost you close to $600 per person!
Michel Bras Toya, Toya, Japan
When you visit Michel Bras Toya, you will be amazed by the views of the volcanic Lake Toya, right from your table. This French-inspired hot-spot is located on the cost of Hokkaido, and is run by Chef Bourassin. He sources the finest ingredients that are local to the area and adds some French flair to the dishes he creates. His masterpieces cost upwards of $287 per person, but the flavors are worth every penny!
Misoguigawa
Another French-inspired, Japanese – focused fine dining establishment is Misoguigawa. You can indulge in an 8-course meal here that you won’t soon forget, but you may not forget the punch of the bill, either. The most economical food options here cost upwards of $270 per person! The most expensive dishes include the filet soufflés and the chocolate dream dessert which are topped with seasonal berries. Private rooms are available for an intimate experience.
Beige
Beige is known to be an expensive dining experience, yet it continues to attract crowds by the masses. It sits at the top of the Chanel building in Tokyo’s Ginza neighborhood and is run by Chef Alain Ducasse. Ducasse has a deep-rooted reputation in Japan, and leads the industry with his many cookbooks, restaurants, and cooking schools – not to mention all his accolades. A four-course meal here will cost you upwards of $190, but we promise you the experience is unforgettable.
Joël Robuchon
With a reputation that’s recognized across the globe, Joel Robuchon, Japan offers locals a French twist to Japanese cuisine. A-la-carte options are the specialty here, with one of the features being the Kyoho grape mocha with fresh almond ice cream and topped with honey coulis. Your taste buds will thank you, but your wallet may not – be prepared to spend over $180 per person when you visit.
Quintessence
Only the most premium ingredients get past Chef Shuzo Kishida at Quintessence. The expensive price tag of over $150 per person is balanced by the use of the most premium ingredients and the incredibly lengthy and authentic seasoning process that is used. The seasoning process is known to enhance the flavoring of the food and is now a signature technique. Menus are carte-blanche, meaning the chef decides on the offerings, and the price – daily, depending on seasonal ingredients. If you’re prepared to pay the price tag, you’ll be wowed by the experience.
Sukiyabashi Jiro Honten
Nothing can top the experience at this Sushi bar. Chef Jiro Ono offers only 10 counter seats at this restaurant so you are truly a member of an elite experience when you dine here. This intimate dining experience is enhanced by the perfect view you have of the entire sushi experience. You’ll see the fresh fish they bring from the Tsukkiji market, and can watch the process as it is freshly prepared for your table. Daily-fresh meals are the focus, and each meal consists of 20 pieces, costing upward of $130 per person.
Nihonryori RyuGin
This tiny little restaurant in Roppongi creates dishes from the best produce found across Japan throughout the year. Extreme focus is put on the use of fresh seasoning and ingredients. As the winner of Three Michelin Stars, this restaurant impresses diners every time. Tasting menus include options of varying flavors, temperatures, and seasoning combinations. The desserts are a huge feature and are displayed like true art. If you can afford to spend more than $200 per person for a meal, this is the place to try!
Narisawa
This incredible restaurant focuses on their famous omakase-style menu as it’s created according to the seasonal produce that is freshly sourced each day. Chef Yoshihiro Narisawa keeps his meals fresh and nature and plant-based He uses techniques that blend aroma and texture to create an exceptional dining experience. Earning two Michelin Stars in the process, he has clearly created a culinary experience you shouldn’t miss!