Tokyo & Kyoto
A Tale of Two Cities Through
Taste & Time
Tokyo and Kyoto each offer their own unique take on Japanese culture and cuisine. Tokyo is a vibrant, fast-moving city where you can find everything from Michelin-starred sushi to casual ramen shops hidden in train stations. It’s a place where old traditions meet modern creativity, making every meal an experience to remember.
Kyoto, in contrast, has a quieter, more refined atmosphere. Known for its historic temples and tea houses, it’s also home to incredible food—whether it’s handmade soba, delicate kaiseki meals, or fresh takes on classic Japanese flavors. The city blends deep-rooted tradition with innovative dining, making it just as exciting to explore.
For an unforgettable stay, we’ve chosen two exceptional
Relais & Châteaux properties that embody the essence of each city.
Kitano Hotel - Tokyo
The Kitano Hotel Tokyo offers a refined urban retreat in the heart of the capital. With its understated elegance, impeccable service, and serene atmosphere, this boutique hotel is a sanctuary amid Tokyo’s bustling energy. It seamlessly blends Japanese hospitality with modern luxury, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s dynamic culinary and cultural scene.
Kanamean Nishitomiya - Kyoto
In Kyoto, Kanamean Nishitomiya provides an intimate glimpse into traditional Japanese living.
This ryokan, with its tatami-lined rooms and exquisite kaiseki cuisine, captures the spirit of Kyoto’s timeless beauty. A stay here is a journey into the heart of Japan’s refined artistry, where every detail—from the architecture to the meals—is a celebration of craftsmanship and tradition. Whether you seek Tokyo’s
cutting-edge vibrance or Kyoto’s quiet grace, these two stays offer the perfect way to experience
the best of both worlds.
Both cities are perfect for a culinary adventure, and we’re excited to introduce our valued mavi contributor, Kayvan Sotoodeh, as he shares his journey through Japan’s vibrant food scene.
Kayvan
With a career spanning Microsoft, Yahoo!, MySpace, and Disney, Kayvan is the Vice President of User Experience & Design Marketing at Tillster. An NYU and Parsons graduate, he also teaches at ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena. Born into a family of diplomats, polyglot and a world traveler, Kayvan’s passion for food has taken him around the world, exploring top restaurants, regional flavors, and unique dining experiences. His travels through Japan have led him to uncover some of the country’s
best culinary and cultural experiences.
Whether you’re craving a bowl of ramen that borders on religious experience, a Michelin-starred meal worth the journey, or hidden gems only locals know about, Kayvan shares his top tips for eating your way through Tokyo and Kyoto in this ultimate foodie guide.
Tokyo 東京
Special Occasions
Daigo
Michelin-starred vegetarian Kaiseki in an intimate setting.
Narisawa
The mothership when it comes to innovative Japanese food. Chef Narisawa is known for creating playful dishes, using the freshest in-season ingredients from around Japan. Just sign the bill without looking at the total. Hopefully, your card will go through.
New York Grill - Park Hyatt Tokyo
Nothing like it. On top of the Park Hyatt hotel Lost in Translation style. Jazz and wagyu with Japanese whiskey
Tempura Kondo
Amazing two-Michelin-starred spot in serves tempura at its finest.
It is a bit hard to find, so make sure your hotel
concierge books and gives you directions.
Katsukura Shinjuku Takashimaya
Katsu like you’ve never had before.
It’s on the top floor of takashimaya department store.
No Reservations.
Japan is famous for its luxury fruit culture.
Tokyo’s best Ramen
Afuri Ramen
Yuzu flavored chicken ramen. Best chicken soup ever. There are many branches but
I like the one in the basement of Lumine 1 department store in Shinjuku.
Ginza Hachigou
A Michelin-awarded ramen restaurant with limited seating. Reservations recommended - or wait up to two hours for the first seating slot at 11 am.
Sushi Experience
Sushi Saito
One of the top three best sushi places in Tokyo and possibly the world. If you are lucky enough to grab a seat at the 12 seat counter, you will have a new appreciation for the art of sushi - lunch is a great deal!
Nihonbashi Kakigarachō Sugita
Top rated sushi according to those in the know.
Sukiyabashi Jiro
Good luck with that. Reservations open up a month to the day. Must have hotel concierge fax request. Came through for us. Lunch is a better bet.
Sushi Marriage
Amazing sushi and wine pairings.
If you get tired of sushi and Japanese food ...
Savoy Pizza
Tokyo has some of the best Neapolitan style pizzas in the world.
Savoy is on top of the list. Try the tuna pizza!
Unforgettable experiences beyond the incredible dining scene
Shojin Ryori Cooking Class
Learn Traditional Buddhist Cuisine Shojin Ryori
Vegetarian Cuisine from a Monk in Tokyo.
This hands-on cooking class in Tokyo offers a rare chance to learn Shojin Ryori, the refined vegetarian cuisine of Buddhist monks. A unique and engaging food experience in the heart of the city. This informative class is taught by a charming lady. Somehow she managed to accommodate us and a translator in her tiny kitchen. She put us to work so we could learn hands-on Japanese cooking techniques. We were able to enjoy the fruits of our labor for lunch. We learned the basic principles of Shojinn Ryori using vegetarian ingredients.
TeamLab Planets
Step Into a World of Light, Water, and Movement. If you are into immersive experiences and taking lots of selfies, this is the place for you. You’ll walk through water, float in a room of endless lights, and move through spaces that change with every step. The whole place is designed to blur the line between you and the art, making it feel less like an exhibition and more like a dream you get to explore. Make sure to make time for excellent vegetarian ramen at Uzu, next door.
Kyoto 京都
The Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto is a scenic two-kilometer walkway
along a cherry tree-lined canal, connecting Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji temples.
Named after philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who meditated there daily,
the path is especially popular during cherry blossom season
A plethora of delights
for Foodies
Vegan Ramen UZU Kyoto
Enter a surreal vegetarian odyssey. The experience starts with the greeting at the door with essential oils to the welcome kombucha drink to the 4 course meal that includes the most flavorful and delicious vegetarian ramen.
Cenci
Chef Sakamoto takes Japanese/Italian fusion to a whole new level. Save your appetite for his 6-8 course meal of delectable creations based on seasonal ingredients. Make time for some culture in the area, as the restaurant is located steps away from Museum Row and several temples.
Juugo
You have never tasted soba noodles like this. Chef Ishibashi has earned a Michelin nod for creating the freshest, most delicious soba noodles from his own buckwheat farm. The tiny restaurant is located on Philosopher’s Path, so make sure to allow for a tranquil walk to reflect on your time in Japan.
Gion Ichiho
A cute little sushi counter in the middle of the geisha district. They serve an adorable jewel box of sushi assortments. It is so pretty, you almost don’t want to eat it.
Sushi Saeki
A blazing team of young sushi chefs is redefining the art of sushi making. They are extremely friendly and serve some of the freshest and most creative fish creations. A very nice break from
traditional sushi.
Beyond the Foodie Scene
Beyond the foodie scene, Kyoto offers a wealth of cultural and sensory experiences that provide a deep connection to the city’s rich heritage and modern creativity.
Whether you’re crafting traditional pottery, unwinding in a soothing hinoki bath, or exploring cutting-edge art, these moments make Kyoto even more unforgettable.
Hinoki Bath
A great way to overcome jetlag. The Hyatt Regency in Kyoto spa offers this unique treatment. You start with a 15 minute fermented Hinoki powder bath followed by a massage treatment of your choice.
Kiyomizu Ware Pottery
Experience at a Century-Old Kiln in Kyoto
Owner Matsutanisan and his son will give you a tour of the evolution of the Japanese art of pottery making through the ages. After the lesson, you will get to create your masterpiece with the help of his son. Once finished, they will glaze and ship your masterpiece to your home address.
Our result
Kyoto Museum of Modern Art
A four-story museum with very forward-trending exhibits. A nice break from traditional Japanese artwork.
Enjoy !