Washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) is a general term for Japanese cuisine that was listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013. The core spirit is ‘respecting nature and savoring the seasons,’ and places importance on the natural taste of ingredients and the sense of the season.
A set kaiseki meal includes appetizers, clear soup, sashimi, grilled fish, simmered food, steamed food, pickled vegetables, rice, miso soup, dessert, etc., beautifully plated like a work of art.
The easiest way for general travelers to experience Washoku is to visit a ‘Teishokuya’ (set meal restaurant). The set meal includes a main dish (grilled fish, pork cutlet, tempura, etc.), rice, miso soup, and pickles. Famous chains include Ootoya, Yayoiken, and Matsuya.
For a more traditional experience, visit ‘Kappo’ or ‘Ryotei’. Washoku experience is a must when traveling to Japan.
🍱 Famous Washoku restaurants across Japan
National chain stores:
- Ootoya — the representative Japanese set meal, you can enjoy homemade taste all over the country
- Yayoiken — the standard set meal, free rice refills
- Matsuya — Large gyudon/set meal chain, open 24 hours
- Nakau — Popular Oyako-don and Kyoto-style udon chain
- Yoshinoya — synonymous with Japanese gyudon
Advanced Ryotei/Kappo:
- Ginza Kyubei (Tokyo) — a renowned sushi and kaiseki restaurant
- Gion Sasaki (Kyoto) — 3 Michelin stars, the essence of Kyoto cuisine
- Koryu (Osaka) — Osaka’s only Michelin 3-star Washoku
- Ishikawa (Tokyo) — Michelin 3 stars, seasonal kaiseki
- Tsubajin (Kanazawa) — Ryotei, a long-established Kaga cuisine restaurant
Washoku, a regional specialty:
Miyaki Shimen (Nagoya) — Nagoya’s famous Kishimen restaurant
Otaru Masazushi (Hokkaido) — Fresh Hokkaido Seafood Nigiri
Hirokawa (Kyoto) — Michelin 1-star eel restaurant
Zuboraya (Osaka) — Osaka’s famous puffer fish restaurant
Ippudo (Fukuoka) — World Famous Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen