Japan October-December 2026

Will visit Japan in October-to mid December (two and a half months) and will mostly travel through Honshu (Tokyo/Kanazawa/Kyoto/Osaka plus several small cities - it will be my third time there) plus for the first time in Kyushu (Kagoshima/Fukuoka and Yufuin) and now actively panning my dining schedule there.

Will mix fine dining with casual stuff in 20 to 80 ratio, in order not to make it hedonistic overkill.

As for the personal preferences - big fan of innovative, unexpected flavours (AM in Marseille, Maz in Tokyo, Piazza Duomo in Alba, Disfrutar/Mugaritz, Noma, etc.) but also open to some playful classics. Vibe is a big deal - love alive places, with a “nerve/pulse”; not a fan of those mausoleum style restaurants where time stays still, staff is dead inside and waiting time between the courses requires tons of introspection 😅

Very interested in new concepts that can’t be found anywhere else. Fusion is my go to if done right.

Currently my Tokyo shortlist includes - MAZ, PST, Yama, Kibun (when and if reopens), Narisawa, L’effervesence. In Kanazawa already have respiracion booked. In Kyoto looking at Lurra (will be my second time there), monk, cenci, badu, tan, etc. (but not considering kaiseki - tried it several times, not my cup of tea; plus we’ll stay in several ryokans, so we’ll have it anyway). While in love will probably try Ca Sento (still have to decide). Fukuoka/Kagoshima is yet to be discovered.

As an exception also want to do Joël Robuchon*** in Tokyo. I’ve never been to any of his restaurants but know about concept, his role and style for a while. It seems Tokyo will be the closest and best expression of Joel’s vision anywhere in the world.

In case someone can recommend some new and exiting places in aforementioned cities (and maybe put their thoughts on the above mentioned restaurants) I’ll be really grateful.

Will greatly appreciate any casual places suggestions (big fan of soba, yoshoku, belt sushi places, tonkatsu).

Thanks a lot in advance!