Japan

Just outside Tokyo – less than two hours by train – five Key hotels for onsen baths, bamboo forests, or mesmerizing views of Mt. Fuji.

Kyoto is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and appeal. Get to know two of the most iconic, Higashiyama and Arashiyama, with this itinerary blending history, art, natural beauty and culinary delights. You’ll also hear from two international hospitality professionals from MICHELIN Guide establishments who share how these neighborhoods shape their creative lives.

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, internationally acclaimed for his boundary-crossing cuisine and flagship restaurants such as Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen in Kyoto, shares his insider favorites — from udon to tempura to cocktails — alongside stories that shaped his love for the city.

Mauro Colagreco, the chef behind the Three-MICHELIN-Starred Mirazur in Menton, traces his deep-rooted affinity for Japanese culture back to Kyoto — the city where it all began. Now, years later, he’s returned with his family, eager to share the place that first awakened his fascination.

Chef Toshiharu Sunayama’s SÉN was awarded One MICHELIN Star and a MICHELIN Green Star in The MICHELIN Guide Nara 2025. Our inspectors look back on their visit.。

Nara, Japan’s original capital, offers a peaceful blend of ancient temples, sacred deer, and walkable parklands — just a short trip from Kyoto.

Kyoto has no shortage of izakaya, casual eateries where you can enjoy ryotei and kappo fare in a relaxed environment. Step into any one of them and be greeted by the same inviting atmosphere: gentle clinks of sake cups over the chitter chatter of guests either catching up with the chef by the counter or conversing among themselves set against warm lights that enhance the nostalgia of a Kyoto machiya (traditional two-story townhouse).

Kyoto continues to captivate international travelers — not only with its temples and gardens, but also with a culinary scene that blends tradition and innovation. The MICHELIN Guide Kyoto Osaka 2025 includes four new Bibs Gourmand, our affordable restaurants in Kyoto, spotlighting exceptional food at moderate prices.

A curated look at Kyoto’s standout dishes, all handpicked by our MICHELIN Guide Inspectors, from the 2025 selection.

Discover the 14 newest restaurants to impress our MICHELIN Guide Inspectors in Tokyo.

Its compact size, flat terrain, grid-like streets and scenic paths make Kyoto among the most walkable cities in Japan — and one that’s best discovered on foot.

Kyoto’s an exciting place for food and culture in itself, but it’s also a great base for exploring other parts of Western Japan.

Even the most traditional Kyoto ryokan makes some modern concessions. Ask yourself: just how much authenticity are you after?

In Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district, kaiseki masters, tempura artisans, and MICHELIN-starred chefs serve up tradition with a modern edge.

With just enough time to plan a trip before cherry blossom season this spring, we're taking a closer look at one of the best hotels in Kyoto. Once you’ve found your sea legs in Japan, you might try a hyper-traditional ryokan. Until then, consider the One Key Ace Hotel.

The best hotels in Tokyo, handpicked for MICHELIN Keys by our Inspectors.

Soba is deeply rooted in Kyoto, as a staple of both the city’s cuisine and the broader washoku tradition, a traditional dietary culture of Japan, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Here are our Inspectors’ top Soba restaurants in Kyoto.

Kyoto’s ryotei culture traces its roots to the philosophy of wabi-sabi — a reverence for imperfection and impermanence — shaped by tea master Sen no Rikyu in the late 16th century.