Hiroyuki Kanda was raised in a family that ran a Japanese restaurant in his home prefecture of Tokushima. He gained experience in France and Japan before opening Kanda in Moto-Azabu.
Kanda has continuously received Three MICHELIN Stars since the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2008. And in the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2021, Hiroyuki Kanda was awarded the MICHELIN Mentor Award for his work and career as an exemplary chef. He is also deeply invested in developing the next generation.
Since then, he has relocated to Tokyo’s Toranomon area where he continues his pursuit of even greater beauty.
1. Chugoku Hanten Fureika
‘A Chinese restaurant I like to visit. I come here to enjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine. I can recommend the entire dim sum menu, but I always make sure to get the spring rolls. I also recommend the spring onion-flavoured jellyfish and Shingen chicken served cold.’
An elegant Chinese restaurant not far from Azabu-Juban Station. Open the heavy glass doors, and it’s like you’re in China. This restaurant offers private rooms of various sizes, so it’s the perfect spot for celebrating an anniversary.
3-7-5, Higashi Azabu, Minato-ku
2. Sorahana
‘Japanese cuisine from Ms. Wakimoto, who used to work at Kanda. The flavours here are the closest to my own cooking. Especially the dashi (broth). The food has a gentle feel to it.’
A One MICHELIN Star Japanese in Kamiya-cho. Kanako Wakimoto, who trained at Kanda, was born, and raised in Kyushu, and also has a restaurant in Kamakura. Filled with a sense of nature, this chef’s distinctively gentle and tender flavours satisfy both the stomach and spirit.
5-3-3, Toranomon, Minato-ku
3. Ginza Ippodo Gallery
‘A gallery that features artworks from modern artists working today. Dishes and hanging scrolls are on display here. Chefs can’t help but be inspired by these works of art. For example, when you encounter a beautiful plate, you also instantly imagine ingredients and cuisines that pair well with it.’
A gallery sharing works from modern artists of Japan—a land with excellent rice—with the world. Viewings are by reservation only, so call or email to make a reservation before visiting. They also have another gallery location in Manhattan, New York.
3F, Isei Building, 1-8-17, Ginza, Chuo-ku
4. Chinois Ginza
‘I’m a red wine lover, and Chinois in Ginza comes to mind whenever I feel like indulging. They’re open late, so I go there after Kanda has closed for the night. It’s a convenient restaurant for late-night drinks.’
Operating for a quarter century, Chinois has been a consistent presence in Ginza. The streets and shops of Ginza 6-Chome may change, but the vastness of Chinois’ wine selection stays the same. A restaurant sure to satisfy wine lovers today just as it has in the past.
B1F, Orient Building, 6-4-5, Ginza, Chuo-ku
5. Shantan Ramen Chorori
‘This is my favourite restaurant for shoyu ramen. I like the soup with the fried spring onions in it. I have wonderful memories eating in this restaurant. A long time ago, I brought Joel Robuchon here. We had a work meeting and then ate here afterwards. Reflecting on that memory fills me with joy and a longing to revisit this restaurant.’
This ramen shop is a long-beloved local favourite in Ebisu. The ‘Shantan’ in its name comes from the fragrant soup with the sweet flavour of fried spring onions. The generously portioned lunch sets in the afternoon and the ramen and gyoza at night are both not to be missed.
4-22-11, Ebisu, Shibuya-ku
6. The Enoura Observatory
‘The Enoura Observatory is in Odawara, just over an hour from Tokyo. Created by Hiroshi Sugimoto —the same architect who designed my restaurant, Kanda—this observatory is a place for truly experiencing architecture. Even now, I still clearly remember Mr. Sugimoto guiding me as I walked around here when dealing with problems like the Covid-19 pandemic and relocating my restaurant.’
Leaving the buildings of the big city behind to immerse yourself in nature. This place might be good for days like that too. Here, you can experience the beauty of Hiroshi Sugimoto’s architecture. And perhaps you’ll experience a flash of inspiration or recall feelings from the past here.
362-1, Enoura, Odawara Kanagawa
Artwork by Hiroshi Sugimoto welcomes you at the main entrance to Kanda. The interior features the brilliant beauty of stone and wood scattered throughout.
ⒸTop Image: Kanda
