Ranking
The best places to eat in Japan
An editorial ranking of restaurants, cafés and bars: grades from A+ to F, price range, and the Tabelog score where one exists.
Places ranked: 1,522
432
Gateau des Bois A Ra Maison: World-Champion French Patisserie
Nara · Pâtisserie
A celebrated patisserie in Nara, home to the world-champion 'Ambroisie' cake. Visitors come for its technically precise mousse cakes and classic French pastries, available to take away or enjoy in the small on-site café.
No bookingView details
434
Onkashi Tsukasa Shioyoshiken: Historic Kyoto Wagashi
Kyoto · Dessert Shop
A historic wagashi shop in Kyoto's Kamigyo ward, celebrated for its delicate seasonal sweets and signature 'juraku' manju. Visit for artisanal confectionery from a designated historic building dating to the Taisho era.
No bookingView details
436
Aburi Mochi Honke Nemoto Kazariya: Charcoal-Grilled Mochi
Kyoto · Dessert Shop
A 17th-century teahouse on the approach to Kyoto's Imamiya Shrine, serving just one specialty: aburi-mochi. Skewers of mochi are grilled over charcoal and glazed with a sweet-savory white miso sauce.
No bookingView details
437
Honke Gepaikeya Naomasa: Exquisite Kyoto Warabi-Mochi
Kyoto · Dessert Shop
An 1804-founded confectioner in Kyoto's Kiyamachi district, celebrated for its exceptionally soft, melt-in-the-mouth warabi-mochi. A key destination for lovers of traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi).
Book days aheadView details
438
Imanishi Ken: Kyoto's Benchmark Ohagi Since 1897
Kyoto · Dessert Shop
A legendary takeaway shop in Kyoto's Shimogyo ward, Imanishi Ken has specialized in just three types of ohagi since 1897. Visitors queue well before opening for its famously moist bean paste and perfectly textured rice.
No bookingView details
441
Mangetsu JR kyoto isetan ten: Kyoto's Famous Ajari-mochi
Kyoto · Dessert Shop
A takeaway counter for ajari-mochi, a famous Kyoto sweet. Located on the B1 floor of the JR Kyoto Isetan department store, it's the perfect stop for a last-minute, high-quality souvenir right at Kyoto Station.
No bookingView details
443
Ryokujuan Shimizu: Artisan Konpeito Candy
Kyoto · Dessert Shop
Founded in 1847, Ryokujuan Shimizu is Japan's only specialist maker of konpeito, a traditional sugar candy. Located in Kyoto's Sakyo ward, it's famed for its intense, natural flavours and is a top choice for a unique, beautifully packaged souvenir.
No bookingView details
445
Kissa Madrague: Kyoto's Legendary Egg Sandwich Kissaten
Kyoto · Coffee Shop
A beloved retro café (kissaten) in Kyoto's Nakagyo ward, Kissa Madrague draws crowds for its legendary 'Corona' egg sandwich—a towering, fluffy omelette between toast. A must for its Showa-era atmosphere.
Book days aheadView details
446
MarieBelle Kyoto: New York Chocolate in a Kyoto Machiya
Kyoto · Pâtisserie
A New York chocolatier in a renovated Kyoto townhouse (machiya) in the Nakagyo ward. Famous for its artistic ganaches and a photogenic café serving rich chocolate desserts, it's a popular stop for special gifts and indulgent treats.
No bookingView details
447
Akaneya Coffee Ten: A Classic Hand-Drip Kissaten
Hyōgo · Coffee Shop
A celebrated kissaten in Kobe's Kitanagasadori district, where coffee is a hand-dripped ritual served in vintage cups. Go for the meticulous preparation, the hushed, classical atmosphere, and the famously dense cheesecake.
No bookingView details
448
Jacques Oohori ten: Acclaimed Fukuoka Pâtisserie
Fukuoka · Pâtisserie
A celebrated pâtisserie in Fukuoka's Arato district, steps from Ohori Park. It's a top destination for its signature 'Jacques' cake—a pear and caramel mousse—and other finely balanced French-style pastries designed for takeout.
No bookingView details
449
Salon de Royal Kyoto ten: Acclaimed Chocolatier and Café
Kyoto · Pâtisserie
The Kyoto flagship of a historic chocolatier, offering exquisite bonbons, cakes, and a signature chocolate shaved ice. Its glass-fronted salon and seasonal riverside terrace make it a standout sweets destination in Kiyamachi.
No bookingView details
