Ranking
An editorial ranking of restaurants, cafés and bars: grades from A+ to F, price range, and the Tabelog score where one exists.
Places ranked: 2,446
Kyoto · Dessert Shop
A traditional tearoom in a restored Kyoto townhouse, famed for its monthly seasonal dessert, the Kohaku Nagashi. It's a quiet spot in Nakagyo ward to experience classic Japanese sweets in a historic setting.
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Osaka · Juice Bar / Smoothie Bar
The birthplace of Osaka's iconic mixed-fruit juice, served since 1969 from a tiny counter in the Umeda station underground. Famous for its nostalgic, banana-forward flavour and signature crushed-ice texture.
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Kyoto · Dessert Shop
The main store of a legendary Kyoto confectionery, located in Sakyo ward. Visitors make a special trip for the unique Ajari Mochi, a chewy, semi-baked sweet that is best experienced when bought fresh and still warm.
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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.
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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.
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Okinawa · Pizzeria
A tiny, nine-seat pizzeria in Sonoda, Okinawa City, famed for its exceptional Neapolitan-style pies. Visitors come for the unique, high-hydration dough that produces a pillowy yet crisp crust, earning it a spot in the Tabelog Pizza Top 100.
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Kanagawa · Donut Shop
The only Japan outpost of Hawaii's famous Leonard's Bakery, serving its signature malasadas hot from the fryer. Find it on the first floor of the Yokohama World Porters building in Yokohama's Shinko district.
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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.
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Kanagawa · Pâtisserie
The flagship store and cafe of a bean-to-bar chocolate maker in Yokohama's Minato Mirai district. Visitors come for its elaborate, showpiece desserts made with house chocolate, especially the highly sought-after, limited-edition parfait.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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