Ranking
20 places in the "Hard-to-Book Spots" selection: editorial grades from A+ to F, prices, Tabelog scores and a map.
Places ranked: 20
Nagano · Fine Dining
A destination kaiseki restaurant in Iida, Nagano, celebrated for its singular use of South Shinshu ingredients. Chef Yukimoto transforms rare local produce like bear, wild eel, and ayu fish into a unique culinary journey.
Book months aheadView details
Nagano · Fine Dining
In the mountain resort of Karuizawa, Restaurant Naz offers a singular tasting menu built around fermentation and local Shinshu ingredients. It's a destination for its highly creative dishes and bespoke non-alcoholic pairings.
Book months aheadView details
Nagano · Fine Dining
A destination for unagi enthusiasts in the Ote district of Matsumoto. Yamasei (山勢) specialises in the rare jiyaki grilling style, serving eel with a crisp skin and tender flesh, alongside sought-after suppon (soft-shell turtle) courses.
Book months aheadView details
Nagano · Fine Dining
In the Karuizawa Hotel Breston Court, this French restaurant offers a unique 'water-game' concept, transforming local river fish into refined dishes. The experience begins theatrically with amuse-bouches served in the hotel's forest.
Book months aheadView details
Nagano · Fine Dining
A highly exclusive Italian restaurant in Karuizawa, serving just one group per day. Chef Kobayashi offers a deeply personal tasting menu focused on aroma and temperature, using ingredients primarily sourced from Italy.
By referralView details
Nagano · Fine Dining
A destination for chicken omakase in Karuizawa, where chef Tsuchiya-san showcases masterful fire control over a multi-course menu of rare parts and signature dishes. Bookings are essential and difficult to secure.
Book months aheadView details
Nagano · Fine Dining
A lamb specialist in Matsumoto, relocated from Hakuba, serving an unusually wide range of never-frozen cuts. Known for its fresh, tender meat and attentive staff who grill each piece for you at the counter.
Book months aheadView details
Nagano · Fine Dining
Hermitage de Tamura (エルミタージュ ドゥ タムラ) is a glass-walled French restaurant in the woods of Karuizawa, near Naka-Karuizawa. Go for its famous summer white-peach soup and luxury-ingredient courses.
Book months aheadView details
