A Taste Of Tokyo Travel Tips

For the taste of superlatives, there’s simply nowhere like Tokyo: the freshest, the largest, the most artful, and now, the most starred! Almost two hundred of Tokyo’s restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars, putting it miles (and meals!) ahead of any other city.

The most scenic. Birds-eye view dining in Tokyo is a treat for the eye and a treat to the palate. With varied menus — from Japanese traditions such as teppanyaki or shabu-shabu to the freshest seafood or perfectly-aged beef — Tokyo’s skyscraper restaurants are known for their finely prepared fare and their exceptional service.

The newest and the highest. Opening in mid-March 2010, ANA InterContinental Tokyo will be home to Pierre Gagnaire’s only Tokyo restaurant, and his highest in the world. The 36th-floor dining room looks over the heart of Tokyo city, including the Tokyo Tower. With his three Michelin stars, Chef Gagnaire brings international flavor and hallmark artistry to this latest addition to the Akasaka area.

The most traditional. Far below the high-rise restaurants, some of Tokyo’s most charming eating experiences unfold right on the street, at tiny noodle counters that seat three or four, or even in the basement of department stores called Depachika, food courts that serve everything from sushi to fresh fruit and vegetables. Look around and you’re sure to see locals sampling foods from exquisitely prepared bento boxes — an ideal way to picnic as you’re visiting Tokyo’s extraordinary gardens, shrines and parks. For a real food-lover’s experience, take a guided tour of Tsukiji, the largest fish market anywhere, and then browse through the adjacent neighborhood, where you just might rub elbows with a top chef or two shopping for special ingredients.