Kanda (Minato)
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About
Chef Hiroyuki Kanda’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant is a temple of minimalist sushi and kaiseki. There is no written menu; the chef prepares an omakase based on the best ingredients available that day and the preferences of the guest. Kanda is known for his incredible knowledge of sake pairings and his philosophy of 'leaving out the unnecessary.' The restaurant is hidden in a residential area of Motoazabu, offering a quiet and exclusive atmosphere. It is one of the few places where the chef himself often serves and talks with guests, providing a deeply personal elite dining experience.
Highlights
- Authentic Edo-style Kaiseki
- Understated luxury in Motoazabu
- Chef Hiroyuki Kanda artistry
- Strictly seasonal ingredients
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Roppongi Hills (Mori Tower)
Mori Tower is the center of a 'city within a city' concept, integrating office space, luxury apartments, and high-end retail. At its crown is the Mori Art Museum, one of the world's highest contemporary art spaces. The 'Tokyo City View' observation deck is particularly famous for having an outdoor 'Sky Deck' (weather permitting), which offers a completely unobstructed view of Tokyo Tower—arguably the best angle for night photography in the city. The base of the tower features the famous giant spider sculpture 'Maman' by Louise Bourgeois, a local landmark for meetings.
Butagumi (Nishi-Azabu)
Located in a beautifully preserved two-story traditional wooden house, Butagumi is a 'Tonkatsu Library.' They source over 30 different breeds of pork from across Japan and the world, each with a different fat-to-meat ratio and flavor profile. The menu details the origin and characteristics of each pig. The tonkatsu is fried to a perfect golden brown with a crunch that is audible, and it's served with unlimited cabbage and high-quality rice. The combination of the historic atmosphere and the academic approach to pork makes this a standout culinary experience in Tokyo.
The National Art Center Tokyo
Designed by Kisho Kurokawa, this is one of Japan's largest exhibition spaces and is famous for its breathtaking undulating glass facade. Unlike traditional museums, it does not have a permanent collection; instead, it hosts a rotating schedule of world-class special exhibitions. The interior is equally impressive, featuring two giant inverted concrete cones that house cafes and restaurants suspended in mid-air. Even if you don't enter an exhibition, the lobby is a free-to-enter architectural marvel popular with photographers and design enthusiasts.
Suntory Museum of Art
Located in the Tokyo Midtown complex, this museum was designed by Kengo Kuma with a theme of 'Japanese Modernism' and 'Art in Life.' The interior utilizes traditional materials like paulownia wood and vertical louvers to create a warm, Zen-like atmosphere. The museum focuses on pre-modern Japanese crafts, including exquisite ceramics, lacquerware, and glass. It also features a traditional tea ceremony room where visitors can occasionally participate in a 'Chado' experience. Its location within Roppongi makes it an easy addition to a day of museum-hopping.
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