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Shinjuku

Kohaku is celebrated for its innovative kaiseki cuisine, blending traditional Japanese techniques with global influences. Guests appreciate the harmonious flavors, artistic presentation, and the chef's unique approach to seasonal ingredients. The intimate setting and attentive service further enhance the dining experience.

Discover Kohaku: An Exquisite Kaiseki Experience in Tokyo's Kagurazaka District.

Tucked away in the charming, historic streets of Kagurazaka, Tokyo, Kohaku offers an unparalleled dining journey that redefines traditional Japanese kaiseki with inventive modern flourishes. This refined restaurant has become a destination for food lovers and discerning travelers seeking an authentic yet groundbreaking culinary adventure. With its elegant ambiance and meticulous attention to detail, Kohaku promises a meal that delights all the senses.

Innovative Dishes and Culinary Craftsmanship

Kohaku elevates traditional elements like sashimi, grilled Ayu fish, and clear broths by infusing them with luxurious ingredients such as caviar, truffles, and uniquely prepared Kobe beef. Each course is a masterclass in balance, texture, and umami, inviting diners to savor complex flavors that linger delightfully. Highlights include charcoal-grilled sea perch paired with yuzu citrus jelly and a cold noodle dish so perfectly al dente it could headline a restaurant on its own.

Upon entering Kohaku, guests are warmly welcomed with impeccable hospitality that makes each individual feel like Japanese royalty. The serene and sophisticated setting complements the culinary artistry, creating a perfect backdrop for an intimate and memorable meal. The attentive staff not only cater to your every need but also share subtle moments of warmth, such as enjoying lighthearted laughter over a joke, ensuring a truly personalized experience.

Due to its exclusive nature and popularity, booking a reservation at Kohaku is essential and can be made through the OMAKASE reservation service. The restaurant operates Tuesday through Friday from 5:00 PM to midnight, with additional Saturday lunch and dinner sessions. While there is no strict dress code, the elegant ambiance calls for smart-casual attire. Though focused on traditional Japanese fare, vegetarian options are available upon request, ensuring a delightful experience for diverse palates.

What is the price of the Chef's Tasting Course at Kohaku?

 The Chef's Tasting Course is priced at ¥49,500 per person, including tax.

 Yes, reservations are required and can be made through the OMAKASE reservation service.

 Kohaku operates from Tuesday to Friday, 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM, and on Saturdays from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM.

 While there is no formal dress code, guests are encouraged to dress smart-casual to match the elegant ambiance of the restaurant.

Are there vegetarian options available at Kohaku?

 Yes, Kohaku offers vegetarian-friendly options upon request.

The buzz around Kohaku is overwhelmingly positive, with diners applauding the restaurant's innovative fusion of traditional kaiseki with modern elements like truffle and caviar. The staff's impeccable service and the elegant yet relaxed atmosphere make every visit special. Patrons often describe their experience as transformative, highlighting the chef's soulful approach and the artistry behind each dish. Many consider dining at Kohaku worth a dedicated trip to Tokyo.

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Japan

Nestled in the heart of Kagurazaka, Tokyo, Kohaku is a culinary gem that offers an exquisite dining experience steeped in tradition and artistry. This restaurant, renowned for its kaiseki cuisine, invites guests to embark on a sensory journey through a meticulously crafted menu that celebrates the finest seasonal ingredients. The ambiance is intimate, with warm lighting and elegant decor that set the stage for a memorable meal.

At Kohaku, every dish is a masterpiece, with the menu changing seasonally to reflect the freshest ingredients. Two standout dishes include the deep-fried Ayu fish served in a creamy mushroom soup, where the umami flavors meld beautifully, and the grilled conger eel, which leaves a lingering taste that captivates the palate. Each bite is a testament to the chef's dedication to quality and flavor, making the dining experience truly unforgettable.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Kohaku is its commitment to the art of kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner that emphasizes seasonal ingredients and presentation. The chefs at Kohaku take great pride in their craft, often sharing anecdotes about their sourcing trips to local markets, ensuring that each dish tells a story. This dedication to quality and tradition is evident in every aspect of the dining experience.

Kohaku is celebrated for its exquisite kaiseki dining experience, showcasing seasonal ingredients and meticulous presentation.

Visiting Kohaku offers a unique opportunity to indulge in a true culinary journey, where each dish is crafted with care and precision.

Kagurazaka is known for its charming streets lined with traditional shops and tea houses, making it a delightful area to explore before or after your meal.

Kohaku is not just a restaurant; it is an experience that transcends the ordinary. Whether you are a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, this establishment promises to leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Japanese cuisine. Make your reservation today and step into a world where every meal is a celebration of flavor and artistry.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURwXzZLdkd3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJiSRxIluMGGARgaWss9mCC6o/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURwXzZLdkd3EAE

I visited Ren and Ishikawa in 2016, the experience was exceptional. Since then I have always looked forward to visit Kohaku. Due to the popularity of the establishment, and no travel during 3 years of COVID, there was no chance at all.

All of a sudden there was availability at Kohaku in 4 days, I immediately confirmed and booked a flight to Tokyo, making a dedicated trip just for Kohaku.

The exterior of the shop looked exactly the same as when I passed by 7 years ago, so no problem to locate it at all.

Appetizer is shredded melon and caviar in light creamy sauce. The refreshing and deep flavour wash away the heat of summer and gets you ready for the feast.

Then comes the deep fried Ayu fish in creamy mushroom soup. The umami and silkiness of the soup matches perfectly with the lighly crunchy Ayu with deep savory flavour.

You can learn a lot about a Japanese restaurant from the quality of it's soup. Needless to say Kohaku's soup is clear and rich without the help of any additional seasoning. The taste of the charcoal grilled conger eel just lingers in your mouth, for a very long time.

Sashimi is of course top quality, the uni soy sauce with sesame seasoning completes the tako.

Highlight of the dinner is again Ayu fish which is grilled this time, paired with sauce made of deep fried fish bone and fish organ, and sticky rice. Such deconstruction makes you enjoy the fish to the maximum in terms and flavour and texture in great harmony.

Deep fried oyster with pepper, yuzu seasoned sauce, turnip and ginger is a successful formula. It strikes me as the classical Cantonese dish oyster in clay pot, but in much more delicate flavour for good sake.

The cold noodle has a surprising chewy and al dente texture, all embraced by clear broth with delicate umami flavour. One can open a restaurant with this noodle alone and become a hit.

A perfect dinner always ends with a fabulous dessert, which is a coconut mochi this time. What a treat. If you were as lucky as I am you can even buy some back home.

Verdict: a seat in Kohaku is definitely worthy for a dedicated trip, from any part of the world. Will strive to visit again.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR3c3RYZ3d3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJiSRxIluMGGARgaWss9mCC6o/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR3c3RYZ3d3RRAB

This was the best experience I've ever had at any restaurant. A true 3 Michelin star experience. From the moment we entered the hosted greeted us with the utmost respect and the waitress was wonderful and courteous through the whole night, they even laughed at my bad jokes. The food was fantastic and exciting. The very first dish (charcoal grilled black throat sea perch and eggplant marinated in yuzu citrus jelly) was presented beautifully but the flavors I witnessed from that first bite was the single best bite I've ever had. There's nothing I can compare it to cause there's nothing that taste like it. It was food that forced a smile on my face and I could not get enough. I had to ask the hostess if I could lick the plate, she got me a spoon instead. I loved the chefs take on gelatin, it really opened my mind to the flavors that gelatin can bring to any dish especially his secret jelly with Kobe beef, the flavor was amazing I tasted at least 30 different flavors(I'm guessing)that made one fantastic flavor. Each of the eleven courses I had were dishes I will never forget every dish was unique and every bite was perfect. Me and my guest were barley able to talk to each other we could not focus on anything else except the food we only said a few sentences for what seemed like 30 mins cause they would bring out the next dish so quickly, we were there for 2 and a half hours and did not know so much time had passed. This was my first kaiseki experience  but it was beyond expectations the level of respect I received from the staff from the beginning and until we turned the corner of that alley way, made me feel like Japanese royalty. After we left I felt like I was floating on a cloud and in heaven I could've died happy right then and there, it worth every yen and more.
They say the best chef's will put their soul into their food and open your mind to what is possible.
My mind was opened and I tasted the chefs soul and it is something I will never forget.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNRbF9QaHVBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJiSRxIluMGGARgaWss9mCC6o/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNRbF9QaHVBRRAB

Reservation difficulty. A lot of dishes that I spent a lot of time. Too delicious!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURBcWRpbEJBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJiSRxIluMGGARgaWss9mCC6o/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURBcWRpbEJBEAE

Marvellous dining experience; requires reservations.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURTZ2NpU3RnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJiSRxIluMGGARgaWss9mCC6o/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURTZ2NpU3RnRRAB

A selection of delicate dishes to delight and homely fare to warm the stomach.  The menu was peppered with rare and unique delicacies that merits this experience a try

Indulge in Exquisite Kaiseki Dining at Kohaku, Shinjuku

Kohaku, located in Tokyo's Kagurazaka district, is renowned for its innovative kaiseki cuisine. Chef Koji Koizumi, who became Japan's youngest three-star Michelin chef at 36 in 2015, leads the kitchen. The restaurant has maintained its three-star rating since 2016, reflecting its commitment to excellence.

Kohaku's illustrious journey in Tokyo's culinary scene.

Nestled in the vibrant Kagurazaka district of Tokyo, Kohaku has become a beacon of exceptional Japanese cuisine, captivating food enthusiasts from around the globe. Under the visionary leadership of Chef Koji Koizumi, this restaurant has carved a unique niche as a pinnacle of culinary excellence.

From humble beginnings to a Michelin triumph

Kohaku's ascent began notably in 2012 when it was honored with two Michelin stars. This recognition marked the restaurant as a must-visit destination for those seeking exquisite kaiseki dining experiences in Tokyo. The culinary artistry and dedication to fresh, seasonal ingredients quickly set the stage for greater accolades.

In 2015, Chef Koji Koizumi distinguished himself by becoming Japan’s youngest chef to earn three Michelin stars at the age of 36, a testament to his innovative techniques and profound respect for traditional Japanese culinary values. His leadership and creativity propelled Kohaku into the culinary stratosphere, attracting diners worldwide eager to experience his exceptional cuisine.

Kohaku today: A Michelin three-star destination

Since its elevation to three Michelin stars in 2016, Kohaku has maintained an unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled dining experiences. The restaurant invites patrons to indulge in meticulously crafted dishes that highlight the delicate balance of flavors, textures, and seasonal ingredients synonymous with Japan’s finest kaiseki cuisine.

 Awarded two Michelin stars, marking its rise in the Tokyo culinary scene.

 Chef Koji Koizumi named Japan’s youngest three-star Michelin chef at 36 years old.

 Elevated to three Michelin stars, cementing its status among Tokyo’s elite restaurants.

 Relocated to the prestigious address 3-5-5 Kagurazaka in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, continuing its tradition of excellence.

 remains a coveted destination for those seeking a transformative kaiseki experience that harmonizes artistry, tradition, and innovation in every bite.

Kohaku is a culinary gem located in the heart of Kagurazaka, Shinjuku City, Tokyo, offering an exquisite journey through traditional Japanese cuisine. The restaurant features a serene atmosphere with meticulous attention to detail, serving beautifully presented dishes made from the freshest ingredients. Kohaku not only delights the palate but also immerses visitors in the enchanting essence of Japanese culture, making it a vibrant destination for food enthusiasts.

Kohaku

An exquisite kaiseki experience showcasing seasonal ingredients and the chef's inspired creations.

Chef's Tasting Course

Kohaku, located in the charming Kagurazaka district of Shinjuku City, Tokyo, presents a refined kaiseki dining experience. This culinary philosophy emphasizes seasonal ingredients and meticulous preparation, showcasing the chef's artistry through each dish. The menu is a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese techniques and contemporary flavors, inviting diners to savor the essence of Japan in every bite.

Chef's Tasting Course: An exquisite kaiseki experience showcasing seasonal ingredients and the chef's inspired creations.

Deep Fried Ayu Fish in Creamy Mushroom Soup: A delightful pairing of umami and silkiness.

Charcoal Grilled Conger Eel: A dish that lingers on the palate, showcasing the chef's skill.

Kohaku offers a curated selection of beverages to complement its exquisite dishes. Guests can enjoy a variety of sake, chosen for their ability to enhance the flavors of the menu. The knowledgeable staff is always ready to recommend pairings that elevate the dining experience, ensuring that each sip harmonizes with the meal.

Kohaku caters to various dietary preferences, offering vegetarian and gluten-free options upon request. The chef is dedicated to accommodating guests' needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the artistry of kaiseki dining without compromise.

For a truly memorable experience, the chef recommends the seasonal highlights, including the grilled Ayu fish paired with a unique sauce made from deep-fried fish bones. This dish exemplifies the balance of flavor and texture that defines Kohaku's culinary philosophy.

Indulge in the artistry of Japanese cuisine at Kohaku in Shinjuku City, Tokyo. Reserve your table today to embark on an unforgettable culinary journey.

Savor exquisite Japanese cuisine at Kohaku in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku. Delight in authentic flavors and vibrant atmosphere. Reserve your table today!

Kohaku: Authentic Japanese Dining in Shinjuku

Shinjuku City Municipality

A multi-course meal crafted with seasonal ingredients, offering a harmonious blend of traditional and modern Japanese cuisine.

Discover Kohaku's exquisite seasonal kaiseki dining in Tokyo's Kagurazaka district.

Nestled in the charming streets of Kagurazaka, Shinjuku City, Kohaku is a culinary gem renowned for its innovative kaiseki experience. This elegant restaurant offers a 

 that celebrates the freshest seasonal ingredients through avant-garde techniques by Chef Koji Koizumi. Every dish promises to surprise and delight the palate with artful presentations and complex flavors.

Unforgettable flavors and meticulous craftsmanship

Kohaku elevates traditional Japanese cuisine to new heights. Guests rave about dishes like shredded melon with caviar in a creamy sauce, deep-fried Ayu fish in mushroom soup, and charcoal-grilled conger eel whose flavors linger delightfully. The sashimi selection is impeccably fresh, complemented by uni soy sauce with sesame seasoning. Each course is thoughtfully composed to harmonize texture and taste, making every bite a memorable journey.

A dining experience worthy of a dedicated trip

Reservations at Kohaku are highly sought after, reflecting the restaurant's reputation as a must-visit Tokyo destination for gourmets and travelers seeking authentic Japanese haute cuisine. From the warm hospitality to the flawless service, diners feel truly valued throughout their meal. The experience culminates with exquisite desserts like coconut mochi, offering a sweet finish to a 2.5-hour culinary journey.

 Serves wine and beer, no cocktails or coffee

 Intimate setting with no outdoor seating and no live music

 Advance reservations essential due to limited availability

 Credit cards accepted, no cash-only policy

Kohaku's multi-course Chef's Tasting Course

 priced at 49,500 JPY delivers an exceptional culinary journey through the best seasonal ingredients Tokyo has to offer, crafted with precision and creativity that leaves a lasting impression on every diner.

Located in the charming Kagurazaka neighborhood of Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Kohaku is a distinguished restaurant celebrated for its innovative kaiseki cuisine. With a consistent three Michelin-star rating since 2016, it offers a unique blend of traditional and modern culinary techniques. The intimate dining atmosphere and meticulous attention to detail make it a must-visit for food enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Innovative kaiseki cuisine blending traditional and modern elements.

Use of seasonal and high-quality ingredients.

Consistent three Michelin-star rating since 2016.

High price point may be prohibitive for some diners.

Limited seating capacity requiring early reservations.

Fixed tasting menu may not accommodate all dietary restrictions.

Kohaku is perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, and culinary enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable dining experience.

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating.

The restaurant serves a fixed tasting menu that changes seasonally.

Kohaku stands out as a premier dining destination in Tokyo, offering a remarkable culinary experience that is both artistic and flavorful. With its commitment to quality and innovation, it promises to leave a lasting impression on all who dine there.

Tokyo

虎白

There is no english sign outside so look up the Japanese kanji for Kohaku before coming here to not get lost. We booked reservations for Kohaku because of the three-michelin star rating that it received and wanted to have a nice "kaiseki" option of dining instead of the typical sushi omakase that most people drop their $300 on here in Japan. What caught my eye was actually how young Chef Koji was, made me respect him all the more for achieving such a high honor compared to the age group of other 3-star winners around the world. Tbh though I don't really know much about that world anyway; I just wanted to eat quality Japanese dishes. And that I did. The 10 items on the menu were practically flawlessly done. At times I had to reason to myself that I just wasn't high-class enough to fully appreciate certain pairings and just took it as it was, delicious. 1st dish, queen crab soup with turnip, was a warm and inviting intro to the menu as it was quite chilly that night. Our 2nd dish was the deep-fried snapper and ginkgo nut with homemade star anise salt. The star anise salt was a great idea; well, spiced salts are new to me and so that's something I'd consider taking home to use in my own dishes. Didn't really understand the ginkgo nut part. 3rd dish was the codfish milt on sticky rice with white truffle. I'd have to let the waitress know that she shouldn't say this is like risotto (the description is already accurate as is). Look up milt on google btw. Despite your discovery, it was a pretty decent dish. 4th dish was the snow crab dumpling. THIS was pretty damn good. They called it a dumpling but it was really an almost airy and collapsible-in-your-mouth crab mixture. Words are hard to describe it but it was very sweet, light, and delicious. Super great dish. 5th dish was their signature. The fish was flounder but of course it's seasonally changd here. There's monkfish liver and "secret jelly" in this dish to go with the fish itself. Refreshing to say the least. The jelly has a citrusy flavor that's very bright. 6th dish was the grilled turtle and burdock. Didn't understand the burdock part but damn was that turtle piece tasty. 7th dish was Japanese prawn on potato. Sort of a forgettable dish. 8th dish was wild duck and mashed fried lotus roots in hot broth. This was the winner for me. Duck was beautifully seasoned and cooked. The deep fried mashed lotus cube was quite a delicious bite as well. Soup was nice and clean. 9th dish was the rice with grilled kinme snapper. I don't know if I missed something but all I got was a sliver of the snapper skin. I don't know if the fish was mashed and mixed into the rice but I couldn't find sizable chunks of it anywhere. I forgot to take a picture, but the chef comes out and presents the bowl itself beforehand to show how glorious is (and you can see all the fishies there). So where did all the fish go if almost none of it got in my bowl :( 10th dish was a nice pudding dessert with a dope rum jelly. Really refreshing. I don't really want to go in depth on each dish because there was just so many, but to summarize everything, the whole meal revolved around being light and refreshing. If that was the goal, then Chef Koji did well. Service at the restaurant was of course outstanding. For one, you're in Japan, and two, it's a 3-starred restaurant. Waittress/hostess had excellent English and was very warm and accommodating. The chefs walking around the dining room were also quick and kind and did their best to answer my dumb questions (I didn't know shiso flowers were a thing!!). In addition, you can ask for another helping of the 9th dish if you're still hungry (you likely won't be), and they even packed us extra in onigiri form (albeit it was still mainly just rice LOL). Overall, I just wasn't blown away with my experience. My expectations may have been too high, but only 2-3 dishes were great, 1 was amazing, most of the rest were good, and the last one forgettable. I can't wholeheartedly say this was a must-go experience. I still left happy though. 8/10, would recommend to a friend but would NOT come again, in contrast to my typical comment of saying I would come again at this level of a rating. I'm almost always motivated by the dishes themselves and the price point when it comes to returning to a restaurant. At $300 I don't really think it's worth it, and I have a hard time justifying coming back when I wasn't absolutely blown away. That being said, The place deserves at least a 4 star rating given what they did serve and the level of service that they provided.

I had the pleasure of dining here with 3 other friends, thanks to an acquaintance helping us with reservations. Our reservations were for 6:00pm on a Wed night but we arrived to Iidabashi Station at about 5:30pm. The restaurant is tucked away in an alleyway, about 10 minutes away from the station by foot. The area it's located in, Kagurazaka, is a very quaint, beautiful part of Tokyo that has many boutique type restaurants and bars. Don't be surprised if you come across women walking around wearing yukatas (casual version of a kimono). The outside of the restaurant is very unassuming, pristine, and quite exquisite. As you enter through door, you naturally get a feeling that you are in for a special experience. Upon entering, you are greeted immediately by women who are wearing the aforementioned yukata. We entered in right at 6pm and were seated in a corner table. There's a counter that seats about 6 people, and the room next to it has a handful of tables. The restaurant itself is not that big and has limited seating. I was expecting a private room, but never once were we uncomfortable at our table for 4. You can faintly hear others speaking around you, but it was never a disruption to our meal. We had 2 pleasant lady servers who took care of our table. The service of the two of them were excellent as they were always quick to fill our cups with either sake or water, but were never overbearing. My favorite thing about the service was the joy and smiles they flashed when explaining each dish to us - their excitement and joy for us to try the food was contagious. A menu in both English and Japanese was given to us. The first dish came out in a timely manner after we had sat and made ourselves comfortable. We had 9 dishes total (including dessert), along with a bottle of "Hiroki" sake. The timing of each dish was on point - never feeling rushed, yet giving us enough time to savor and enjoy the dish we had just finished. The dishes we had, in order: 1. Broiled Conger Eel and Eggplant topped with Grated Yam 2. Deep Fried Eel and Ginkgo Nuts garnished Pasted Plum and Homemade Blended Salt 3. Hand Rolled Grilled Black-Throat Sea Perch on Sticky Rice 4. Tile Fish Dumpling in Clear Soup 5. Spanish Mackerel with Chef's Secret Jelly 6. Charcoal-Grilled Kinme Snapper and Fried Mashed Onion 7. Minced Japanese Beef (wagyu) and Shiitake Mushroom 8. Simmered Butterfish and Japanese Turnip 9. Steamed Rice with Japanese Salmon, Pickled Vegetables, and Miso Soup 10. Green Tea Mousse and Caramel Soup with Brandy Sherbert Without analyzing each and every dish, the favorites of the night were #2, #6, #7, and #8. The salmon roe (ikura) that came out with the last dish was the best I ever had - so clean and natural tasting. All the dishes were on the lighter side, nothing too bold or overpowering. The protein in each dish shined with just the right accompaniment with the vegetables and sauces/broth. 9 dishes + 1 dessert did not sound like a lot at first, but we left with our stomachs full. The chef, the young and acclaimed Mr. Koizumi, came by the table for dish #9, holding and showing us the steamed rice dish before it was cooked. He also thanked us and made sure everything was to our satisfaction. The total bill came out to about 99,000 yen (~$940 USD). It was money well spent and an experience to remember. Thank you to Chef Koizumi and his wonderful staff for an excellent meal.

Inspiring kaiseki and evening. Reflective of their reverence for the natural state with minimal manipulation to be as close to how nature intended each component to be. Subtle flavors blossom and are revealed gradually. Conger eel dumpling in clear broth would be an appropriate example with a small piece of yuzu rind as a nice surprise. Higan daiginjo as recommended paired really well with everything and the black sugar shochu added a satisfying complementary deep mellow note. Staff and chef were attentive and very personable. Leftover fugu fried rice was transformed into onigiris to go which was a welcome treat. Subtle, uncomplicated, inspiring and memorable.

A few things to know in advance: this place is run by Koji Koizumi (a young chef all-star), but it is owned by the extremely accomplished Hideki Ishikawa (featured in Lutz Hachmeister's documentary Three Stars; worth a watch). Also, Kohaku is Japan's newest 3-star- it was just awarded the 3rd star in 2016, so they still have something to prove, unlike some of the other Japanese 3-stars which are quite comfortable resting on their laurels (*cough* Jiro *cough*). The restaurant has a gorgeous, understated interior and a look that seamlessly blends modern and traditional- lots of smooth blond wood, a beautiful chef's counter, and subtle ceramic decoration that keeps things simple. A really pleasant and relaxing space. Think Ikea meets Zen Garden. Service is very good, but be aware that almost no English is spoken. Like, literally almost zero- maybe "hello." So, bring a Japanese-speaking buddy or be prepared to keep yourself(ves) entertained. I did notice that things slowed way down towards the middle of the meal- the kitchen is working to serve both the diners at the counter as well as a large number of private rooms, so they occasionally would get slammed. The food was totally and transcendently excellent- this is roughly as good as Japanese Kaiseki/Seafood gets, and that's really saying a lot. For a dorky, course-by-course description, check this out: ow.ly/4mUXco I visited nearly every Michelin 3-Star restaurant on a two-week journey through Japan; this is one of very few that I plan to return to for the sheer joy of the experience.

Though hard to book, I was lucky to have a chance to try out the course dinner at Kohaku. . It took some frantic calls, but we managed to get a booking at Kohaku, but only barely - they could only seat us a 9:00pm. (Lesson learned, reserve your dinners early folks!) Located off the main street of Kagurazaka, the facade of Kohaku is simple and not difficult to find. The dining room is well lit and the atmosphere is subdued, but in a welcoming way. When we first entered, we were greeted by our waitress who proceeded to seat us after a short wait. The service was friendly and the staff were able to explain the dishes in English and Japanese with no problem. Now, onto the food... 1. Sesame Tofu with Sea Urchin and wasabi flowers in dashi I really liked this dish, the sesame and sea urchin balanced out really nicely and the dashi pulled everything together. The addition of the wasabi leaves and baby perilla added a nice shot of flavor as well. 2. Broad Beans and Hamaguri with Star Anise Salt Beans and Hamaguri were lightly powdered then deep fried (Potato starch?) Served with a salt which has star anise ground in it. Since it is not traditionally used in Japanese cooking, I am glad that there was only a slight hint of star anise - which played well with the sweetness of the clams and beans. 3. Fugu with truffles, sticky rice and cream This dish was okay for me, everything came together nicely and it could have been a spectacular dish, but it was missing that last "push". I felt it needed a bit more body from something like some white miso or yuzu kosho to add a touch more saltiness and body to the entire dish. Also, this tasted decidedly more "western" in comparison to the other dishes of the evening. 4. Conger eel cake with baby turnips in broth This was nice to have after the creaminess of the last dish. The cake was light and springy, the radish picked early enough so it was sweet rather than peppery and the light seafood broth really help to clean the palate of any residual flavors. Lovely dish. 5. Torched red snapper with dashi jelly Another delicious dish. The snapper skin was broiled with a blowtorch to impart a smokey char to the entire filet before it was sliced and topped with jelly scallions and myoga. Simple clean flavors which went down very nicely. 6. Kinki on a bed of brocolli rabe, myoga and seri Grilled Kinki was served warm while the brocolli rab, myoga and seri wer poached in some broth and served cold. Since kinki has a firm, sweet white flesh, this simple preparation was more than enough. The vegetables were refreshing with no hints of bitterness. 7. Deep Fried Sea Bream with spring bamboo shoots, celery and grated radishes. This dish was a good combination of textures and flavor. Not much else to say about it. 8. Abalone with a sauce of its innards, umeboshi and wasabi flowers. I love abalone. Especially when it is steamed slowly then sliced like this. The sweetness and tenderness only needs to be accented by a touch of acidity to brighten the dish up, which was superbly done with the umeboshi and innards sauce. I honestly wish I had a trough full of this to snack on. 9. Rice that was made with roasted black rockfish, scallions and mitsuba. Seaweed and mushroom soup. This was the closing dish to our meal before dessert and it did not disappoint. The rice was cooked with the roasted rockfish and a savory broth, imparting it with a wonderful aroma and flavor. Fresh scallions and mitsuba were scattered gernerously on top and mixed in at the last minute adding a wonderful grassy and fresh aroma to the entire dish. This was served with a side of Japanese pickles and a briny seaweed and mushroom soup. The rice definitely was a wonderful closure to a stellar meal. 10.Soy Sauce ice cream with jelly and yuba chips, almonds and sherry sauce. To be honest, I could have done without the ice cream, but that is purely for personal reasons. The ice cream was nice, not overly sweet and had a nice variety of flavors and textures. Who knew soy and sherry would work out pretty well. It was small enough to be a nice cooling dessert after the meal. The total came out to about 20,000 Yen per person including alcohol. Not only that, the rice that we couldn't finish was made into nice little rice balls for us to take home and snack on later. Overall a satisfying meal from a very friendly chef and waitstaff, definitely recommended for those who want some kaiseki in a relaxed atmosphere. After the waitress and chef came to the door to show us out, we proceeded to walk home satisfied and happy.

A very fantastic Friday night experience. Reserved the table a month in advance. Very hard to book but it deserves. Nice food nice environment and nice staffs. If you are a fan of traditional Japanese food, go and try it!

very nice restaurant，wonderful food，wonderful service，truffle cream sauce is amazing，crab soap with tofu skin is so delicious，especially the local sparkling wine，very fruity and tasty

Experience exquisite Kaiseki cuisine at Kohaku in Kagurazaka, Tokyo, led by Japan's youngest 3-star Michelin chef. Book your culinary journey now!

Kohaku Tokyo Kagurazaka - 3-Star Michelin Kaiseki Experience

Enjoy innovative Japanese cuisine at Kohaku in Kagurazaka, Tokyo. Renowned for seasonal ingredients and elegant atmosphere. Reserve your table today!

Discover Kohaku Tokyo Kagurazaka - Michelin Starred Dining

Dine at Kohaku in Tokyo’s Kagurazaka, a celebrated 3-star Michelin restaurant offering a blend of tradition and modern elegance. Book your unforgettable meal now.

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