“How has Michelin rated Tokyo?”

Published by the tire company of the same name, the Michelin Guide began in 1900 as a guidebook for motorists. Having since expanded in variety, it is now a popular guidebook for gourmets worldwide. Anonymous surveys are conducted in each country and city, giving ratings from one to three stars. Quite aside from ingredient quality, the evaluation criteria are wide ranging from cooking techniques, through the level of perfection, to the originality of the dishes. Admired and held in high regard, these ratings are well respected by chefs and diners alike.

One star indicates, “A very good restaurant in its category”; two stars, “Excellent cooking, worth a detour”; and three stars, “Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.” Since Michelin continually updates its ratings, restaurants strive to maintain and improve their quality. That is precisely why Michelin is so trusted by culinary connoisseurs around the world.

In November 2007, the MG took its first steps into Asia with the publication of the Tokyo edition. The MG Tokyo 2022 awarded stars to over 200 restarants, more than any other city in the world.

The Michelin Guide Tokyo features many types of cuisine besides Japanese, including French, Italian, Chinese, etc. This might well reflect Tokyo’s diversity as a gourmet city and, by extension, the preferences of its gourmet. The variety of cuisine and number of stars make Tokyo a gourmet treasure trove full of delights for the gourmand’s palate.

Just why has Tokyo been awarded so many stars? One possible answer is the phenomenon of “ummi.” Umami is not deliciousness itself. Beside the long identified four basic tastes: sweetness, sourness, salt ness, and bitterness; umami is now considered the fifth, and is thought to hold the key to what we define as “delicious.”

The discovery and utilization of umami, a distinct and savory taste sensation, have left an indelible mark on the culinary world. While its main components, such as glutamic acid, inosinic acid, and guanylic acid, are now integral to dishes worldwide, it is fascinating to note that they were first identified in Japan over a century ago. The Japanese, with their rich culinary heritage dating back to ancient times, have long mastered the art of preparing dishes that skillfully incorporate umami through the ingenious use of dashi stock.

Osaka is known as one of the major attractions for tourists to visit when they plan a trip to Japan. However, have you ever wondered what the journey is behind that name? Was it called Osaka forever? The city has been a way for trade and international commerce ever since the 15th century. It is Osaka that brought Buddhism to the town, and then later, it was spread across Japan rapidly

The lively metropolis of Osaka, Kansai’s largest city, is sometimes overlooked by first time visitors to Japan (usually in favor of Kyoto, which always appears on lists of Japan’s best destinations). Yet it is a perennial favorite of Japan connoisseurs and repeat visitors, especially among travelers who love Japanese food.

Osaka is best known for its amazing casual food and outgoing locals. It’s arguably Japan’s street food capital, and most famous for snacks including takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Osaka is also renowned for its fun, extroverted people who make eating and drinking in the city an unforgettable experience.

Like most of central Japan, Located in central and western

Japan and western Japan, Osaka is a vibrant year-round destination., offering a plethora of attractions and experiences that cater to all seasons, each with its own distinct charm and allure. The weather in this captivating city fluctuates throughout the year, painting a diverse tapestry of climates and landscapes that continuously enchant visitors. Generally speaking, temperatures in Osaka tend to be most comfortable and pleasant in the spring and fall. Because these are popular times to visit, we suggest trying to avoid the busiest periods within these seasons.

If you prefer to encounter fewer tourists and don’t mind the cold or heat, consider traveling during a less crowded time of year, allowing you to savor the serenity and embrace the authentic essence of the city.

As with elsewhere in Japan, winter can get quite cold (though Osaka is usually a little less frigid than nearby Kyoto). Summers are very hot and humid, though also fun and fascinating, especially if you time your visit with a local matsuri.