Named one of ‘The World’s 50 Best Restaurants,’ Reservations at Den in Harajuku are correspondingly difficult to secure. We thoroughly recommend this homey, creative kaiseki restaurant for a special occasion, though – it’ll be one of the best meals of your life.
Den - image © Florentyna Leow
Den in Jingumae near Harajuku almost needs no introduction. Ever since opening his restaurant in Jimbocho and moviFever mind the Michelin stars that have been awarded to him since!
Den - image © Florentyna Leow
Chef Hasegawa serves up modern, creative twists on classic kaiseki cuisine. Eating at Den is nothing if not a memorable experience. The food is superbly executed but never stiff or dull, the staff are warm and friendly, and most importantly, it’s fun and relaxing, unlike most other expensive restaurants in Tokyo. You might even get to meet the chef’s dog, Puchi Jr.!
Den - image © Florentyna Leow
Some of the signature dishes at Den include the salad – which invariably has the carrot slice with a smiley face carved into it – and the delightful, indulgent foie gras stuffed monaka. We also love the Dentucky Fried Chicken, an obvious KFC parody of stuffed deep-fried chicken. What’s inside changes with the seasons; think combinations like sticky rice and turtle meat, or several kinds of mushrooms.
If you only head to one Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo, try Den. Reservations here are essential but also extremely difficult to secure – they only take reservations precisely one month prior to your intended date.
For more Tokyo kaiseki, kappo and other haute cuisine choices, see our Best Kaiseki, Kappo and Other Haute Cuisine in Tokyo page.
English name:
Den
Japanese name:
傳
English address:
Architect House Hall JIA, 2-3-18 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001
Japanese address:
〒150-0001 東京都渋谷区神宮前2-3-18 建築家会館JIA館
Opening hours:
6pm-11:30pm
Closed Sunday
Price:
Non-smoking section:
Completely Non-Smoking
Reservations:
Possible (noon-5pm)
Nearest Transport:
Subway: 10-minute walk from exit 3 of Gaiemmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza line.
Telephone:
+81-3-6455-5433
Website:
Official website (English)
Customer Reviews:
Read customer reviews of Den on TripAdvisor.
Near To Here:
Den is located in Tokyo's Harajuku and Aoyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Harajuku and Aoyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
More Tokyo Restaurant Recommendations:
See all Kaiseki & Kappo & Other Haute Cuisine we recommend on our Best Kaiseki & Kappo & Other Haute Cuisine in Tokyo page and get the complete list for all cuisines on our Best Tokyo Restaurants page.
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