Takazawa, an exclusive 10-seater restaurant in Akasaka, serves artistic, impeccably-cooked Japanese-French cuisine with a price tag to match. Worth going at least once if you have deep pockets.
Takazawa - image © Florentyna Leow
Tokyo has no shortage of fine dining options - it’s just a question of how much you’re willing to spend. If you have deeper pockets than most, you might want to make a reservation at Takazawa the next time you’re in town.
Takazawa - image © Florentyna Leow
Headed by Chef Yoshiaki Takazawa, the eponymous restaurant serves modern kaiseki. His technical mastery is apparent in his cooking, but just as evident in some cases is the influence of French techniques and molecular gastronomy. Diners looking for something ‘traditionally Japanese’ won’t find it at Takazawa.
Much has been made of his signature ratatouille dish, comprising 15 different vegetables, separately cooked and arranged as a single mosaic tile on a plate. He doesn’t shy away from visual flourishes though: you might see scallops made into spaghetti, foie gras pastry resembling scales on a carp, even LED lights in water to illuminate a dish of squid.
Is Takazawa worth visiting? If you love fine dining as a matter of course, or you're aspiring to be part of the global culinary jet-setting club, maybe. Otherwise, there are plenty of other restaurants in town to visit at a fraction of the price.
For more Tokyo kaiseki, kappo and other haute cuisine choices, see our Best Kaiseki, Kappo and Other Haute Cuisine in Tokyo page.
English name:
Takazawa
Japanese name:
タカザワ
English address:
2F Sanyo Akasaka bldg., 3-5-2 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0052
Japanese address:
〒107-0052 東京都港区赤坂3-5-2 サンヨー赤坂ビル裏側2F
Opening hours:
6pm-9pm
Closed Sunday
Price:
Non-smoking section:
Completely Non-Smoking
Reservations:
Necessary
Nearest Transport:
Subway: 4-minute walk from exit 1 of Akasaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line.
Telephone:
+81-3-3505-5052
Website:
Official website (Japanese)
Customer Reviews:
:: Read customer reviews of Takazawa on TripAdvisor.
Near To Here:
Takazawa is located in Tokyo's Roppongi and Akasaka district. See our complete list of things to do in Roppongi and Akasaka, 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.
Where Is This Place Located?
See this place on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
