Japan offers more than just culinary excellence—it offers dining experiences where the view is as unforgettable as the food. Whether you’re gazing at Mount Fuji, city skylines, cherry blossoms, or the Pacific coastline, these restaurants elevate your meal with scenery that stays with you long after dessert.
For travelers, foodies, and romantic couples alike, finding restaurants with spectacular views in Japan is a must. But with so many choices, how do you find the perfect one? This article guides you through the best 20 restaurants in Japan with iconic views, ensuring you savor both taste and sight.
A Chart of Best Restaurants with View in Japan
| Restaurant Name | Location | Type of View | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Grill | Tokyo | Shinjuku Skyline | Western/Steakhouse |
| Ukai Toriyama | Tokyo (Hachioji) | Forest & Garden | Traditional Japanese |
| Sky Lounge Stellar Garden | Tokyo | Tokyo Tower | International |
| Shunka | Kyoto | Traditional Japanese Garden | Kaiseki |
| The Peak Lounge | Tokyo | Skyscraper Atrium Views | Afternoon Tea |
| Unkai | Sapporo | Seasonal Landscapes | Kaiseki |
| The Sky (Imperial Hotel) | Tokyo | 360-Degree City View | Buffet |
| Hoshinoya Tokyo Dining | Tokyo | Zen-inspired Interiors | Modern Japanese |
| Seafood Chinese Cuisine KAI FOO ROU | Hakodate | Bay & Harbor | Japanese/Western |
| Kawadoko Dining at Kibune | Kyoto | Riverside (Summer Only) | Kaiseki |
| Miharashi-tei | Hiroshima | Seto Inland Sea | Traditional |
Why Choose Best Restaurants with Views in Japan?
Dining at restaurants with beautiful views in Japan isn’t just about the food—it’s about enjoying the moment. These places combine delicious dishes with breathtaking landscapes, whether it’s Mount Fuji, the Tokyo skyline, or a peaceful ocean view. It turns an ordinary meal into a memorable, multi-sensory experience.
1. A Better Dining Experience
- Ambiance Matters: A stunning view can transform the mood of a meal, making it more enjoyable and memorable.
- Visual Delight: The scenery becomes part of the experience, adding beauty to every bite.
- Great for Photos: These restaurants often offer perfect spots for photos—both of your meal and the surrounding views.
- Seasonal Beauty: Nature-focused restaurants change with the seasons. You might enjoy cherry blossoms in spring or fiery autumn leaves, offering something new each visit.
2. Variety of Stunning Views
- Cityscapes: High-rise restaurants in places like Tokyo offer sweeping views of city lights and urban architecture.
- Nature’s Best: Some spots overlook iconic landscapes—Mount Fuji, mountains, or coastlines—bringing peace and a deep connection to nature.
- Unique Destinations: Dining in places like Miyajima (Shrine Island) or Amanohashidate (Heaven Bridge) adds cultural richness to the experience, blending history, nature, and food.
3. A Cultural and Mindful Experience
- Mindful Moments: Being surrounded by stunning views encourages you to slow down, be present, and truly savor every part of the meal.
- Connection to Nature: Many scenic spots in Japan reflect the deep cultural value placed on nature’s beauty.
- Seasonal Appreciation: Japanese food focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Dining with a view enhances this connection, letting you enjoy both the taste and the environment.
1. New York Grill
🌐 Visit Website
📍 Park Hyatt Tokyo, 52階, 3 Chome-7-1-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-1055, Japan
📞 +81 3-5323-3458
Located on the 52nd floor, New York Grill is more than just a place to eat—it’s an unforgettable experience. You’ll enjoy amazing views of Tokyo, juicy steaks, fresh seafood, a stylish setting, and live jazz from the bar next door. It is one of the best restaurants with view in Japan.
Even the short walk to your table is exciting. One side shows off a sleek white kitchen, while the other gives you the thrilling illusion of walking on air, thanks to a nearly invisible glass wall—definitely not for those afraid of heights!
Inside, the tall dining room features bold paintings of New York, but it’s the huge windows and breathtaking skyline that truly steal the spotlight. The menu offers a mix of global flavors, like top-quality Japanese wagyu, Australian lamb with mustard crust, and Hokkaido scallops with a spicy tomato-wasabi salsa.
Since 1994, they’ve served top Californian wines from their 1,600-bottle cellar, now including rare wines you won’t find anywhere else in Japan. Want a more casual vibe? Grab a counter seat by the kitchen and watch the chefs at work. Their holiday brunch is a local favorite, but weekday lunch is a great way to enjoy the place for less. Just make sure to book ahead—it’s always in demand.
2. Ukai Toriyama
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📍 3426 Minamiasakawamachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0846, Japan
📞 +81 42-661-0739
Ukai Toriyama isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a peaceful escape into nature near Mount Takao, just outside Tokyo. Set in a huge forested area with beautiful gardens and cozy private rooms, it feels like stepping into a traditional Japanese village.
The food is cooked over a charcoal hearth, offering rich flavors like juicy grilled chicken in secret sauce, tender wagyu beef, and seasonal veggies. Must-tries include chicken sukiyaki with burdock root and carp sashimi.
Whether you go for lunch or dinner, the set menus are packed with local taste. Plus, wine and tea are served from bamboo bottles—adding a fun and unique touch.
3. Sky Lounge Stellar Garden
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📍 Japan, 〒105-0011 Tokyo, Minato City, Shibakoen, 4 Chome−8−1 33F
📞 +81 3-5400-1170
Sky Lounge Stellar Garden, on the 33rd floor of The Prince Park Tower Tokyo, is the perfect spot to enjoy amazing views of Tokyo Tower and the city lights. With huge windows and tiered seating, every seat has a great view. It is one of the best restaurants with view in Japan.
The vibe is cozy and stylish, and the service is quick and friendly. You can sip on classic cocktails, wine, or refreshing non-alcoholic drinks—don’t miss their popular Tokyo Tower Cocktail or Yuzu Martini.
The lounge also serves tasty appetizers and main dishes made by the hotel’s top chefs. With comfy couple seats, counter spots, and a salon area for up to 100 guests, it’s great for a romantic night or a chill evening with friends. Window seats go fast, so booking ahead is a good idea!
4. Shunka
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📍 2 Chome-11-7 Higashinihonbashi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0004, Japan
📞 +81 03-5846-9830
Shunka Nakamura is a cozy Cantonese restaurant hidden near the peaceful Sumida River. The chef has trained in top Michelin-starred kitchens in Japan and learned home-style cooking in Hong Kong, bringing a perfect balance of flavor and comfort to every dish.
Lunch is affordable, while dinner is a special experience with a reservation-only course featuring 11 to 13 dishes. Served kappo-style, the meal includes seafood, beef, pork, chicken, and fresh seasonal ingredients, all tailored to your tastes. Ingredients are carefully sourced, like fresh veggies from Okayama and premium pork from across Japan. Steamed soups and Hong Kong-style comfort foods are the highlights.
You’ll also find a great selection of drinks—Shaoxing wine, craft beer, and wines to pair with your meal. Don’t miss their Chinese teas, specially selected by the chef in Hong Kong—they’re a real treat!
5. The Peak Lounge
🌐 Visit Website
📍 Japan, 〒163-1055 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 3 Chome−7−1-2 Shinjuku Park Tower, 41F
📞 +81353233461
The Peak Bar, on the 41st floor of Park Hyatt Tokyo, is a great place to enjoy cocktails with amazing city views. The best time to go is during “Peak of Joy” from 5–9 PM, where you get 2 hours of unlimited drinks and tasty canapés for about $50. The menu includes both classic and unique Japanese cocktails.
Right next to it, The Peak Lounge is a calm, sky-lit space with a beautiful bamboo garden. It’s perfect for relaxing with afternoon tea, fresh cakes, or evening drinks as the sun sets over Tokyo.
6. Unkai
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📍 060-0003 Kita 3, Nishi 1-2-9, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
📞 011-242-2827
Japanese Cuisine Unkai is a cozy restaurant inside ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel in Sapporo, just minutes from the station.
It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring fresh Hokkaido ingredients. Breakfast includes grilled salmon, salmon roe, miso soup, and veggies—served hot and tasty.
Dinner highlights include hokke (grilled mackerel), sashimi, sea urchin, and seasonal dishes with light flavors that bring out the best of each ingredient. The sashimi broth (dashi) is a must-try.
There’s also a great selection of local Hokkaido sake, and semi-private rooms make it perfect for special meals. A favorite among locals and tourists alike!
7. The Sky (Imperial Hotel)
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📍 4-1, Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8578, JAPAN
📞 +81-3-3265-1111
Located on the top floor of Hotel New Otani, VIEW & DINING THE SKY offers amazing city views and a fun, high-quality buffet experience.
Originally a stylish lounge when the hotel opened in 1964, it’s now a lively dining spot known for its wide mix of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes.
Enjoy freshly made sushi, tempura, teppanyaki, and the hotel’s famous roast beef, plus a salad bar with local veggies. Don’t miss the huge dessert spread, featuring sweets from SATSUKI and PIERRE HERMÉ PARIS—perfect for ending your meal on a sweet note!
8. Hoshinoya Tokyo Dining
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📍 1-9-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004
📞 +81-50-3134-8096
The main restaurant at HOSHINOYA Tokyo offers a unique blend of tradition and modern style, inspired by Japanese culture. It also one of the best restaurants with view in Japan.
Head Chef Noriyuki Hamada, a top winner at the world-famous Bocuse d’Or, combines French cooking skills with fresh Japanese ingredients like local fish and wild plants. His dishes follow the Japanese idea of balancing five key flavors—sour, salty, bitter, spicy, and sweet—and are beautifully served on elegant Japanese tableware.
Guests can enjoy an elegant breakfast, with fluffy scrambled eggs, soup, and bread. For a more relaxed experience, in-room dining offers a variety of light meals and drinks to enjoy in privacy and comfort.
9. Seafood Chinese Cuisine KAI FOO ROU
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📍 12-6 Toyokawacho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0065, Japan
📞 +81-50-2030-4678
Seafood Chinese Cuisine Kaifuro, located in LA VISTA HAKODATE BAY, offers a delicious blend of authentic Chinese dishes and fresh seasonal ingredients from Hokkaido. Set in a charming port town, the restaurant provides a warm, romantic atmosphere.
Lunch is popular with locals for its affordable set menus, perfect for a relaxed outing or a girls’ get-together. In the evening, the High-Grade Dinner Course showcases premium Hokkaido ingredients, beautifully prepared by skilled chefs—ideal for special occasions or celebrations.
Enjoy flavorful dishes in a refined, exotic setting that makes every meal feel special.
10. Kawadoko Dining at Kibune
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📍 50 Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1112, Japan
📞 +81757412222
Kibune, a peaceful mountain town just north of Kyoto, is the perfect summer getaway. It’s cooler than the city and much less crowded, making it a great escape from the heat and hustle.
From May to September, Kibune’s riverside restaurants set up kawadoko—wooden dining decks built just above the water. You can enjoy a meal while feeling the cool river breeze, surrounded by nature. It’s a truly unique and relaxing experience you won’t find in the city.
A highlight is Hirobun’s nagashi somen—cold noodles that slide down a bamboo pipe in flowing water. You catch them with chopsticks as they pass by. Each session lasts about 15 minutes, and though it’s not a full meal, it’s a fun and refreshing summer tradition.
Be prepared to wait—lines often stretch over 2 hours. While waiting, grab a drink at nearby Hyoue Cafe, where you can enjoy your own quiet kawadoko spot without the crowds.
11. Miharashi-tei
🌐 Visit Website
📍 15-7 Higashi Tsuchido-cho Onomichi-shi Hiroshima-ken, 722-0033 Japan
📞 0848-23-3864
This cozy Japanese-style sweets café sits right next to Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine on Mt. Nachi. It’s a great stop for trying unique local soft serve flavors like brown sugar candy and Japanese plum.
The menu also features traditional treats like zenzai (sweet red bean soup), hiyashi-ame (chilled jelly), and amazake (a sweet fermented rice drink). For something savory, you can enjoy soba noodles made with the pure spring water from Nachi Falls.
The café also doubles as a souvenir shop, offering charming items like Fukuju owl figurines, symbolizing good luck. It’s open during Golden Week, though the menu may be more limited during that time.
Conclusion
Choosing among the 20 best restaurants with view in Japan means picking your perfect blend of flavor, atmosphere, and scenery. Whether it’s a romantic Tokyo dinner, a riverside Kyoto lunch, or a sunset meal in Okinawa, these restaurants prove that in Japan, dining is a feast for all senses.
Key Takeaways
- Tokyo: Best for skyline and tower views.
- Kyoto: Ideal for garden and riverside serenity.
- Hakone & Fuji: Mountain lovers’ dream dining.
- Hokkaido: Seasonal landscapes and bay views.
- Okinawa: Oceanfront and sunset magic.
FAQs
What is the most famous restaurant with a view in Tokyo?
New York Grill at Park Hyatt Tokyo is iconic for its panoramic Shinjuku skyline view, featured in the movie Lost in Translation.
Are there restaurants with a Mount Fuji view?
Yes, Kura in Hakone offers stunning Mount Fuji views while serving Japanese-French fusion cuisine.
Where can I dine by the riverside in Kyoto?
Tempura Matsu and Kawadoko Dining at Kibune offer unique riverside dining experiences in Kyoto.
What’s the best ocean-view restaurant in Okinawa?
Shogun Steak House and Yoshida Steakhouse are top picks for sunset oceanfront dining.
Are reservations needed for these scenic restaurants?
For most popular spots, especially in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Okinawa, advance reservations are highly recommended.
