Updated: October, 2025
Tokyo Remains the World’s Michelin Capital
Tokyo continues its reign as the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, according to the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2026 released on September 24. The Japanese capital currently boasts 160 starred restaurants, a crown it has held for over 15 years.
“With the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, Tokyo continues to inspire food lovers with its mastery, creativity, and the emotional power of its cuisine,” reads the latest Michelin press release.
Now in its 19th edition, the guide showcases the breadth of Tokyo’s dining scene:
- Sushi rooted in Edo-period traditions
- Kaiseki that reflects Japan’s seasons and culture
- French, Chinese, and global cuisines reimagined with Japanese precision and flair
The Japanese capital continues to lead the world as a destination city, thanks to its concentration of fine dining. The second city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants is Paris, Europe's capital of fine dining, with 132 listed establishments. In third place is Kyoto, followed by Osaka in fourth place, and New York in fifth place.
From Tokyo’s unmatched lead to Paris, Kyoto, Osaka and New York, explore the Top 5—and get acquainted with Tokyo’s newest three-star stars.
What Cities have the Most Michelin Stars? Find out the Top 5
1. Tokyo (Japan) - Total of 160 starred restaurants
2. Paris (France) - Total of 132 starred establishments
3. Kyoto (Japan) - Total of 92 starred establishments
4. Osaka (Japan) - Total of 79 starred establishments
5. New York (USA) - Total of 71 starred establishments
See the Michelin star classifications for each country below:
1. Tokyo (Japan)
- 12 Restaurants with three stars
- 26 Restaurants with two stars
- 122 Restaurants with one star
2. Paris (France)
- 10 Restaurants with three stars
- 16 Restaurants with two stars
- 106 Restaurants with one star
3. Kyoto (Japan)
- 5 Restaurants with three stars
- 16 Restaurants with two stars
- 71 Restaurants with one star
4. Osaka (Japan)
- 3 Restaurants with three stars
- 11 Restaurants with two stars
- 65 Restaurants with one star
5. New York (USA)
- 5 restaurants with three stars
- 13 restaurants with two stars
- 53 restaurants with one star
Michelin Starred Restaurants in Tokyo
Tokyo alone has more 3-star restaurants than any other city in the world.
Here are the 12 restaurants that currently hold three Michelin stars in Tokyo (Michelin Guide 2026 edition):
- SÉZANNE
- RyuGin
- Sazenka
- Kagurazaka Ishikawa
- Harutaka
- L’Osier
- Kanda
- Azabu Kadowaki
- Joël Robuchon
- Quintessence
- Effervescence
- Myojaku (most recent addition)
These restaurants reflect a blend of Japanese heritage and global influence - from world-class sushi masters to French haute cuisine reimagined in a Tokyo context.
Why Does Tokyo Have the Most Michelin Stars?
Several factors explain Tokyo’s dominance:
- Sheer volume of restaurants: Tokyo has more dining establishments than most global capitals.
- Cultural obsession with craft: Japanese chefs train for decades to perfect sushi, kaiseki, tempura, and ramen.
- Diversity of cuisines: Beyond Japanese, Parisian-style French dining, Italian, and even Chinese fine dining thrive here.
- Seasonal philosophy: Kaiseki and omakase dining emphasize seasonality, which aligns with Michelin’s evaluation of consistency and ingredient quality.
What are Michelin Stars?
For many chefs and restaurateurs, obtaining Michelin stars is both a personal and professional aim and ambition, and a stamp of their entry into an elite world of cooking, as well as a powerful marketing tool driving diners from around the world to their establishment.
What is the Michelin Star Classification System?
Michelin stars remain the ultimate accolade in fine dining. Inspectors visit restaurants anonymously and evaluate on five criteria:
- Quality of ingredients
- Mastery of flavor and cooking techniques
- Personality of the chef in the cuisine
- Value for money
- Consistency across visits
Star Classifications
Restaurants can be ranked from zero to three stars, classified as follows;
- One star: A very good restaurant in its category.
- Two stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour.
- Three stars: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.
Restaurants that offer excellent value for money but don’t earn a star may be recognized as Bib Gourmands.
FAQs: Michelin-Starred Cities
How many 3-star Michelin restaurants are in Tokyo in 2026?
12, the most of any city worldwide.
Which city is second after Tokyo?
Paris, with 132 starred establishments.
Which US city has the most Michelin stars?
New York, with 71 starred restaurants, including 5 with three stars.
Do restaurants ever lose stars?
Yes — stars are re-evaluated annually. Even legendary restaurants can lose them if standards drop or access changes.
With 160 starred restaurants, Tokyo remains the global capital of fine dining — unmatched in both quantity and diversity. Yet Paris, Kyoto, Osaka, and New York continue to hold their places as culinary meccas, each offering unique interpretations of excellence.
Which city’s Michelin-starred dining would you most like to explore?
