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Best fine dining destinations in Asia

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Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
9.7
Sukiyabashi Jiro in Ginza appears in the film Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Chefs in Tokyo serve edomae sushi, tempura and kaiseki to a few seats at a time. Tsukiji Outer Market sells knives and tamagoyaki. Reservations at the top counters are made weeks ahead. Ginza and Roppongi hold dense blocks of restaurants.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Visit the teamLab digital art museum
  • 🌆 Enjoy panoramic city views from observation decks
  • 🍣 Savor sushi at a local eatery
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
Kaiseki is the formal multi course meal of Kyoto, with small plates served in the order of the seasons. Restaurants in Gion and near Kamogawa River seat guests at low tables in wooden rooms. Tofu, yuba and pickles from the city show up often. Meals end with matcha.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Climb the vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • 🍱 Experience Japan’s beautifully presented Kaiseki dining at a traditional restaurant
  • 🎋 Stroll through the magical Arashiyama bamboo forest early in the morning
Osaka
Castle, neon canals and street food
8.5
Osaka locals use the word kuidaore, meaning to eat until you drop. Kappo restaurants seat guests at a counter facing the chef. Dotonbori is lined with takoyaki stalls and okonomiyaki grills. Kitashinchi has quiet lanes of small sushi and kaiseki rooms. Fried skewers called kushikatsu are another local specialty.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the world’s largest
  • 🍢 Feast on street food at Dotonbori and see the neon lights
  • 🏯 Explore Osaka Castle and wander through its scenic park
Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
9.5
Odette serves French tasting menus inside the National Gallery. Candlenut won a Michelin star in 2016 for Peranakan cooking. Hawker stalls with Bib Gourmand awards sit a short ride away. Michelin has covered Singapore since 2016. Chili crab and kaya toast are local favorites at every price.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Wander through Chinatown’s temples and traditional shophouses
  • 🌳 Visit Gardens by the Bay and its iconic Supertree Grove
  • 🌆 Admire the futuristic skyline from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Kanazawa
Samurai streets, gold leaf and Kenrokuen garden
8.2
Kaga cuisine is the local style of Kanazawa. Chefs serve fresh Sea of Japan fish, vegetables from the Kaga plain and jibuni, a duck stew. Kaiseki rooms in the old Higashi Chaya district sit beside wooden teahouses. Gold leaf from the city lands on desserts and even drinks.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Wander the preserved tea houses of Higashi Chaya District
  • 🏯 Explore Kanazawa Castle and its impressive defensive grounds
  • 🌸 Stroll through Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s finest landscapes
Kobe
Harbor city with hills, beef and hot springs
7.8
Teppanyaki chefs in Kobe grill marbled Kobe beef on a hot plate in front of guests. The beef has strict rules for the breed and region. Steakhouses in Sannomiya and Kitano serve lunch sets and tasting courses. Kobe's port heritage brought bakeries and European style cafes.
Highlights:
  • 🌿 Explore the lush Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens
  • ♨️ Relax in the historic Arima Onsen hot springs
  • 🌆 Visit iconic Kobe Port Tower for stunning views
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
9.3
Hokkaido's cold seas supply sea urchin, scallops and king crab to sushi counters across the island. Chefs in Hakodate and Otaru pair them with local rice. Farms around Furano and Biei supply cheese, melon and vegetables. Dairy desserts such as soft serve and cream puffs finish many menus.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Explore historic Otaru Canal and its shops
  • 🏂 Ski or snowboard in world-famous Niseko resorts
  • 💧 Visit the spectacular Shirogane Blue Pond
Fukuoka
Kyushu's biggest city, known for yatai and ramen
8.4
Fish from the Genkai Sea ends up at sushi counters across Fukuoka. Chefs slice it in front of guests and set each piece on the counter. Yatai, open air food stalls, line the Nakasu riverbank at night. Hakata mizutaki, a chicken hot pot with clear broth, is a local dinner.
Highlights:
  • 🌸 Explore Fukuoka Castle ruins during cherry blossom season
  • 🌅 Stroll through Ohori Park’s lakeside paths at sunset
  • 🍜 Slurp tonkotsu ramen at the original Ichiran stall
Sapporo
Snow festival city with ramen and beer
7.7
Sushi counters in Sapporo serve fish landed on Hokkaido's coast. The Susukino district has rows of small restaurants open late. Genghis Khan, grilled lamb cooked over a dome, is a local dish. Sapporo is also known for soup curry and for beer from its own old brewery.
Highlights:
  • ⏰ Visit the historic Sapporo Clock Tower landmark
  • 🌳 Stroll through Odori Park, Sapporo’s central green space
  • 🌄 Enjoy panoramic city views from Mount Moiwa Observatory
Maldives
Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas
9.2
Resort restaurants here sit over lagoons and on private sandbanks. The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has an underwater dining room five meters below the surface. Chefs serve fresh tuna, lobster and reef fish. Dinners on the beach come with lanterns. Every island resort has its own menu.
Highlights:
  • 🌌 Watch a glowing beach at night on Vaadhoo Island
  • 🦈 Snorkel with reef sharks and manta rays at Hanifaru Bay
  • 🏝️ Stay in an overwater villa surrounded by turquoise lagoon
Kyushu
Volcanoes, onsen and tonkotsu ramen
8.4
Ryokan inns in Beppu, Yufuin and Kurokawa serve multi course dinners in guest rooms. Guests soak in the hot springs first. Kagoshima's kurobuta black pork and Saga beef appear on tasting menus. Nagasaki adds its own mix of Chinese and Portuguese flavors. Shochu is poured alongside.
Highlights:
  • 🕊️ Explore historic Nagasaki Peace Park memorial
  • 🥾 Hike scenic trails at Mount Aso volcanic caldera
  • ♨️ Relax in Beppu’s famous hot spring baths
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