Den
Zaiyu Hasegawa's playful, deeply hospitable modern-Japanese tasting restaurant, a fixture near the top of Asia's-best lists.
The call
Worth it if you only have one day and you're traveling as a couple.
Short answer
Is Den worth it?
Den deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
Inventive kaiseki with a sense of humor — a 'Dentucky Fried Chicken' box, a salad with dozens of components, and warm, unstuffy service.
- 02
Joyful rather than reverent.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You only have one day
Short trip or not, keep Den.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Den is an easy yes.
You're traveling solo
Solo, Den is an easy yes.
Food is a reason to travel
Den rewards a trip built around food & drink.
Think twice if
You're traveling with kids
With kids, skip Den.
You're watching the budget
Den can strain a tight budget. Go only when it is a priority.
History and culture matter to you
Den offers some history & culture, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
You want context, not just the photograph
Den offers some depth & learning, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
The plates that decide it
- The 'Dentucky Fried Chicken' signature box — the dish everyone talks about
- Foie gras monaka and the ~20-ingredient Den salad (with the smiley-face carrot) — signature, much-imitated courses
- The full tasting menu — let the kitchen lead
Plan it well
- Cost
- Very expensive (tasting menu)
- Timing
- Dinner
- Booking
- Reservation required, books out early
- Allow
- About 2.5 hours
- Accessibility
- Central Tokyo
Sources and method (2)
- Holds two Michelin stars and a Michelin Green Star; ranked No. 22 in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 and was named No. 1 in Asia in 2022. theworlds50best.com ↗
- Chef Zaiyu Hasegawa's signatures include the 'Dentucky Fried Chicken' box and the ~20-ingredient Den salad with a smiley-face garnish. theworlds50best.com ↗