JULIA at Harajuku, Tokyo

Michelin-recognised contemporary dining in Jingumae, led by a self-taught chef and her sommelier husband.

JULIA is a contemporary, reservation-only restaurant in Jingumae, just beyond Omotesando's designer bustle, recognised by the Michelin Guide and led by a remarkable husband-and-wife team. Chef Nao Motohashi, a self-taught female chef who has carved out a rare place in Tokyo's male-dominated fine-dining world, cooks an omakase course built around seasonal Japanese ingredients, while her husband Kenichiro Motohashi oversees the wine and beverage pairings. The venue is small and intimate, with an expanded space that preserves a close, personal atmosphere. The menu is offered as a full course with pairings included, available at both lunch and dinner, with a lighter lunch course also available. The pairings can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic, and the couple's philosophy is to share Japan's seasonal essence with the world through innovative, carefully composed plates. The restaurant operates by reservation only, with children welcome from junior-high age upwards, and a considered dress code that asks guests to avoid overly casual sportswear. The cancellation policy is strict, reflecting the intimacy and demand for the experience. For a singular, personal fine-dining experience in the Harajuku neighbourhood, JULIA offers something genuinely distinctive. It is a place where a chef's vision and a sommelier's craft meet in a quietly luminous setting.