Nara Tsukumo - Michelin 3-stars

Michelin 2 star restaurant
The story of 'Tsukumo (White)'

Tsukumo (白) is a Japanese restaurant in the ancient capital city of Nara, and the restaurant's name combines various ideas to create its current meaning.

In Japan, '白(white)' is generally pronounced as the kanji 'shilo', which includes 'purity', 'clearness', 'sacredness', and 'spirit of nothingness'. Therefore, by choosing this kanji, they are giving the restaurant a simple and pure image. Also, 'tsukumo' means 'ninety-nine (99)', and it is said that it contains the meaning of appealing to the beauty of imperfection, which is the essence of Japanese culture.

'White' carries the meaning of completeness, perfection. On the other hand, 'ninety-nine' is very close to completion and perfection, but it is not perfect. In 'White', we strive for perfection every day, but there is always room for improvement and we cannot reach a perfect 100. In Japanese culture, this is a precious concept and one that requires humility in everyday life.


Tsukumo's Chef 'Nishimoto'

After working in New York, England and Kyoto, Chef Nishimoto completed a three-year tenure as the inaugural executive chef of fine dining restaurant Kajitsu in 2009. In 2012, he was invited to attend the three-day culinary summit Fusion in Madrid, and his time abroad has had a profound influence on the Japanese yet culturally unique dishes he prepares today.

Tsukumo's menu inherits tradition while also creating a unique format that is not bound by convention. They pursue new tastes by combining local ingredients with elements of Shinto cuisine and truffles.

This is 'Tsukumo', where you can taste dishes that are modern and sophisticated, transcending genres and boundaries.

Menu Introduction

Tsukumo (白) is a restaurant specializing in kaiseki . Since the ingredients used in kaiseki dishes vary depending on the season, the ingredients and number of items served on the day may change.

We cannot tell you exactly what kind of menu we serve, but you can visit us with anticipation as our top chef will decide what to cook based on the ingredients of the day to provide you with the best enjoyment.

Chef's Special Dish

Tsukumo's cuisine is kaiseki, and as I wrote above, the exact menu is unknown. Enjoy the best taste prepared with fresh ingredients every day!

Reservation times are 12:00 – 12:30 for lunch and 5:30 – 7:00 for dinner.

* All photos are for reference only, and the actual ingredients may change depending on the restaurant situation on the day or the season or weather.


Restaurant Manners

According to restaurant regulations, children under the age of 13 are not allowed to enter 'Tsukumo (白)', and minors over the age of 13 must order the adult course. Also, everyone in your party must reserve the same course.

The restaurant also has a strict dress code. No shorts, slippers, ripped jeans, or T-shirts are allowed, and you must wear clothing appropriate to the restaurant environment to enter.

Lastly, Tsukumo (白) is also strict about reservation times. If you are more than 15 minutes late from your reservation time, your reservation may be canceled, so please remember to arrive at the restaurant on time. Cancellations and refunds due to this are not possible.