English friendly in Japan

Tokyo

Counter-only Edomae sushi in Shimokitazawa's Reload complex, chef Satoshi Shirasu, with omakase courses from ¥12,000 paired against a 120-bottle wine list.

Osaka

Halal-friendly omakase restaurant near Dotonbori in Osaka's Higashishinsaibashi district, serving Edomae sushi and wagyu courses booked through TableCheck.

Sapporo, Hokkaido

Kappo cuisine at Sapporo Kappo Koushiro in Susukino serves an eight-course menu for about ¥10,000 at a 40-seat counter-and-private-room restaurant.

Kobe, Hyogo

Counter-only Kobe restaurant in Chuo Ward pairing sushi, tempura, and Kobe beef in one omakase, with 16 seats and an English menu.

Osaka

A halal-certified wagyu and Kobe beef omakase in Osaka's Higashishinsaibashi, near Dotonbori, with courses built around sukiyaki, steak, and wagyu sushi.

Kyoto

Halal-friendly wagyu and Kobe beef omakase in Gion, Kyoto, with four course options and an English menu, booked through TableCheck about two weeks in advance.

Kanazawa, Ishikawa

Six-seat counter sushi restaurant in Kanazawa's Katamachi district pairing omakase with Japanese wine; dinner courses run ¥11,000–¥22,000, lunch from ¥6,600.

Kanazawa, Ishikawa

Shikiha is a counter-only kappo restaurant in Kanazawa's Nagamachi district, open daily except Monday from noon to 11pm.