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.

Kyoto

Counter-seat omakase inside Nishiki Market Alley, Kyoto, with a seafood or fully vegan 10-piece sushi course finished with ramen, ¥7,700 per person.

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.

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.