Nakamura

The experience at Nakamura is excellent. We were welcomed at the door, and then lead into a series of corridors by two ladies impecably dressed in beautiful kimonos until we entered our own private room. Delicately decorated and simple in a very Japanese way.
The service was excellent at all times, yes they didn't have the best english in the world, but then again we are in Japan and I don't speak any Japanese so there.
The food was excellently presented, very well cooked and tasty, and as a restaurant it deserves praise for everything they do, the quality of the ingredients is excellent and every thing else is excellent as well.
My criticism is that even though every thing is excellent, it lacks a bit of spark, excitment and even daring touches. The elaborations and presentations just feel safe rather than pushing the envelope.
I have been lucky enough to have visited several Michelin starred restaurants throughout Europe and this was my first experience of them in Japan and even though I wasn't disappointed, it did lacked the extra wow factor.
It is deserving of its 3 stars for the quality of ingredients, expertly cooked, the amazing establishment itself and the extraordinary service but it risks losing a bit in the future if it doesn't start challenging itself.

I have been eating Japanese food at various places for 30 years or more. After having lunch here, I really don't understand that one star review. Although our daughter and I did not like the mustard miso soup much, my wife loved it. It was a 2-hour lunch, with all sorts of very interesting things, some I had had before and some I had not. Everything was of the highest quality and gracefully served. Although the staff were operating in traditional old-time Japanese mode, they also spoke English and were quite friendly and willing to chat with us. As I told the chef when we left, I think he certainly deserves all of his Michelin stars.

Every dish is beautifully and delicately presented. Service is top-notch: the staff was already at the porch welcoming us when we arrived and during lunch explained in detail what each dish was. Definitely an experience in and of itself.