Love Tokyo Awards 2017 winners

Run by a young couple whose homely hospitality extends to every single customer, Ise Sueyoshi offers remarkable kaiseki dishes made with ingredients from the ancient city of Ise in Mie prefecture.

Judge's note: My dining experience at Ise Sueyoshi was so memorable because it combined the pleasures of fine dining with a uniquely Japanese experience. The restaurant has deep ties to the fishing village of Ise, and each course (paired with a delicious sake served in its own glassware style) had an interesting backstory, which the server explained as the course was elegantly presented. The food was delicious and gorgeous, and the servers spoke excellent English, so this was a huge highlight for a tourist like myself.  Jillian Anthony, Time Out New York editor

Owned by a born-and-bred local eager to spruce up his neighbourhood, this comfy café has earned a steady following over the decade it's been open. Don't miss the no-bake cheesecake, certified by the local authorities as one of the city's best.

Judge's note: The coffee was first class and the no-bake cheesecake was one of the best I've had. But what I loved most was the vibe: cool but welcoming and with a genuine neighbourhood focus. The owner was incredibly passionate, which really made my visit feel special. Gail Tolley, Time Out London editor

A trifecta of rough stone, warm wood and faint light welcomes the thirsty to Bar la Hulotte. Named after the French word for 'owl', this small, hidden bar in Azabu has a cosy, intimate atmosphere. There's no menu, but the bartender will create a drink for you, omakase-style, based on your preference.

Judge's note: Bar la Hulotte has everything you could ask for in a bar. It is gorgeous and fancy but not snooty, has a touch of class and is cozy at the same time. The service is impeccable and most importantly, the cocktails are amazing and absolutely delicious. María José Gómez, Time Out Barcelona editor-in-chief

Part of the growing Nakameguro Koukashita complex situated underneath Nakameguro’s train tracks, this shop specialises in lifestyle goods. It also features a section dedicated to making Japanese-style pickles. A fun way to learn the craft of Japanese pickling, the shop will hold your pickles for you using a time-honored preservation technique in their temperature-controlled room.

Judge's note: I was really impressed with the way 85 fostered a sense of community. The idea that those interested in home-preserves could keep a container fermenting right there in the store was delightful. I can just imagine neighbors bumping into each other, while they come to check on their nattō. The products that complimented this feature were well edited and stylish. Alyx Gorman, Time Out Sydney editorial director

Kimono manufacturer Yamato Company established a men's kimono tailor 'Y.&Sons' in 2015. They aim to combine Western and Japanese styles while sticking to the kimono format, and their latest masterpiece is this woollen kimono suit made in collaboration with Norwegian fashion designer T-Michael. The 'T-KIMONO' is a combination of a wool haori jacket and a kimono, which incorporates design and tailoring details from regular men’s suits. It’s a slick and modern kimono you can wear without being considered eccentric, and really showcases new intepretations for this type of garment. 

Judge's note: I loved how the T-Kimono unites traditional kimonos with western suits. I don’t think you can find anything like that anywhere in the world. Kenneth Tan, Time Out Beijing editorial director

Founder of Sendagaya café and flower shop Lorans, which opened in May 2017, Mizuki Fukuju employs 25 people – around 20 of whom are dealing with mental health issues and disorders. Her proactive, diversity-oriented efforts have helped to brighten up the employment prospects of those with mental disabilities. In Japan, these disadvantaged individuals are usually only offered positions at welfare facilities, or at companies looking to boost their corporate social responsibility efforts.