Photo/Illutration Copies of the Michelin Guide Hokuriku 2021 Special Edition are piled up for sale at a bookstore in Fukui on May 21. (Takayuki Sato)

FUKUI--The Michelin guide, the bible of fine dining, is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to cover eateries worthy of star status across Japan.

On May 21, it issued a special edition of starred restaurants for the entire Hokuriku region in the northwestern part of the Honshu main island.

The new entries include establishments in Fukui Prefecture, meaning that all three prefectures in the region are now covered.

Fukui became the 26th region in Japan to be included in the Michelin Guide, with Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures featured in a special edition five years ago.

"With information about our prefecture published in the world-famous gourmet guidebook, it provides opportunities for a wide range of people, including local residents and tourists from home and abroad, to enjoy good food in Fukui Prefecture," Governor Tatsuji Sugimoto said.

"In particular, it is a great pleasure that 13 soba noodle restaurants were selected and Fukui Prefecture was introduced as one of the top 'soba kingdoms' in Japan," he added.

Published by Tokyo-based Nihon Michelin Tire Co., the Michelin Guide Hokuriku 2021 Special Edition sells for 3,300 yen ($30), including tax.

A total of 347 restaurants and eateries are featured in the regional edition.

Komatsu, a traditional Japanese restaurant in Kanazawa, was the only restaurant awarded three stars, denoting it offers exceptional cuisine worth a special trip.

Eighteen restaurants were given two stars, suggesting that they are worth a detour to enjoy excellent food.

From Fukui Prefecture, Japanese restaurant Itto and sushi shop Jubei in Fukui are listed in the category. French eatery Makinonci in Kanazawa and 11 restaurants in Ishikawa Prefecture, as well as four in Toyama Prefecture such as Japanese restaurant Fujii in Toyama, also earned two stars.

In addition, 48 restaurants in the Hokuriku region got one-star ratings, meaning that they are worth a stop.

Eighty-four restaurants made it to the Bib Gourmand category for offering good value for money, and 196 restaurants are recognized as Michelin Plate establishments for serving good food that meets the standards set by the Michelin guide.

"Hokuriku is a region full of the charms of food, and so many restaurants were selected from each of the three prefectures. We hope readers will visit Hokuriku when the novel coronavirus pandemic settles down," said Gen Sudo, president of Nihon Michelin Tire.

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