On October 18, prior to the publication of "Michelin Guide 2012 Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe Nara," an internationally recognized restaurant-rating guide, its publisher, the French tire manufacturer Michelin, announced a general description of the contents at Nara Prefecture New Public Hall in Nara City, Nara Prefecture. This year, Nara is included in the target areas. A total of 15 restaurants in four cities received the highest value of three stars: in Osaka, two restaurants were added to last year's total, Kyoto remained the same as last year with seven, and Nara has one.

This is the third consecutive year the guidebook's Kansai edition has been published, and it introduces 296 restaurants and 89 hotels and Japanese inns.

The number of restaurants in Kyoto which were awarded stars has increased by six to a total of 106. Osaka has the greatest number of awarded stars among the four cities with a total of 108 shops receiving them. Kyoto has seven shops that have received three stars, and an additional seven shops received two stars, bringing the total to 29 shops. The number of restaurants with one star decreased by one shop, making 70 shops in total; six shops which gained one star last year lost it this year.

"With the food culture exchange with Kyoto and Osaka, Nara has been also nurturing a variety of fascinating cuisines. The Kansai area has splendid gourmet cities," said Bernard Delmas, Michelin Japan President.

"Michelin Guide 2012 Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe Nara" is on sale from October 21. It costs 2,520 yen per copy.