As part of Japan’s proud food culture, sushi cannot be overlooked. The feeling of happiness that you can only feel when you taste sushi, created by the exquisite balance of toppings and rice, has captivated the hearts of gourmets not only in Japan but also overseas.
This time, we will introduce five recommended sushi restaurants in Tokyo.
1. A beautiful and sharp concerto of sushi toppings and shari that will please your heart.
Tatsuhiro Takumi (Tokyo/Shinjuku Gyoemmae Station)
“Takumi Tatsuhiro” stands in a quiet corner of Shinjuku Gyoen, a little away from the bustle of downtown Shinjuku. The interior of the restaurant is refreshing with white seats and a dazzlingly polished plain wood counter, creating a comfortable tranquility.
We also have a completely private room that can accommodate up to 6 people, making it easy to use for dinner parties and entertainment.
The owner, Tatsuhiro Nishi, trained at a Japanese restaurant in Kanazawa and a sushi restaurant in Tokyo before becoming independent in 2012.
The outstanding quality of the snacks and nigiri, which are served alternately so you won’t get tired or tired of eating, has been praised by many guests.
In addition to purchasing from Toyosu Market, they also purchase carefully selected seafood directly from Hokkaido, Kyushu, Ishikawa, and other areas.
The rice to go with it is Hanamizuki from Ishikawa Prefecture, Nishi’s hometown. Rice grown in a rich natural environment can be said to be the indispensable main character, providing the perfect balance with the toppings.
The sushi vinegar is a blend of Fuji vinegar and rice vinegar from Iio Jozo in Kyoto. It’s no wonder Mr. Nishi is so in love with the mellow acidity that brings out the flavor of the rice.
Tatsuhiro Takumi
Address：3 minutes walk from exit 2 of Shinjuku Gyoemmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
Dinner price：20,000 yen – 29,999 yen
2. An oasis of gourmet comfort where you can enjoy both nigiri and snacks
Sushi Iwase (Tokyo/Shinjuku Station)
As you pass through the crowds at the west exit of Shinjuku Station and arrive at the area where the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is located, you will find yourself in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. “Sushi Iwase” is located in a quiet location, yet close to the Koshu Highway.
Owner Kenji Iwase’s specialty is his skillful combination of nigiri and snacks.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of restaurants that repeat the process of “getting a snack, then tasting a little nigiri, and then another nigiri.” What I think is brilliant about Mr. Iwase’s way of slowing things down is that during this combination, he offers several bites of the clam stock at human skin temperature.
The soup that refreshes the palate and slightly warms the stomach is served while watching the progress of the guest’s eating.
Now you can drink and eat with a fresh feeling again, and you’ll be happy with the wonderful ingenuity and consideration.
On his days off, he goes to various restaurants to deepen his knowledge, and I take my hat off to him for his enthusiasm for constantly offering new menu items.
Sushi Iwase
Address：Keio New Line Shinjuku Station 7 minutes walk
Dinner price：20,000 yen – 29,999 yen
3. A hideaway for adults who continue to pursue the possibilities of fish, located in Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya
Sushi Hanaoka (Tokyo/Shibuya Station)
“I want to create a place where people who want to enjoy fish can gather.” In 2018, owner Hiroaki Hanaoka opened Sushi Hanaoka in Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya. It has gained a lot of support and continues to be frequented by guests of all ages.
Mr. Hanaoka is a die-hard fish lover who travels to fishing ports across the country because he wants people to know more about the deliciousness of fish that they haven’t yet discovered. You can also try rare fish that are not often found in Tokyo.
In addition, even familiar fish may be served with surprising differences depending on their origin, making this a heavenly experience for fish-loving guests, who can clearly sense Mr. Hanaoka’s love for fish.
Among the selection of drinks that bring out the charm of the ingredients, from classic to rare brands such as sake and wine, the pairing with domestic wine is especially popular, and you’ll find yourself having more than one glass.
Sushi Hanaoka
Address：6 minutes walk from JR Line Shibuya Station
Dinner price：12,000 yen – 14,999 yen
4. The charm of sushi cooked in a steam oven that makes your mouth happy
Sushi Rinda (Tokyo/Meguro Station)
Sushi Rinda, located near Meguro Fudoson, has been popular since its opening in 2014.
When you enter the restaurant, you are greeted with a lively greeting and the restaurant is full of energy that lifts your spirits.
The special sushi rice is made from rice cooked in a steam oven. By cooking the rice all at once at a high temperature for a short time, the rice becomes fluffy. When made into sushi, the flavor enhances the deliciousness of the toppings.
We use fresh, seasonal ingredients in a simple way to bring out their natural flavors, and they carefully work on ingredients that can only be brought to their full potential by adding time and effort. The consistency is what makes this a masterpiece that shows the pride of the owner, Mr. Yuta Kono.
You can see in his customer service style that he wants people to relax and enjoy themselves without being nervous.
If you tell them what kind of toppings you like, they will give priority to that topping, and sometimes they will serve nigiri and snacks with surprising arrangements. You’ll want to come back again and again, so it’s no wonder it’s so popular.
Sushi Rinda
Address：10 minutes walk from the west exit of Meguro Station on the JR Line
Dinner price：20,000 yen – 29,999 yen
5. A legendary restaurant that foodies from both Japan and abroad wish to visit
Kiyota (Tokyo/Ginza Station)
“Kiyota” opened in 1963, and while it has a glorious history, it is still a famous and admired restaurant in Ginza.
The first owner, Mr. Shigezo Fujimoto, who was said to be a god, and the second owner, Mr. Takeaki Niitsu, who was also famous as a master of the advanced nigiri technique called “hontegaeshi”, talk about the legendary restaurant that has been loved for more than half a century. There are countless episodes.
Currently, the 4th generation owner, Norihiko Yoshizawa, is in charge of the signboard, which was entrusted to him by the 3rd generation owner, Tadashi Kimura.
The relationships of trust that they have built over decades with trusted intermediary wholesalers allow them to make purchases that only Kiyota can provide.
They are especially passionate about tuna, purchasing only the highest quality tuna, and using their strict discerning eye, they offer only the parts that customers are satisfied with as luxurious nigiri.
Once you pass through the noren curtain, a blue carpet is spread out, creating a tranquil setting that makes your spine stretch with anticipation and mild excitement.
Precious vessels donated by essayist Masako Shirasu and potter Mineo Okabe are displayed as part of the furnishings, and many of the vessels used for cooking are vintage masterpieces. Famous restaurants are perfect no matter where you look.
Kiyota
Address：5 minutes walk from Exit C2 of Ginza Station on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, and Hibiya Line
Dinner price：50,000 yen
Summary
All of them are highly popular restaurants backed by trust.
Isn’t it the best reward for people who love delicious food to be able to find a restaurant that they would love to visit again and bring their loved ones there?
We hope that the five restaurants we introduced this time will be a rewarding experience for you.
