Ginza is a historic bustling area that has flourished for over 100 years, where the latest trends intersect with tradition. The main streets are lined with luxury brand stores and large department stores, while the back alleys are filled with traditional shops and long-established restaurants.
Since my childhood, it has been Tokyo's premier shopping district, but recently, modern commercial facilities and globally talked-about flagship stores have been opening one after another, adding even more vitality to the area.
Ginza boasts a rich variety of dining establishments, from long-established restaurants to trendy cafes. The quality of traditional Japanese cuisine is particularly exceptional.
This time, I'll introduce six recommended sushi restaurants from Ginza, one of Tokyo's most representative neighborhoods.
About Japanese Sushi
Sushi is beloved worldwide as a representative Japanese dish. It's especially popular among Japanese cuisine, and you can find sushi restaurants in almost every town.
In Japan, the birthplace of sushi, there are various types of sushi restaurants, from conveyor belt sushi popular with families to authentic restaurants where skilled chefs make sushi right in front of you.
There are also various types of sushi, including "Nigirizushi" (hand-pressed sushi with toppings on rice), "Makizushi" (rolled sushi with ingredients wrapped in seaweed), "Oshizushi" (pressed sushi made in a box), and "Chirashizushi" (scattered sushi with various ingredients on top of vinegared rice).
You can enjoy different appearances and textures. Each region also has its own characteristics in terms of ingredients used and preparation methods, so it's recommended to try and compare sushi from different places.
Best Sushi Restaurants in Ginza for 2024
Sushi Ginza Onodera Sohonten
source：Official website
"Sushi Ginza Onodera Sohonten" is a world-renowned restaurant that has expanded to New York, London, and Shanghai. The bright and sophisticated interior is divided into two floors, providing a relatively spacious atmosphere.
Course meals are standard for both lunch and dinner, but the "Seasonal Omakase Nigiri Course ≪Kaze≫ 12 types" (8,800 yen) for lunch is exceptionally reasonable. It's a great deal to enjoy luxurious ingredients like sea urchin and hairy crab at this price.
The original vinegared rice using kelp dashi is full of umami and delicious enough to eat on its own. Each piece of sushi maximizes the flavor of the ingredients, and they're all incredibly tasty.
The Bizen pottery dishes, which combine elegance and strength, complement the sushi well and are visually pleasing. With many foreign customers, the chef is accustomed to speaking English, making it especially recommended for those who want to enjoy their meal while listening to explanations about the sushi.
<Restaurant Information>
・Address: Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Ginza 5-14-14 Sunlit Ginza Building III B1F・2F
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-6853-8878
・Hours: 11:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 22:00
・Official Website
Sushimeguri Ginza
source：Official website
"Sushimeguri Ginza" is a unique sushi restaurant with a concept of dividing the year into 24 seasons and offering the best seasonal fish for each period.
The interior has only 8 counter seats, allowing guests to closely observe the chef making sushi right in front of them, creating an immersive experience. Both the chef and regular customers are very friendly, so even if you visit alone, you're sure to have an enjoyable dining experience.
The last time I visited was at the beginning of spring. The "Lunch Course A" (9,900 yen) offered at that time included sushi with halfbeak and splendid alfonsino, a side dish of bamboo shoots, and deep-fried seasonal fish, all reflecting the spring season.
Particularly impressive was the nigiri sushi with young sea bream. The vinegared rice, precisely adjusted to body temperature, enhanced the sweetness of the sea bream, creating a moving flavor. For dinner, you can choose even more upscale courses (starting from 14,300 yen).
As you can enjoy Japanese cuisine according to the seasons, it will surely create wonderful memories of your trip to Japan.
<Restaurant Information>
・Address: Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Ginza 3-12-6 2F
・Closed: Sundays
・Phone: 03-4362-9224
・Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 - 14:30, 17:00 - 22:00; Sat & Holidays 11:30 - 15:30, 17:00 - 22:00
・Official Website
Sushi Murayama
source：Tabelog
"Sushi Murayama" is one of the most talked-about sushi restaurants in Japan, having earned a Michelin star in 2024. Sitting at the wooden counter, you'll be served sushi at a good pace by a chef who has honed his skills at numerous renowned restaurants.
The menu consists of only the "Omakase Course" (36,000 yen), which includes multiple small dishes. While all the sushi is exquisite, the wild eel carefully grilled over charcoal was the best eel sushi I've ever tasted. The abalone, known as a luxury shellfish, is incredibly tender and pairs perfectly with the sauce made from its liver.
The charm of this restaurant goes beyond just sushi. The quality and taste of the ingredients, as well as the visual beauty of the thoughtfully prepared side dishes, will surely provide an unforgettable dining experience.
"Sushi Murayama" is an adult-oriented sushi restaurant best enjoyed with sake or wine. As it's an extremely popular spot, early reservations are recommended!
<Restaurant Information>
・Address: Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Ginza 7-6-2 Ginza Mon Building 7F
・Closed: Sundays and Holidays
・Phone: 03-6263-8295
・Hours: 17:00～19:30～ *Two-session system
・Official Website
Ginza Arata
source：Tabelog
Tucked away on the 9th floor of a multi-tenant building just one block off the main street is the hidden gem "Ginza Arata". Opening the door to this speakeasy-like restaurant reveals a cozy, homey space that feels like visiting a friend's house. The friendly chef welcomes you with a smile.
While many high-end sushi restaurants can feel intimidating, "Ginza Arata" is comfortable even for first-time visitors, allowing you to relax and enjoy your meal. It's one of my favorite spots.
The menu offers only the "Omakase Course" (19,800 yen). The style alternates between appetizers and sushi, allowing you to savor the main sushi before getting too full. Impressively, this restaurant uses different vinegared rice: rice vinegar for light fish and red vinegar for rich fish. Whether it's the rich sea urchin, the gently sweet crab, or the umami-packed aged blackthroat seaperch, everything is top-notch.
The side dishes, such as surprisingly tender octopus and lightly seared conger eel with a light sauce, are just as impressive as the sushi.
The sake selection is extensive, so be sure to enjoy pairing sake with your sushi. With only 8 counter seats, reservations are a must!
<Restaurant Information>
・Address: Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Ginza 4-10-1 HOLON-GINZA 9F
・Closed: Sundays and Holidays
・Phone: 03-6228-4960
・Hours: Mon-Sat 17:00 - 23:00
Ginza Sushi Inada
source：Tabelog
"Ginza Sushi Inada" is a modern-atmosphere sushi restaurant located right next to the Kabukiza Theatre.
When I first visited, I was after the "Wa afternoon tea" (6,000 yen). Round and cute temarizushi (ball-shaped sushi), beautifully prepared sashimi and tamagoyaki (rolled omelette), and chirashi sushi that looks like a parfait are all arranged on a three-tiered plate, perfect for photos. It was a unique and exciting food experience unlike any other restaurant.
On my second visit, I had the "Special Course" (16,000 yen) for dinner. What was particularly shocking was the soy-marinated tuna sushi eaten with mustard instead of wasabi. The Japanese-style aroma and spiciness of the mustard perfectly match the strong richness of the tuna, offering a fresh taste. Also, the vinegared rice blended with red vinegar, known for its mildness, was exactly to my liking. The "Anniversary Course" (17,000 yen), which includes a toast drink and a message plate, is recommended for birthdays or wedding celebrations.
Among the many traditional Edomae sushi restaurants in Ginza, "Ginza Sushi Inada" continues to provide a new standard, offering a place where you can enjoy both deliciousness and innovation simultaneously.
<Restaurant Information>
・Address: Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Ginza 5-14-9 6F
・Closed: Wednesdays
・Phone: 050-5600-9852
・Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu-Sun 11:30 - 14:30, 17:00 - 22:00
・Official Website
Sushi Kanemitsu
source：Tabelog
"Sushi Kanemitsu" is a high-level sushi restaurant opened by a chef who trained at top-class sushi restaurants in Japan. The interior is luxurious yet warm, making it very comfortable. The "Omakase Dinner Course" (30,000 yen) consists of appetizers at the beginning and nigiri sushi in the latter half.
Particularly impressive was the medium-fatty tuna sourced from Ooma, a famous tuna production area. The refined umami-rich fat melts in your mouth. It pairs perfectly with the light vinegared rice made with rice vinegar. As a tuna lover, I enjoyed countless pieces of tuna sushi.
I was also moved by the chef's friendly hospitality, despite it being a high-end restaurant. The chef carefully explained the fish in English to the foreign customers sitting next to me, and they seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their meal. "Sushi Kanemitsu" is a highly recommended sushi restaurant where you can enjoy top-class sushi and Japanese hospitality simultaneously.
<Restaurant Information>
・Address: Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Ginza 6-3-5 Dainichibiru Building 4F
・Closed: Sundays and Holidays
・Phone: 03-3573-2270
・Hours: Mon, Tue 17:00 - 22:00; Wed-Sat 11:30 - 13:30, 17:00 - 22:00
・Official Website
Conclusion
Ginza, where old and new cultures intersect, offers everything from traditional restaurants to modern establishments conscious of the latest trends, as well as flagship stores of globally recognized brands. With many world-renowned restaurants, Ginza is an ideal place for those seeking authentic sushi.
With options ranging from authentic high-end restaurants that have earned Michelin stars to hidden gem establishments and innovative places offering sushi in novel styles, you can experience impressive sushi at any of these restaurants.
If you want to taste the best sushi in the vast expanse of Japan, be sure to visit Ginza. The taste of the sushi and the warm hospitality will surely become an unforgettable experience of Japanese food culture.