Sushi is a representative Japanese dish and one of the most popular Japanese foods worldwide. If you're interested in Japan, you've probably tried sushi at least once.
There are various styles of sushi, including nigiri sushi, maki sushi, oshi sushi, and chirashi sushi. Also, there's a wide variety of ingredients used, including many types of fish not commonly seen overseas, which can make choosing difficult. I myself always struggle with deciding which sushi to order.
In such cases, sushi buffets are recommended. With all-you-can-eat, you can enjoy your favorite sushi as much as you like without worrying about the price. I will introduce popular sushi buffets and all-you-can-eat restaurants in Tokyo.
Types of Sushi Buffets
There are several formats for sushi buffets. One is where pre-made sushi is arranged on large plates, and customers can take what they like. This style offers the reassurance of being able to see the actual sushi before choosing and the casualness of being able to eat at your own pace.
Another format is the order system. In this style, you choose the sushi you want to eat from a menu and order it. Since the sushi is made by the chef after receiving the order, you can enjoy fresher sushi. Another advantage is that you can ask the chef questions while choosing your sushi.
Recommended sushi buffet
Hinasushi Nishi-Ginza
Source: Tabelog
Hinasushi Nishi-Ginza is a popular chain restaurant where you can enjoy high-quality sushi all-you-can-eat. Over 60 types of sushi, including premium items like medium-fatty tuna and sea urchin, are offered at the surprising price of 4,939 yen for men and 4,609 yen for women. You can order while seated at your table, allowing you to enjoy your meal at your own pace.
You should definitely order the special items limited to one piece per person. You can taste special items not usually offered, such as the highest grade crab and premium fish like blackthroat seaperch. Also, side dishes like salted squid and fried chicken are included in the all-you-can-eat, so you can enjoy a varied meal. Its location in the center of Ginza with good access is another plus point.
<Information>
・Address: 2F West Ginza Department Store, 4-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: According to facility schedule
・Phone: 03-5250-7674
・Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30-23:00 (L.O. 22:30),
Sat 11:00-22:30 (L.O. 22:00),
Sun/Holidays 11:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
*Lunch is 11:00-17:00 daily
・Official website: https://hina-sushi.com/
Tsukiji Tamazushi Tokyu Plaza Shibuya
Source: Tabelog
The biggest recommendation point for Tsukiji Tamazushi Tokyu Plaza Shibuya is that you can enjoy sushi without a time limit. Being able to savor at your own pace without being rushed makes it ideal for dates or dining with friends.
Fresh ingredients delivered directly from the market every morning include over 30 varieties. Initially, you're served 6 pieces of sushi including sea urchin and salmon roe, along with chawanmushi, after which you can order what you like. Don't forget to order the daily "special nigiri"!
It's also great that you can enjoy various types of sushi like hand-rolled sushi and roll sushi. You can also order individual items, allowing you to enjoy your favorite sushi precisely. Located in Tokyu Plaza in front of Shibuya Station, it's conveniently located for after sightseeing.
<Information>
・Address: 6F Shibuya Fukuras, 1-2-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: According to facility schedule
・Phone: 03-5422-3570
・Hours: 11:00-22:00
・Official website: https://www.tamasushi.co.jp/
Sushi Academy Shinjuku Nishiguchi
Source: Tabelog
Sushi Academy Shinjuku Nishiguchi is a popular restaurant where you can enjoy all-you-can-eat of over 65 types of fresh nigiri sushi, side menus like miso soup and fried dishes, and even desserts. This restaurant also adopts the order system where the chef makes the sushi after you order.
Seasonal sushi items are prepared, and you can enjoy higher-grade sushi that you don't often see at conveyor belt sushi restaurants, like medium-fatty tuna, sea urchin, and salmon roe. In addition to standard nigiri sushi, you can also order seared sushi and rolled sushi.
The 2-hour all-you-can-eat course is very reasonable at 4,378 yen for adults. Furthermore, it's 3,300 yen for elementary school students, and free for children under 3, which is great for families. Located in the busy area of Shinjuku, it's recommended for after sightseeing or shopping.
<Information>
・Address: 2F Dai-2 Takahashi Building, 7-14-6 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Wednesdays
・Phone: 03-5386-5969
・Hours: Weekdays: 12:00-15:00, 17:30-22:00; Weekends/Holidays: 11:30-21:30
・Official website: https://tsagroup.jp/nishi-shinjuku-sushi/
Sushi Yamaken Shinjuku Higashiguchi
Source: Tabelog
At Sushi Yamaken Shinjuku Higashiguchi, only an omakase course is offered. After enjoying 16 dishes including nigiri sushi and kappo cuisine, you can have all-you-can-eat of the highest grade bluefin tuna nigiri sushi.
You can also order additional individual nigiri sushi or side dishes during or after the course. If you have room in your stomach, you should definitely try the "Yamaken Dog with Sea Urchin and Bluefin Tuna". It's a luxurious dish filled to overflowing with sea urchin and fatty tuna.
Sushi Yamaken provides sushi that can be enjoyed with all five senses, paying attention not only to taste but also to aroma, texture, and appearance. The interior is a sophisticated adult space, making it recommended for dates or special occasions. It's located a few minutes' walk from Shinjuku East Exit, with good access.
<Information>
・Address: 6F WaMall Kabukicho, 1-18-9 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Open daily
・Phone: 03-6380-3977
・Hours: Mon-Sat: 16:30-23:00; Sun: 16:00-23:00
・Official website: https://sushi-yamaken-shinjuku.com/
Kizuna Sushi Shinjuku Kabukicho
Source: Tabelog
Kizuna Sushi Shinjuku Kabukicho is a famous sushi restaurant frequently featured on TV. Their all-you-can-eat offers a choice from over 80 types of sushi and more than 20 side dishes, at a very cost-effective price of 4,818 yen for men, 4,378 yen for women, 2,200 yen for children, and free for those under 4 years old. You can also add all-you-can-drink including alcohol.
Orders are placed using tablets at the table. The menu includes English translations and photos, making it easy to order even if you don't understand Japanese. The interior is bright and spacious, with counter seats as well as table seats, making it easy to use for families and groups.
<Information>
・Address: B1/1F Dai-1 Monami Building, 1-18-8 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Open daily
・Phone: 050-1720-6440
・Hours: Mon-Tue 11:00-22:00, Wed-Sun 24 hours
・Official website: https://sfpdining.jp/brand/kizunasushi/
Ginza Maguroya
Source: Tabelog
Ginza Maguroya is a sushi restaurant near Tsukiji Outer Market that offers all-you-can-eat on weekends only. They don't take reservations; instead, you write your name on the reservation list posted at the entrance and return when your turn comes. There are tourist spots like Kabuki-za and Ginza nearby, so it's not difficult to kill time.
As the name "Ginza Maguroya" suggests, they specialize in tuna and handle four types of tuna. The bluefin tuna, in particular, has a firm richness, and the sensation of the elegant fat melting in your mouth is irresistible. It's hard to believe this is all-you-can-eat. The all-you-can-eat is until 17:00, but it ends when they run out of ingredients, so early arrival is recommended. It's worth visiting even if you have to line up from the morning.
<Information>
・Address: 6-8-10 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Sundays *Irregular holidays
・Phone: 03-3248-2751
・Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-14:00, 17:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:30, Drink L.O. 21:30);
Sat/Holidays 11:00-16:00
・Official website: https://ginza-maguroya.com/
Things to be Careful of at Buffets
Order Only What You Can Eat
At sushi buffets, you can enjoy as much sushi as you like, but it's good manners to order only what you can eat. Because various dishes are offered, it's easy to order too much, but if you can't finish it, the ingredients go to waste.
Also, there may be cases where you don't like the dish you ordered. It's recommended to order a little at a time rather than ordering a lot at once. Be aware that some places may charge a penalty or additional fee if there are leftovers. Let's reduce food waste and avoid causing trouble for the restaurant.
Be Mindful of Time Limits
Many restaurants offering sushi buffets have time limits. Furthermore, the last order is often about 30 minutes before this time limit. Not only will you be unable to order after the time has passed, but you may also be asked to vacate the table. Make sure to confirm these rules when entering the restaurant and enjoy your meal following the restaurant's instructions.
Also, be aware that if you're late for your reservation time, your dining time may be shortened. As the last order approaches, you may be tempted to order a large amount, but try to order an amount you can finish within the time limit.
Sushi buffets are an irresistible dining style for sushi lovers, allowing you to enjoy various types of sushi as much as you like. The restaurants introduced in this article offer high-quality sushi that is particular about quality despite being all-you-can-eat. Some restaurants allow you to taste the highest grade sushi ingredients in a calm atmosphere, suitable for various occasions such as dates or special celebrations.
Sushi buffets, where you can enjoy a variety of tastes from standards like tuna and salmon to premium items like salmon roe and sea urchin, and even rare fish not often seen overseas, are an ideal option for experiencing Japanese food culture.