Among Japanese cuisine popular both domestically and internationally, sushi stands out as particularly beloved. Overseas, various types of sushi, including fruit sushi and California rolls, have emerged and are loved worldwide.
Tokyo is home to the largest market in Japan, the Toyosu area, and boasts the highest concentration of sushi restaurants in the country. It offers an abundance of fresh, high-quality sushi, allowing visitors to fully enjoy traditional Japanese flavors. With a wide range of prices from affordable to high-end establishments, you can choose according to your preferences and budget.
Additionally, the opportunity to experience sushi-making, which can't be found elsewhere, is popular. It's a rare chance to learn sushi techniques directly from professional chefs, so be sure to participate!
In this article, I will introduce you to some recommended sushi experience Tokyo spots as a sushi lover!
The Sushi Scene in Japan
Sushi in Japan has a long history, with various types including "nigiri sushi" (hand-pressed sushi), "maki sushi" (rolled sushi with nori seaweed), "oshi sushi" (pressed sushi), and "chirashi sushi" (scattered sushi over rice).
The modern form of sushi (nigiri sushi), where sliced fish is placed on vinegared rice, was established in the early 1800s. At that time, sushi was easily available at street stalls. However, due to hygiene issues, these stalls were eventually banned, making sushi less accessible.
Later, in 1958, conveyor belt sushi was introduced, making sushi popular again as an affordable and easily accessible food for the general public. Beloved by Japanese people, sushi is now widely recognized as a representative of Japanese cuisine abroad.
Sushi is also a symbol of Japanese food culture. Each piece of sushi crafted by a sushi chef is like a work of art, with strict management of ingredient freshness and quality. There are also etiquettes and ways of eating sushi, making the meal itself a cultural experience. These cultural elements, beyond just taste, are one of the reasons why sushi is appreciated and loved worldwide.
High-Quality Sushi Restaurants
Ginza Iwa
source：Tabelog
Ginza Iwa is a Michelin one-star high-end sushi restaurant where the head chef personally prepares and serves sushi to visitors. The chef speaks English and Korean, making it easy to converse with international tourists.
All fish are sourced from Toyosu Market, Japan's largest wholesale market, ensuring consistently fresh and high-quality seafood. The chef is committed to identifying the freshest and most delicious fish of the day and serving only the best to customers.
The sushi, adjusted to pair well with alcohol and intentionally made slightly smaller, is perfect with drinks. It's an irresistible luxury for sake lovers like me. When visiting Ginza Iwa, be sure to enjoy some sake with your sushi!
The recommended "Lunch-only Omakase 12-piece Course" is excellent for enjoying high-quality sushi at a reasonable price! If you want to taste high-quality, traditional sushi that can only be experienced in Japan, make a reservation and visit!
<Basic Information>
・Address: 1F/B1F, Miura Building, 8-4-4 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: 050-5488-6277, 03-3572-0955
・Hours: Mon-Sat [Lunch] 12:00-14:00, [Dinner] 17:00-22:00 Sun 12:00-20:00
・Official Website
・Reservation: Available (Be careful when making phone reservations as there are several restaurants with "Iwa" in their names)
・Payment: Cards accepted (JCB, AMEX, Diners, VISA, Master), Electronic money not accepted
Sushi Kakuno
source：Tabelog
Sushi Kakuno is a stylish restaurant where you can enjoy top-quality sushi in a hidden, relaxed atmosphere. The creative sushi is perfect for business entertaining or special dates!
There's no compromise in any element, from the carefully selected toppings and vinegared rice to the 13-year-old soy sauce. Additionally, the attraction lies in the selection of drinks from all over Japan, including shochu, rare sake, and various wines. Its easy access from major stations in the city center makes it convenient to visit.
The recommended menu is the "Omakase Course," where the chef provides what's most delicious on that day. It's good to inform them of your favorite sushi or any ingredients you dislike in advance.
<Basic Information>
・Address: B1F, Taisho Dai-2 Building, 5-18-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Sundays
・Phone: 050-5487-1631
・Hours: [Mon-Fri] 18:00-22:30, [Sat/Holidays] 18:00-22:00
・Official Website
・Reservation: Available (Early reservation recommended as it's hard to book)
・Payment: Cards accepted (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners), QR code payment available, Electronic money not accepted
Affordable Restaurants
Uobei
source：Tabelog
Uobei is a restaurant where you can enjoy sushi from 150 yen per plate. Pursuing deliciousness, fun, and speed, the attraction is the mechanism where sushi is quickly delivered by conveyor belt. You can order using multi-language touch panels, making it easy to enjoy fresh sushi!
My recommended menu items are "tuna" and "shrimp tempura roll." Tuna is the No.1 popular item, and despite the low price, the quality is excellent and delicious. The shrimp tempura roll is like a California roll with nori on the inside, containing two pieces of shrimp tempura, making it voluminous and delicious, so please try it.
Besides sushi, there's a wide variety of menu items including french fries, ramen, and desserts, so everyone can enjoy it even if some are not fond of sushi. It's a place you'll want to visit again and again casually.
Other branches in the chain have a mechanism where a bullet train delivers sushi, which is sure to excite children.
*Note: The "Bullet Train Style" is not available at the Shibuya branch.
<Basic Information>
・Address: 1F, 6th Central Building, 2-29-11 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Open daily
・Phone: 03-3462-0241
・Hours: [Mon-Fri] 11:00-23:00 (LO 22:30), [Sat/Sun/Holidays] 10:30-23:00 (LO 22:30)
・Official Website
・Reservation: Not available
・Payment: Cards accepted (JCB, AMEX, Diners, VISA, Master), Electronic money accepted (Transportation IC cards like Suica), QR code payment not available
Nihombashi Sushi Tsurikin
source：Official website
Nihombashi Sushi Tsurikin is a sushi restaurant located just a 2-minute walk from Mitsukoshimae Station, where you can enjoy seasonal local fish and sake at reasonable prices at the counter. The attraction is the availability of 20 types of local sake at all times and well-prepared small drinking sets, making it a recommended spot for tourists to casually visit.
The combination of fresh fish and sake is exquisite, and you can order from just one piece of nigiri. You can also watch the chefs at work from the counter seats. It offers good value for money, and the takeout options are also plentiful, allowing you to enjoy authentic sushi at home.
The lunch at Sushi Tsurikin, which is served until 4 PM, is a great deal. The "Omakase 16-piece Nigiri" is recommended. Each piece of sushi is delicious with its smaller rice portion, and it comes with miso soup, offering great volume. With excellent cost-performance, please do visit!
<Basic Information>
・Address: B1F, COREDO Muromachi 2, 2-3-1 Nihombashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Irregular (According to the facility)
・Phone: 050-5462-5079
・Hours: 11:00 - 21:00 (L.O. 20:30)
・Official Website
・Reservation: Available
・Payment: Cards accepted (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners), Electronic money accepted (Transportation IC cards like Suica, Rakuten Edy, iD, QUICPay), QR code payment available (PayPay, d payment, Rakuten Pay, au PAY)
Conveyor Belt Sushi - Fun to Watch!
Mawashisushi Katsu Midori
source：Tabelog
If you want to enjoy Japanese conveyor belt sushi, "Mawashisushi Katsu Katsu Midori" is recommended. The appeal is that the toppings are large, high-quality, yet low-priced! When you order using a tablet, sushi chefs will make sushi right in front of you.
The recommended menu item is the "Extra Large Scallop." The extra large scallop is characterized by its surprising size and sweetness. It's thick and meaty, with a subtle saltiness that perfectly matches, offering a luxurious taste. It's visually enjoyable, satisfying to eat, and a must-try delicacy.
Reservations are not possible, but there's a ticket machine for waiting in line, so get a numbered ticket when you arrive at the restaurant. They'll call you via email or LINE, so you can do some sightseeing while waiting.
<Basic Information>
・Address: 8F, Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store, 1-28-1 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-6914-1185
・Hours: [Mon-Fri] 11:00 - 23:00, [Sat/Sun] 10:30 - 23:00
・Official Website
・Reservation: Not available
・Payment: Cards accepted (VISA, Master, JCB, Diners, etc.), QR code payment available (PayPay, d payment, Rakuten Pay, au PAY, etc.), Electronic money not accepted
Sushi Tsune Shibuya
source：Official website
For conveyor belt sushi in Shibuya, "Sushi Tsune" in Shibuya PARCO is recommended. With over 70 years of history since its establishment in 1949, you can taste traditional and authentic Japanese sushi. It's characterized by delicious sushi offered at low prices, with weekday lunch menus being particularly good value. Takeout and delivery are also available, allowing you to easily enjoy authentic sushi.
Featuring luxurious sushi showcasing the chefs' skills and a wide menu, you can spend a relaxed time with drinks. It offers good cost-performance, and you can enjoy watching the sushi-making process and the rotating conveyor belt.
The "Lunch Set" is recommended. It includes a set of 8 carefully selected sushi pieces and miso soup, appealing with its deliciousness and volume. You can enjoy carefully selected fresh and delicious sushi, so please visit!
<Basic Information>
・Address: B1F, Shibuya PARCO, 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-5422-3140
・Hours: 11:30-22:30 (L.O. 21:30) [Lunch] 11:30-15:00 (Weekdays only)
・Official Website
・Reservation: Not available
・Payment: Cards accepted (JCB, VISA, Master, AMEX, Diners), Electronic money accepted (Transportation IC cards like Suica, Rakuten Edy, iD, QUICPay), QR code payment available (PayPay, d payment, Rakuten Pay, au PAY)
Restaurants Where You Can Experience Making Sushi
Nihonbashi.cc Sushi School
source：Official website
"Nihonbashi.cc Sushi School" in Tsukiji offers a special experience class where you can learn to make nigiri sushi under the guidance of professional sushi chefs. You can experience making sushi at the sushi counter while wearing authentic sushi chef attire. It's a great way to feel closer to Japanese culture and create memorable experiences!
The sushi ingredients used are top-quality selections chosen by professionals and may change seasonally. Although the instructors may not be very proficient in English, they conduct enjoyable lessons.
For reservations, please call the dedicated phone number 090-3607-5000. If you mention "Regarding the Inbound Course...", they will smoothly assist you. Early reservation is recommended as it gets crowded.
Enjoy the ultimate experience of eating sushi you've made yourself with family and friends!
<Basic Information>
・Address: Regina Ginza Higashi 501, 7-15-11 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: 03-3541-3530
Dedicated number for Inbound Course: 090-3607-5000
・Hours: 11:00-12:30, 17:30-19:00
*Time adjustments possible, please confirm by phone
・Official Website
Matsuno Zushi
source：Official website
At "Matsuno Zushi," the fourth-generation sushi chef, Yoshi, who is fluent in English, offers sushi-making experiences for travelers visiting Japan. You can learn sushi knowledge and techniques directly in English, allowing you to enjoy the experience with peace of mind. Yoshi has experience catering at events like the Milan Expo and Paris Collection, making this ideal for those who want to learn from a top-class sushi chef.
They flexibly accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, and other religious dietary restrictions. With over 100 years of history, Matsuno Zushi uses authentic traditional Japanese crafts for cooking utensils, plates, and dishes, ensuring a special Japanese cultural experience that will be an unforgettable memory.
It's recommended to inquire using the phone number below. Early reservation is advised as it's popular.
<Basic Information>
・Address: 3-31-14 Minami-Oi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Sundays and holidays
・Phone: 03-3761-5622
・Hours: 18:00-22:00
・Official Website
Sushi-Making Experience Tours
Tokyo Sushi-Making Tour
source：Official website
"Tokyo Sushi-Making Tour" is a sushi-making experience class for tourists. English-speaking instructors teach not only how to make sushi but also sushi trivia, manners, and history in a fun quiz format. It's suitable for small groups like families, couples, or friends, and can also accommodate groups of up to 40 people.
You can make reservations through the booking form on the official website.
Please note that the minimum age for participation is 8 years old. By informing them at the time of booking, they can prepare individual ingredients for those who dislike raw fish, have allergies, or are vegetarian.
Feel free to try this casual sushi experience in Tokyo!
<Basic Information>
・Meeting Point: In front of Kita-Senju Station
・Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
・Phone: Inquiries by phone not available (Reservations accepted through the above URL)
Sushi & Sake Tasting Cooking Class with a Visit to Local Supermarket in Tokyo
This experience class starts with selecting ingredients at a local supermarket, then cooking with those ingredients in the cooking class kitchen. You can experience the entire process of sushi-making, including preparing sushi rice and cooking traditional Japanese home dishes.
A nice point is that you receive recipes for the dishes you've made at the end. With these recipes, you can recreate delicious sushi at home after returning. Moreover, there's a playroom for small children, so families with kids can participate with peace of mind.
The minimum age for this experience is 12 years old. They can accommodate vegans and vegetarians, but please note that gluten-free options are not available.
This class allows you to experience the entire process from ingredient procurement to cooking. If you want to learn how to make sushi from scratch, please consider participating!
<Basic Information>
・Meeting Point: Exit 2 of Iriya Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: Inquiries by phone not available (Reservations through the above URL)
・Hours: From 10:00