Where to Find the Best Sushi in Tokyo

Tokyo definitely rhymes with sushi, and no visit to Japan’s capital city would be complete without a taste of this quintessential dish. Be it ultra-fine Michelin-star restaurants or bustling marketplace stalls, the best sushi experiences in the world will be had. Whether a sushi veteran or a sushi beginner, Tokyo has something for every palate. 

This guide will cover some of the best places to find sushi, its fascinating history, its popularity in Tokyo, and some essential dining etiquette.

Why Sushi is So Popular in Tokyo

It was not called the world’s capital for sushi simply because it was the historical home of this dish. There are several reasons why sushi in Tokyo is considered to be included in a list of the best in the world:

Being in proximity to fresh seafood: It features an acclaimed Toyosu Fish Market that took up all the operations of the Tsukiji Market. This large wholesale marketplace ranks among the greatest in the world and gives sushi chefs in Tokyo access to fish both fresher and of higher quality.

Skill and pride: It would be amazing to see how sushi chefs in Tokyo train for years. Besides, it was not only about cutting the fish; fundamentally, sushi is made with rice preparation, the precision of the cut, and the right flavor balance. Some of them have to train upwards of more than ten years before being considered masters of this art.

Diverse options: Tokyo has everything from super high-end omakase dining in Michelin-starred restaurants to casual conveyor belt sushi joints where plates of sushi are affordable and eaten in a casual, fun atmosphere.

Sushi Dining Etiquette

Before you go exploring Tokyo’s sushi scene, here are some basic rules of sushi dining etiquette:

Use your hands or chopsticks: It’s perfectly fine to eat sushi with your hands, especially nigiri sushi.

Dip the fish, not the rice: When using soy sauce, dip the fish side lightly to avoid oversaturating the rice.

Eat in one bite: Sushi is meant to be eaten in one go. If it’s too large, gently bite it in half.

Cleanse your palate: The thin slices of pickled ginger, called gari, are for cleansing your palate between different types of fish.

Best Sushi Experiences in Tokyo: High-End Sushi

Sukiyabashi Jiro

Possibly the most famous sushi restaurant globally, Sukiyabashi Jiro has earned three Michelin stars and is operated by legendary sushi master Jiro Ono. Dining here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it’s extremely expensive and difficult to secure reservations.

Sushi Saito

Another Michelin-starred beauty is Sushi Saito, famous for the quality of the fish and the mastery of the chef. It is cozy and intimate, with very few seats. The overall experience here is described as an exercise in simplicity, elegance, and perfect execution.

Kyubey

The Kyubey is located in the upmarket Ginza district and provides a fine dining experience that is not quite as exclusive or expensive, for that matter as some of its other high-end sushi counterparts. It is thus a great option for those who want to enjoy top-notch sushi in a somewhat more laid-back setting.

Sushi Middle Range

Sushi Dai

Just a short walk from the Toyosu Fish Market, Sushi Dai is legendary for offering some of the freshest sushi in Tokyo at a reasonable price. Be prepared for long lines, but the quality of sushi makes the wait worthwhile.

Sushi Zanmai

This is a highly popular chain whose branches dot the streets of Tokyo, offering supreme quality sushi at the best rates. Getting its fish fresh from the Toyosu Market, it has to be one of the best eateries to enjoy good sushi on a budget.

Best Sushi in Tokyo for Budget Travelers

Kaiten-zushi_Conveyor Belt Sushi

The conveyor belt sushi is fun and economically friendly. Plates of sushi move around the restaurant on a conveyor belt, and diners can simply pick up whatever looks good. Some of the best spots include:

• Sushiro: This has a wide variety of sushi and is consistently good.
• Uobei: Futuristic conveyor belt sushi where you order via touchscreen, and sushi whizzes to your table on a mini conveyor belt.

Unique Sushi Experiences

From classic restaurants and bars to sushi-making classes, how one can enjoy sushi in Tokyo is endless. Here are some of those unique ways one can enjoy sushi in the city:

• Sushi-making classes: If you want to get hands-on, there are sushi-making classes to learn from professionals. You will be able to find classes also in English. There you’ll get insights into the precision and care taken while making sushi.
• Standing sushi bars: Tokyo has many places where you can stand and eat sushi at an everyday price. It offers a quick way to enjoy sushi in a casual atmosphere. Try Uogashi Nihon-Ichi or Tachigui Sushi Akihabara for a great experience.

Book a Tour WIth Us for The Best Sushi Experience

So there you have it! Tokyo’s sushi scene encompasses an incredible variety and quality, a shining star among all other cuisines. 

Ready to dive into Tokyo’s world of sushi? Book a tour today to explore these incredible spots and discover the secrets behind the city’s famous sushi.