Ultimate Guide to Tokyo Sushi

Sushi is arguably the most recognizable and popular Japanese cuisine on a global scale. As this iconic dish has spread internationally, several misconceptions about it have also developed.

A common misunderstanding is that sushi is merely raw fish. While raw fish, or sashimi, is often associated with sushi, the term "sushi" actually refers to the vinegared rice used in the dish. The word "sushi" comes from "su" (vinegar) and "meshi" (rice).

In many countries, sushi is considered a sophisticated and expensive cuisine enjoyed on special occasions. In contrast, in Japan, sushi can be found at various price points, from affordable supermarket options to high-end dining experiences. Japanese people enjoy sushi in a range of settings, from casual izakayas to refined sushi restaurants.

A Brief History of Sushi

The history of sushi dates back to the rice paddies of the Mekong Delta, where farmers fermented fish with salt and rice, discarding the rice after fermentation. This practice, known as narezushi, is believed to have been introduced to Japan alongside rice cultivation. By the Muromachi period, people began eating the fermented rice with the fish.

Three hundred years later, Edo (now Tokyo) was a bustling city with over a million residents. Innovative chefs created haya zushi, or "quick sushi," by placing various toppings like egg or raw fish on vinegared rice balls, allowing for immediate consumption. This new form of sushi spread rapidly across Japan, with chefs incorporating the best local products and seafood to create entirely new sushi varieties.

The fusion of regional culinary styles led to the diverse array of sushi dishes enjoyed worldwide today.

Varieties of Sushi

Japan's regional diversity has given rise to a wide range of sushi styles. Here are some of the most well-known varieties:

Nigiri

Source: Japan Ready-Made Meal Association

This iconic sushi style consists of hand-pressed rice topped with neta (toppings/ingredients), such as seafood, egg, or vegetables.

Maki

Source: Shiro Gohan

In this variety, the chef places the toppings on a bed of rice and then rolls it all together with a bamboo mat to create its distinctive shape.

Temaki

Source: S&B Foods

Similar to maki, the ingredients are placed on a nori (seaweed) sheet, which is then rolled by hand into a cone shape.

Chirashi

Source: Ninben

This style serves the neta scattered over a bowl of rice, rather than rolled in seaweed.

Oshi

Source: Nissui

The rice is placed in a box with the neta on top and then compressed with a bamboo mold. Battera sushi, made with mackerel, is a famous type of oshizushi.

Inari

Source: Kyounoryouri

This variety consists of fried tofu filled with rice and sometimes other ingredients.

Uramaki

Source: Japan Centre

Uramaki is a popular style of sushi that flips the traditional maki roll inside out. This means the rice is on the outside and the nori (seaweed) is wrapped around the filling.

This method often hides the nori from view, making it more appealing to those who are unfamiliar with sushi. Uramaki is often topped with sesame seeds or fish roe for added texture and flavor.

Toyosu Fish Market

The Toyosu Fish Market is a bustling hub with a total of 39 dining establishments spread across three main market areas. Its the perfect place to enjoy some sushi made with the freshest fish and produce in the area. Open to the general public from 3:00 AM. to 5:00 PM, the market's eateries generally close in the afternoon, so early morning visits between 8:00 AM. and 11:00 AM. are recommended to avoid the peak time around 11:00 a.m.

Conveniently accessible by Shijo-mae Station on the Yurikamome Line, Toyosu Station on the Tokyo Metro Line, or Shibashi Station on the JR Line, the market is also reachable by metropolitan buses.

Here are five notable sushi restaurants within the market:

1. Sushi Dai (Marine Products Intermediate Wholesaler Area, Block 6) is renowned for its long lines even before it opens at 5:30 AM. Offering exquisite sushi made from the freshest fish, it closes at 2:00 PM.

2. Iwasa Sushi (Office Management Area, Block 6) provides a unique experience with its high-quality sushi that surpasses supermarket offerings. It operates from 6:00 AM. to 3:00 PM.

3. Sushi Bun (Marine Products Intermediate Wholesaler Area, Block 6) has been serving sushi for about 150 years, with its Anago (conger eel) sushi being a must-try, using a traditional sauce passed down through generations. It is open from 6:30 AM. to 2:00 PM.

4.Bentomi (Marine Products Intermediate Wholesaler Area, Block 6) is famous for its sake and sushi pairing, particularly its Uni (sea urchin) bowls and chef’s choice sushi sets. It welcomes customers from 6:00 AM. to 3:00 PM.

5. Iso Sushi (Office Management Area, Block 7) is perfect for tuna lovers, offering an assortment of tuna sushi and tuna bowls. It operates from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

If you plan to visit Toyosu Fish Market on your last day in Tokyo but worry about checking out of your hotel around 11:00 AM and carrying your bags around the market, consider booking a luggage transfer to Haneda or Narita airport. With LuggAgent, we pick up your bags at your hotel reception and deliver them to the airport in time for your departure.

Simply leave your bags at the reception and let us handle the rest. This way, you can enjoy some of the finest sushi made with the freshest fish before bidding farewell to Tokyo.

Sushi on a Budget

Sushi can be found at various price points. For example, fresh maki sushi can be purchased in Japanese supermarkets for less than 600 yen. On the higher end, an omakase meal, where the chef selects the ingredients, can be quite expensive, especially at renowned sushi restaurants that require reservations. For those seeking a more affordable option, kaiten sushi (conveyor belt sushi) is a fun and budget-friendly choice.

At kaiten sushi, plates of sushi move along a conveyor belt, and customers can pick what they like. Prices are typically color-coded and start at around 100 yen per plate.

Best Tokyo Sushi Restaurants

Sushi Yuu

Source: Tokyo Weekender

Sushi Yuu, a counter-only sushiya in Tokyo's Roppongi district, offers an exceptional omakase sushi experience under the guidance of English-speaking chef Daisuke Shimazaki.

Originally opened in 1972 by Shimazaki's father in Kameari and later relocated to Roppongi, Sushi Yuu specializes in classic nigiri sushi, featuring high-quality, seasonal ingredients sourced daily from Toyosu Market.Tuna, particularly o-toro and akami, is a highlight, with subtle variations in wasabi to enhance flavor. Find Sushi Yuu at 1-4-15 Nishi Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo, open from 6 PM to 11 PM.

Ginza Kyubey

Source: TripAdvisor

Ginza Kyubey, a sushi institution since 1935, offers an accessible high-end dining experience in Tokyo's Ginza district. The restaurant features five floors with various seating options, including intimate counters, table seats, and private rooms. Renowned for its fixed nigiri sushi-focused courses, Ginza Kyubey is famous for creating gunkan maki, or "battleship rolls," which wrap nori around rice to hold soft toppings like salmon roe and sea urchin.

We highly recommend this sushi restaurant for a high-end omakase experience that is both exquisite and accessible. Visit Ginza Kyubey at 8-7-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, open from 11:30 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 10 PM. Please note that the restaurant is closed on Sunday and Monday. Take the Marunouchi line and get off at Ginza Station.

Umi

Source: TableAll

Umi, a hidden gem in the quiet neighborhood of Aoyama. It's a small, intimate restaurant known for its meticulously prepared sushi. Chef Toshio Saito uses only the finest ingredients, often incorporating unique elements such as aged fish to enhance the depth of flavor. The omakase menu here is a culinary journey through the seasons, showcasing the chef's exceptional skill and creativity.

Umi is located at 5-4-29 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, a 5 min walk from Gaiemmae Station in the Ginza line, and is open for dinner from 6 PM to 11 PM.

Sushi Saito

Source: TableAll

If you are looking for something a little bit out of the box, we recommend visiting Sushi Saito, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Roppongi, which offers a sublime sushi experience that balances tradition with innovation. Chef Takashi Saito is celebrated for his precise technique and the unique aging processes he applies to fish, resulting in flavors that are both intense and delicate.

With only a handful of seats, Sushi Saito provides an air of exclusivity and an intimate dining experience where each piece of sushi is crafted to perfection. Located at Ark Hills South Tower, 1-4-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 10 minutes away from Tameike-sannō Station on the Ginza Line. Sushi Saito is open from 11:30 AM to 1 PM and 5 PM to 10 PM.

Sushi Aoki

Source: Japan Travel

For traditional Edo-style Sushi with a modern twist, Sushi Aoki is definitely our pick. Located in Tokyo's Ginza district. Chef Aoki specializes in traditional nigiri sushi, using premium ingredients from Toyosu Market.

The intimate setting and English-speaking staff make it a welcoming spot for both lunch and dinner. Sushi Aoki is known for its impeccable service and meticulously crafted sushi. Find Sushi Aoki at 6-7-4 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, open from 12 PM to 2 PM and 5:30 PM to 10 PM.

Airport Luggage Transfer Services

Given that most sushi restaurants close at around 3 PM and reopen until 5:00 or 6:00 PM with convenient luggage transfer services like LuggAgent, you can easily enjoy all the sushi for lunch in Tokyo as soon as you arrive in Japan.

We take care of your luggage, whether it is from Narita to Tokyo or from Haneda to Tokyo, and make sure it arrives at your hotel no later than 9 PM the same day.

Instead of booking a regular airport transfer where you have to travel with your bags, let us handle your luggage so you can immediately start savoring Japan’s best culinary delights. Itadakimasu!