Eating is serious business in Tokyo. Some of the best sushi restaurants in the world can be found in Japan’s largest metropolis. Here is a short list of our favorites, all personally tasted and enjoyed!
Sushi from Tsukiji Fish Market
The sushi restaurants listed here are all excellent and, more importantly, approachable for non-Japanese patrons. Yes, you might find better sushi at many other institutions in Tokyo, but they are often extremely difficult to reserve without a concierge, a Japanese friend, or indeed even a regular customer willing to go out on a limb for you. Plus, many don’t have English-speaking staff or English-language menus. In contrast, the places listed here are all places you can actually visit and enjoy.
- Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi (Roppongi; expensive)
If you’re set on eating at Sukiyabashi Jiro but can’t snag seats there, try your luck with Jiro's son's restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi instead. - Umegaoka Sushi-no-Midori (Akasaka; mid-range)
Umegaoka Sushi-no-Midori is a mid-range sushi chain that’s a favorite with travelers for their reasonable prices. If you’re in Akasaka and need an affordable place for sushi, this is a good place to have on your list. - Yoshinozushi Honten (Nihonbashi; mid-range)
If you’re pressed for time but still want decent sushi, skip the conveyor belt chain restaurants and come over to Yoshinozushi Honten in Nihonbashi. Their reasonably-priced lunch nigiri sets put the fast in fast food. - Hinatomaru (Asakusa; budget)
Whether it’s lunch, tea, or supper, you can’t beat a good sushi meal. Hinatomaru, a stand-and-eat sushi bar in Asakusa, serves up fresh, well-made sushi that’s great value for money. - Uoriki (Shibuya; mid-range)
If you’re in Shibuya and craving fresh, tasty sushi that won’t break the bank, look no further than Uoriki. - Manten Sushi (Marunouchi; mid-range)
There’s no shortage of high end sushi restaurants in Tokyo, but very few can match Manten Sushi Marunouchi’s cost performance in this category. This is one of the true must-visits for affordable sushi dining. - Ginza Aoki (Ginza; expensive)
Ginza has no shortage of amazing sushi restaurants. Sushi Aoki, a 1-star Michelin restaurant is a tiny restaurant down a quiet lane in Ginza that’s a great place to begin your sushi journey. - Ginza Sushiko Honten (Ginza; expensive)
Ginza Sushiko Honten has 1 Michelin star and the honor of being one of the oldest sushi places in Tokyo. Naturally, it has the sushi chops to match these accolades. - Ginza Kyubey (Ginza; expensive)
Sushi empire Kyubey is one of Tokyo’s most famous high-end sushi restaurants. At the Ginza branch, you’ll get quality sushi without the rigid atmosphere of tiny counter seaters. - Tsukiji Sushi Iwa (Tsukiji; mid-range)
Looking for decent sushi around Tsukiji without the mile-long queues? Check out Tsukiji Sushi Iwa, a casual, mid-range restaurant a short walk away from the market. We suggest paying just a little more at lunch to get the most bang for your buck. - Sushi Sei Honten (Tsukiji; mid-range)
For quality sushi at reasonable prices in Tsukiji, you can’t go wrong with Sushi Sei Honten. As a bonus, this two-storey restaurant doesn’t see the mind-boggling queues of rival shops! - Tsukiji Edogin (Tsukiji; mid-range)
For good, mid-range sushi without the crowds, venture a little farther from the Outer Market to Tsukiji Edogin. Thick slabs of fresh fish on vinegared rice – what more can you ask for? - Janoshin (Imperial Palace District; mid-range)
Looking for a no-fuss neighborhood sushi joint that’s also good value for money? The quiet and unassuming Janoshin in Kojimachi might be right up your alley.
Best Tokyo Restaurant Recommendations
- Best Restaurants in Tokyo
- Best Sushi in Tokyo
- Best Kaiseki/Kappo/Other Haute Cuisine in Tokyo
- Best Izakaya in Tokyo
- Best Ramen in Tokyo
- Best Soba in Tokyo
- Best Udon in Tokyo
- Best Tonkatsu in Tokyo
- Best Teppanyaki in Tokyo
- Best Tempura in Tokyo
- Best Wagyu in Tokyo
- Best Unagi in Tokyo
- Best Yakitori in Tokyo
- Best Pizza in Tokyo
- Best Curry Rice in Tokyo
- Best Soup Curry in Tokyo
- Best Teishoku and Donburi in Tokyo
- Best Vegan/Vegetarian in Tokyo
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
