Tsujihan serves one of the most iconic and beloved bowls of kaisendon or sashimi rice bowl in Tokyo. Their shop in Kagurazaka replicates the winning formula of the original shop in Nihonbashi - go on weekdays for a relatively fast turnover.
Nihonbashi Kaisendon Tsujihan Kagurazakaten - image © Florentyna Leow
Mixed raw seafood on rice: how does one improve on such a simple concept? At Tsujihan, which specializes in kaisendon - or zeitakudon, ‘luxurious rice bowl’ as they call it - it’s all about the attention to detail at every stage.
Nihonbashi Kaisendon Tsujihan Kagurazakaten - image © Florentyna Leow
Kaisendon is the only dish on the menu, but you can choose from four price points - the more expensive it is, the more sashimi chunks and ikura (salmon roe) they’ll add to the bowl. The cheapest comes in at under JPY1000, which is a bargain for the area - but if you’re going to eat here, you may as well splash out and go for a more luxurious option.
Diners begin with a few pieces of sashimi in a viscous, nutty sesame dressing. At Tsujihan, it’s customary to eat some of it but leave two pieces for the end. Then the kaisendon arrives. Halfway through the bowl, the chef will add some dashi broth to your rice bowl, turning it into an ochazuke-style (tea rice) dish. This is when you eat the remaining sashimi along with the soupy rice. It’s a delightful way of enjoying two dishes in one meal.
The Kagurazaka branch isn’t much bigger than their home branch in Nihonbashi - it seats 14 here, compared to 12 at the original shop. This is one of those well-loved places that requires you to wait in line. But it might just be worth your time and money to eat at one of the best kaisendon in Tokyo.
English name:
Nihonbashi Kaisendon Tsujihan Kagurazakaten
Japanese name:
日本橋海鮮丼つじ半 神楽坂店
English address:
3-2 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-0825
Japanese address:
〒162-0825 東京都新宿区神楽坂3-2
Opening hours:
11am-3pm, 5pm-9pm
Price:
Non-smoking section:
Completely Non-Smoking
Reservations:
No Reservations
Nearest Transport:
Subway: 2-minute walk from exit B3 of Iidabashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho, Namboku and Tozai lines, and Toei Oedo line.
Train: 5-minute walk from the west exit of Iidabashi Station on the JR Chuo-Sobu line.
Telephone:
+81-3-6265-0571
Website:
none
Customer Reviews:
:: Read customer reviews of Nihonbashi Kaisendon Tsujihan Kagurazakaten on TripAdvisor.
Near To Here:
Nihonbashi Kaisendon Tsujihan Kagurazakaten is located in Tokyo's Imperial Palace district. See our complete list of things to do in Tokyo's Imperial Palace district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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