Best Sushi Restaurants in Japan
Restaurant Type
Destinations
Tokyo
Sushi Kuwano is an elegant establishment sitting in the heart of Tokyo's famous Ginza district, at Konparu-dori. Chef Kuwano, alongside his wife, smilingly welcome their guests, lending a very earnest, personable appeal to the simple Japanese decor to their restaurant, currently rated 1 Michelin star. The traditional appearance serves to direct his customers' attention to the creativity of the meal and its presentation. Sushi Kuwano's elegant preparations of seasonal cuts ranging from bonito and tuna to oily cuts of mackerel - one of Kuwano's signature dishes. Sushi Kuwano courses start around ¥30,000.
Tokyo
Sushi Kimura has gained a reputation for being synonymous with aged-fish sushi. Located in Futako Tamagawa in southern Tokyo, Kimura attracts those looking for a special sushi experience. The aging process he has refined delivers a sweetness to the delicate plates of swordfish and sea bream previously unheard of in the Tokyo sushi world, and has gained Chef Kimura his two Michelin stars for 5 years in a row. This cozy, welcoming restaurant doesn't serve traditional fatty tuna, but uses only peak season ingredients. Come to Sushi Kimura expecting surprises, such as swordfish, served in courses starting at ¥20,000.
Tokyo
Sushi Kojima is one of the veteran sushi restaurants of Tokyo's Ginza sushi scene, offering sushi lovers a traditional atmosphere in a dining room with a peaceful interior concept incorporating bamboo and warm-toned lighting. Chef Kojima offers an traditional sushi selection - sweet and tender fatty tuna and gizzard shad with its silver shine, but instead of "resting" or marinating it, he serves it fresh which brings out its pure flavors. He pairs them with well- established sake brands to bring an authentic sushi experience, earning a Michelin star. Sushi Kojima's courses start at ¥20,000.
Tokyo
Sushi Masuda serves traditional Edo-style sushi in Aoyama, the heart of Tokyo's fashion district. After training 9 years at the Michelin 3-star restaurant Sukiyabayashi Jiro, Chef Masuda's sushi establishment rose to 2 stars of Michelin excellence by creating an exquisite sushi dining experience, presenting his culinary delicacies on trays of black lacquer. The temperature at which he prepares each dish, and the moisture of each topping is carefully controlled to create the best flavor, and he only selects the freshest fish, no matter where it is caught. His delectable courses start at ¥20,000.
Tokyo
Sushi Yoshitake, located the in popular Ginza district of Tokyo, is an exceptionally tasteful sushi establishment. Warm lighting combines with an autumn-themed eating area (including life-like leaves) to give this restaurant an air of serenity. What sets Chef Yoshitake apart from his peers is his use of unconventional appetizers (or tsumami) such as straw-smoked bonito, mixed with his method of steaming the rice over charcoal in cast iron pans. Yoshitake's discerning eye and masterful preparation has earned his establishment a rare achevement of 3 Michelin stars. Sushi Yoshitake’s courses start at ¥40,000.
Tokyo
Nishiazabu Taku, hidden in the narrow alleys of Nishi Azabu, Tokyo, is a 1-star Michelin sushi establishment. The atmosphere of the restaurant combines modern and traditional, blending the local concrete walls ,a bamboo ceiling, and soft lighting. Unlike his fellow sushi places in Ginza, Taku employs a professional sommelier to curate a short list of wine and champagne that pairs beautifully with the traditional sushi, such as fatty tuna or mackerel. Chef Kenji Ishizaka also alternates the rice varieties depending on the fish involved, and complements each course with signature appetizers. Taku's courses start at ¥20,000.
Tokyo
Sushiya Ichiyanagi, relocated to the Ginza district of Tokyo in 2013, is a 1-star Michelin sushi restaurant with a focus on treasuring each guest with Japanese hospitality. Chef Ichiyanagi provides a warm and intimate atmosphere to guests dining in his restaurant using nothing more than simple wood furnishing and a humble smile, and this outlook has won him numerous repeat customers. His plates include a range of traditional favorites of deftly worked sushi pieces including uni sea urchin, horse mackerel, and sea bream, with a careful selection of sake wines and appetizers. The courses at Sushiya Ichiyanagi start at ¥20,000.
Tokyo
Ginza Sushi Kanesaka is located in the Ginza area of Tokyo, and has a simplistic and traditional design which promotes a dignified atmosphere. In Kanesaka, under the warm lighting, the polished wooden counter is the center "stage" where Chef Kanesaka presses sushi and prepares the side dishes with delicate precision. The offerings are seasonal, and include such delicacies as ark clam, Hokkaido uni, and steamed abalone. The recipe that goes into the rice, when combined with the brush of soy sauce on the fish, adds the right hint of sweetness to the dishes that has helped Chef Kanesaka to earn a Michelin star. His "omakase" course starts at ¥22,000.
Tokyo
Umi is a name that, for the Japanese, evvokes the flavors of the ocean. Located in Aoyama, Tokyo, the rustic atmosphere - with clean timber counter and ecru-covered seating - creates a comfortably welcoming environment from the moment one walks in, almost like being invited into someone's home. Behind the counter, Chef Nakamura shows his versatility and skill with sushi preparation in cuts of tender abalone, uni sea urchin, and fatty tuna served on humble platters of wood. His combination of expert preparation and tasteful presentation propel Umi to excellence, earning 2 Michelin stars. Umi sushi courses start at ¥20,000.
Tokyo
Sushi Arai sprang up in Ginza, Tokyo in 2015, and though still very new, in now one of the most popular sushi restaurants in the area. Chef Arai favors a more classic style, and this shows in his portions, which are larger than most of the other sushi establishments. Diverging from the traditional "omakase" style where the sushi master determines your meal, Chef Arai includes customer input in his "okonomi" or "as-you-like-it" method of serving. This philosophy, combined with the artful presentation, has earned Sushi Arai a Michelin Star. The courses to this authentic sushi experience start at ¥20,000
Japan is known for having some of the most lavish spas, succulent cuisine, and of course, a rich history and culture to captivate any traveler. See below for examples of the luxury you can find in Japan. Browse our collection of exclusive Extraordinary Experiences carefully hand-elected by our professional Japan travel specialists. Our Luxury Hotel Collection lists Japan's grandest, most comfortable hotel accommodations with every possible amenity. Our collection of Luxury Ryokan offer the tranquil atmosphere of a traditional Japanese inn paired with world-famous hot spring baths. Finally, check out our listing of Best Dining Experiences for world-class, Michelin-star restaurants in every major city to appeal to every taste.
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Japan offers some of the best dining scenes on the planet. Enjoy dining and culinary experiences you won’t want to miss when visiting Japan.
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