Enjoy sushi in the refined Ginza area! 20 recommended restaurants

Photograph:じゅりぽん

Sushi Yuu is a by reservation only restaurant about a 3-minute walk from Ginza-itchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. This well-known spot has appeared in multiple media outlets and moved from Roppongi to its current location in Ginza.

In addition to the main counter seats, the restaurant also has a separate counter area available for Private reservation. Conversation with the owner at the counter is part of the appeal.

Photograph:アビー1998

The popular course meal is filling, and each piece feels luxurious.

The photo shows the Minato-ku maki. It has a rich taste made with Funka Bay koubako-gani (female snow crab with roe), Hokkaido bafun uni (short-spined sea urchin), and original caviar from Shizuoka.

Photograph:湘南特派員

The filling fukumaki (lucky roll) is also popular, and the rich futomaki (thick sushi roll) is topped generously with tuna and ikura (salmon roe).

Reviews also say you can enjoy unique sushi unlike anything you've seen before, and that it tastes excellent as well.

Photograph:満腹次郎0843

Sushi Tomimi is a sushi restaurant within walking distance of Shinbashi Station on the Yamanote Line, and also close to Ginza. The tasteful interior, centered on wood tones, has only an 8-seat hinoki (Japanese cypress) counter.

You can spend a high-quality, lively time here while watching the chef’s craftsmanship up close.

Photograph:natally60

They serve sushi made with seasonal ingredients from all over Japan, prepared using traditional Edomae-style techniques.

Both lunch and dinner are available only as an Omakase course. The lunch course focuses mainly on nigiri, while the dinner lineup includes soup dishes and a range of specialty dishes that pair well with alcohol.

Photograph:グルメモンスター7123

The seasonal nigiri (hand-formed sushi) here, with creative touches that are not bound by convention, is well liked.

The photo shows kuruma ebi (Japanese tiger prawn). Its unusual silhouette is said to make people let out a cheer the moment it arrives. The restaurant's style is to enjoy it simply with salt and citrus.

Photograph:なかなかじぃ

About a 4-minute walk from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. The interior is a simple yet modern space, marked by the contrast of wood and concrete.

It works for many occasions and a wide range of age groups, including family meals and dates.

Photograph:にっくなネーム

One of the defining traits of Edomae-zushi (traditional Tokyo-style sushi) is the careful preparation given to each topping to match its own character.

Some ingredients are served fresh to highlight their natural quality, while others are aged slowly and used as toppings at just the right moment. The selection changes with the seasons, so no matter when you visit, you are likely to discover something new in the sushi.

Photograph:にっくなネーム

Both lunch and dinner are offered only as an Omakase course, and the dinner course is served as a full course with 12 pieces of nigiri and tsumami (small dishes).

The photo shows otoro (fatty tuna). The rich marbling is said to have clean fat and a refined taste. Reviews also say it was a filling full course that left them very Manzoku.

Photograph:@melech_tokyo_gourmet

Ikki is a sushi restaurant located just steps from Tokyo Metro Ginza Station. Both lunch and dinner are served as an Omakase course.

The chic, upscale interior is especially popular for its counter seats where you can enjoy the chefs’ craftsmanship, and it also has Private room seating so you can dine in a calm setting.

Photograph:辣油は飲み物

Among the many kinds of neta (sushi toppings), they are said to have an extraordinary passion for maguro (tuna), serving top quality nigiri sushi made using only the finest core cuts sourced from a trusted intermediate wholesaler.

The restaurant's style is to enjoy the rich, melt in your mouth maguro with a touch of karashi (Japanese mustard) on top.

Photograph:みるみんく

The popular dinner course is the "Evening Omakase Course." You can enjoy 11 pieces of nigiri sushi and small dishes to go with drinks.

A recommended item is the azuki-ni (simmered with azuki beans) octopus shown in the photo. It is said to be so tender it nearly falls apart, with just the right sweetness from the azuki beans.

Photograph:fui.bolen

Hidetoku 3-goten is a sushi restaurant about a 7-minute walk from Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Line, and it is popular for its nice hideaway feel tucked away in a back alley. It is also close to the Tsukiji Jogai Shijo (Tsukiji Outer Market), so it is a good choice for a meal while sightseeing.

At the counter seats, you can spend your time at ease while watching the chefs at work. The restaurant also has Private rooms available for 2 people or more.

Photograph:ほんちゃんっ

The impressive sushi here is made with fish sourced from all over Japan through Toyosu Shijo (Toyosu Market) and shaped with top grade akazu (red vinegar) blended by first class artisans, and it is said to fill your mouth with flavor that goes beyond expectations.

They also offer a lunch course, so you can enjoy top quality sushi from early in the day.

Photograph:フクまなか

The akagai (ark shell), beautiful to look at as well, is said to be a thick, satisfying piece of sushi.

Reviews also say that the prep work is perfect, so there is no sliminess or off notes often associated with shellfish, letting you fully enjoy the flavor of the shellfish.

Photograph:tabelog.com

Mikozushi Ginza is a sushi restaurant by reservation only, located about a 3-minute walk from Higashi-Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.

If you want to eat your fill of sushi, the All you can eat course is recommended, and if you want to choose your favorite toppings, ordering à la carte is recommended.

Photograph:美食しーこ

At lunch, the "Sushi All you can eat Course" is very popular for its tasting of three kinds of uni (sea urchin). The production region changes depending on what comes in that day, so the comparison is part of the fun.

Besides that, sushi such as tuna and chutoro (medium fatty tuna) is also All you can eat.

Photograph:poopeejp

For dinner, the standard choice is the Uni Paradise Course. This course lets you enjoy about 20 pieces in total, including dishes and nigiri sushi.

They even serve about 10 pieces of uni (sea urchin) alone, with more than three varieties. It is perfect for people who want to eat lots of uni.

Photograph:みすきす

Ginza Umi, about a 3-minute walk from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, is a popular sushi restaurant with locations in Minami-Aoyama and Yaesu in addition to its Ginza branch.

Step through the tasteful noren (traditional shop curtain), and you will find a bright space filled with the lively calls of the staff, according to reviews.

Photograph:nyanko001

You can enjoy Edomae-zushi (Tokyo-style sushi), where the rice, vinegar, and toppings carefully selected by the taisho (head sushi chef) come together in perfect harmony.

The photo shows uni (sea urchin). This top-grade uni shines like a jewel and is sourced from different regions depending on the season. It is said to have a rich, melting texture.

Photograph:クララ2917

What you will also want to enjoy with the sushi is the seasonal à la carte dishes that express the time of year.

They use seasonal vegetables that are not greenhouse grown, and the fresh natural sweetness of the vegetables pairs well with the seafood, making this a dish that also goes great with drinks.

Photograph:to⑧

Sushi Eto is an Edomae-zushi (Edo-style sushi) restaurant standing along Ginza Suzuran Street in Ginza 6-chome, and it is well regarded as a place where you can take your time and enjoy great sushi in an elegant space warmed by a hinoki (Japanese cypress) counter.

With only 8 counter seats, it is recommended when you want to enjoy a meal that feels a step above.

Photograph:L76125

They source fresh seafood from Toyosu, with a focus on hon-maguro (bluefin tuna) purchased from the wholesaler "Yamakou." Their course meals include not only nigiri sushi but also steamed and grilled dishes.

The Shigaraki-yaki (Shigaraki ware) tableware made in Shiga Prefecture is also elegant and enhances the sushi.

The photo shows the ankimo monaka (monaka wafer with monkfish liver) served as part of the course, a popular dish in which fragrant monaka holds rich ankimo (monkfish liver), ikura (salmon roe), narazuke (Nara pickles), and sushi rice laid underneath that ties it all together.

This small bite is packed with thoughtful touches, and reviews also said it gave a sense of playfulness and care.

Photograph:seiji675567

Sushi Yamaken Ginza Ten is a sushi restaurant located just steps from Tokyo Metro's Higashi-Ginza Station, where you can enjoy a luxurious dinner while taking in Ginza's night view from the table seats.

It is a great pick when you want to enjoy tasty sushi in a stylish atmosphere that feels a cut above.

Photograph:SMKR

A popular course is the "All you can drink Omakase Raku." This Omakase course lets you enjoy nigiri made with Special toppings and kappo (traditional Japanese course-style) dishes, along with All you can drink premium Japanese sake, shochu, beer, and more.

The photo shows the "Sushi Cocktail" served as part of the course. It is a visually gorgeous dish as well.

Photograph:♡ゆき子♡

The course is said to combine delicate Japanese craftsmanship with touches of Western influence.

There was also a review saying that the shrimp gratin served between pieces of sushi comes topped with rich uni (sea urchin), and it is a nice touch that it is served piping hot.

Photograph:Lady hana

Sushi Kiyoshi is a popular restaurant just steps from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, with reviews praising the fine craftsmanship that brings out the best in each ingredient.

The refined interior has a calm, crisp feel, and in addition to counter seating, it also offers Private rooms that are perfect for business dinners, special occasions, and other more private meals.

Photograph:_sekichan

They are particular about going directly to fishermen and carefully selecting and sourcing seasonal seafood.

For the shari (sushi rice), they use three different kinds of rice and three kinds of vinegar. On the course menu, you can enjoy a tasting of three kinds of shari.

Photograph:ニキチキ

Each sushi topping is said to receive careful prep matched to the ingredient, then be rested to bring out the fish’s natural flavor.

The photo shows ebi (shrimp), kai (shellfish), and uni (sea urchin). They look beautiful, and the different flavors of the shari (sushi rice) paired with each one are said to be superb.

Photograph:ライアンまま

Sushi Ginza Shimon is a sushi restaurant about a 2-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Station, and it is known as a place where you can enjoy Edomae-zushi (Tokyo-style sushi) and a la carte dishes in a calm atmosphere.

Inside, there are refined bengara (red iron oxide pigment)-colored counter seats and fully private rooms.

Photograph:東京OLのグルメ探し

The sushi served here is Edomae-zushi (traditional Edo-style sushi), known for expressing classic Japanese flavor. It does not use raw fish, and features toppings prepared with the extra step called shigoto (careful traditional prep), such as curing in vinegar, simmering, or soaking in sauce.

The photo shows a kohada (gizzard shad) nigiri, said to have pleasantly firm flesh and a deep flavor.

Photograph:かかみらん

They care not only about the freshness of the neta (sushi topping), but also about the finishing soy sauce. At the restaurant, they serve the sushi using four kinds of nikiri shoyu (sweetened soy sauce for sushi), choosing each one based on how well it pairs with the topping.

There were also reviews saying that the akazu (red vinegar) rice, the topping, and the soy sauce came together as one to create sushi you can only taste here.

Photograph:ゆっきょし

Ginza Sushi Sendo, about a 3-minute walk from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, is a well-regarded spot where you can enjoy great sushi in a refined space that feels far removed from the noise of the city once you step through the noren (traditional shop curtain).

In addition to the beautiful whitewood counter with 8 seats, the restaurant also has a Private room that is perfect for business entertainment, special occasions, and other gatherings.

Photograph:脱税を許さない

The toppings are known for having their character brought out through careful Edomae (traditional Tokyo-style sushi) craftsmanship, paired with mildly seasoned shari (sushi rice) made with a custom blend of akazu (red vinegar).

Many reviews also said they were impressed by the perfect grip of the nigiri, which gently falls apart in the mouth, and its harmony with the topping.

Photograph:やまさん9680

The recommended lunch option is the "Lunch Limited Omakase Nigiri Course." It features a Special selection of refined nigiri, each one good enough to be the star.

The chutoro and akami (lean tuna) come from Hokkaido. The chutoro is said to have rich fat, while the akami has strong umami.

Photograph:ikuko_v

Sushishige is located just steps from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and its counter seats are popular because you can watch the owner, who has been making sushi for many years, at work.

Step inside and you will find a calm atmosphere with the warm feel of wood, where you can fully enjoy great sushi and drinks.

Photograph:tsukalog31

The toppings made with fresh fish sourced through unique channels trusted by the veteran owner have a great reputation.

The photo shows toro (fatty tuna) with a thick cut and rich fat that melts in your mouth. Reviews also praised the sushi crafted by the chef’s hands for a kind of deliciousness you can only enjoy here.

Photograph:川井 潤

Both lunch and dinner are popular for the Omakase course, where the sakizuke (small appetizer), sashimi, and nigiri are served at a nice pace.

Since the contents change with the seasons, there is always something new to discover whenever you visit. The sumiika (cuttlefish) in the photo has a rich, sticky texture, and the restaurant's style is to enjoy it with soy sauce.

Photograph:honeey☆

THE SUSHI GINZA Kiwami is about a 7-minute walk from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and it is also close to GINZA SIX, making it a great spot to visit when sightseeing in Ginza.

The restaurant has a hinoki (Japanese cypress) counter where you can clearly watch the chefs at work, along with simple and clean Private rooms. With its relaxed and approachable atmosphere, it is also a good choice for a first counter sushi experience in Ginza.

Photograph:seiko33gb3

At lunch, the counter-seat-only "Osushi All you can eat Course" is popular.

Guests order 3 pieces at a time in turn. You can enjoy high-end sushi prepared by skilled itamae (sushi chefs) in an all-you-can-eat style, and savor uni (sea urchin) to your heart's content as well.

Photograph:246_246

The sushi served here is known for using fresh toppings across the board, with careful preparation in every piece.

The photo shows hotate (scallop), served as a hand roll rather than nigiri. Some people even said the lightly seared thick cut hotate was the most memorable item.

Photograph:ha～to

Sushi Ginza is a hidden gem sushi restaurant on the first floor of a building, about a 3-minute walk from Ginza Station on the Marunouchi subway line, and it is said to have many repeat customers who come back for the sushi prepared by the owner, who trained at a popular restaurant.

The curved counter seats, which create just the right distance from the chef, are also well liked.

Photograph:KIKI_poyo◡̈⃝︎

Using Special ingredients sourced through unique channels and chosen with the trained eye the owner has developed over many years devoted solely to Edomae-zushi (Tokyo-style sushi), you can enjoy a course of Edomae-zushi featuring ingredients you can taste only here.

The course is said to start with akami (lean tuna). Reviews also say the akami had a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a blissful taste.

Photograph:＠ゆーいち

For the shari (sushi rice), they use Koshihikari rice from Uonuma, Niigata, and it has a great reputation for being delicious, shaped with such perfect pressure that the shari gently opens up the moment it goes into your mouth.

The photo shows nama-ebi (raw shrimp), and they say there is a small air pocket between the shari and the topping, giving it a nice balance.

Photograph:はらへり呑んべぇ

Premium Restaurant Tokyo Kin no Dining Magurokin is located just steps from Higashi-Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, where a sushi restaurant and dining bar come together for a high-quality dinner.

The space includes counter, table, and sofa seating, with a nice balance of monochrome tones and the warmth of wood, making it easy to use for all kinds of occasions.

Photograph:ikuyasam

In addition to sourcing Special seasonal toppings, they use two kinds of rice for the shari (sushi rice).

The restaurant uses low-cut genmai (partially milled brown rice), known for its high nutritional value and strong umami, along with Kinmemai (germ rice), and they are said to bring out the flavor of the seafood. You can choose whichever vinegar you prefer, either white vinegar or red vinegar.

Photograph:リ ジャクキン

The photo shows the restaurant's signature dish, the “Premium Maguro Kin Roll Temaki,” which contains uni (sea urchin), ikura (salmon roe), toro-takuan (fatty tuna and pickled daikon), and cucumber, and you wrap it yourself before eating.

These luxurious ingredients come together into a satisfying bite, and it is said to be very delicious, with the ume (Japanese plum) flavor adding a nice accent.

Photograph:与沢社長

Sushi Fukuju is a restaurant located just steps from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro lines. In addition to the counter seats, where you can fully enjoy the live feel of the chefs' craftsmanship, the seats with a great view are also popular, letting you dine while looking out at Ginza's nightscape.

The interior has an L-shaped counter, table seating, and fully private rooms as well.

Photograph:肉魚菜酒

The nigiri made with ingredients Specially selected on daily trips to the market has built a strong reputation.

The photo shows anago (conger eel) with plump flesh and tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet) that looks like castella sponge cake. Reviews also said both were soft and fluffy, with a Special flavor.

Photograph:milan1110

The course, which mixes appetizers and sushi, is popular for being a lineup that pairs well with drinks. They also offer a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer, shochu (Japanese distilled spirit), fruit liqueur, wine, and Japanese sake.

For non-alcoholic options, they have carefully selected gyokuro (premium green tea) and top-quality juices. It is nice that even those who do not drink alcohol can enjoy themselves.

Photograph:ライ123456

Hinazushi Nishi Ginza Ten is a sushi restaurant on the 2nd floor of Nishi Ginza Department Store, directly connected to Tokyo Metro Ginza Station, and it has become a hot topic for offering great value All you can eat sushi. At lunch, they also offer more reasonably priced nigiri sushi set menus.

There are 110 seats in total, making the space roomy, so it is also a good choice when you want to enjoy sushi with a large group.

Photograph:記録用⭐︎

The popular premium sushi All you can eat features about 60 kinds of toppings specially selected by skilled chefs. From start to finish, you can enjoy as much of your favorites as you like.

With the 120-minute All you can eat plan, you can order up to 20 pieces at a time.

Photograph:kwktjp

If you want to enjoy sushi casually, the lunch nigiri set is a good choice.

The photo shows the "Kongetsu no Osusume Nigiri (This Month's Recommended Nigiri)." This lunch-only menu item is popular with regulars, with just the right portion size and seasonal toppings to enjoy.

Photograph:ミチョラン東京

Ginza Sushi Ka Hanare is located just steps from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. They offer a wide selection of carefully chosen seasonal sushi toppings, and many repeat customers come back looking forward to them.

The interior has a calm and comfortable feel, with wooden furnishings that give a sense of warmth and softly glowing lights. The seats are spaced well apart, so the layout feels relaxing. Even the fully private rooms have their own dedicated itamae (sushi chef), making this a great choice for a special occasion or celebration.

Photograph:武敵

The standard menu features two kinds of Omakase course for lunch and one for dinner. The dishes bring out the full flavor of seasonal neta (sushi toppings) sourced from trusted markets.

The photo shows hon-maguro (bluefin tuna) akami-zuke (marinated lean tuna). The red vinegar stands out nicely, and the shari (sushi rice) gently falls apart in the mouth, making it an outstanding piece.

Photograph:osachi629

With the course, you can also enjoy a la carte dishes made with fresh seafood. They offer a full lineup of dishes that go well with drinks, such as chawanmushi (savory egg custard) and charcoal grilled items.

The photo shows hotate (scallops) that you lightly grill over a shichirin (small charcoal grill), and they recommend enjoying them rare.

Photograph:tabelog.com

Sushi Yoshikawa Katsu Ginza is a sushi restaurant located just steps from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro. It is based on classic Edomae nigiri sushi, with Western touches and extra care in preparation, built around the concept of "a one of a kind sushi restaurant in the world."

In the grown-up atmosphere, made memorable by the large mural displayed behind the counter seats, you can take your time and fully enjoy the sushi.

Photograph:Rex CT-7567

The "Taisho Omakase Course" features Special sushi made with the highest grade ingredients procured that day, and they prepare each piece for the guests visiting that day, so it has a reputation for offering a different kind of enjoyment no matter how many times you visit.

For the shari (sushi rice), they use akazu (red vinegar) made from sake kasu (sake lees) aged for 6 years, and season it to bring out the good flavor of the neta (sushi topping).

Photograph:TKボンバー

The specialty of the house is Dragon Ball Maki, a thick sushi roll filled with toro (fatty tuna), uni (sea urchin), and egg yolk marinated in soy sauce.

It is a bold and eye-catching dish, so generously filled that the toppings spill out. Reviews also said it had a delicate flavor and tasted great from the first bite to the last.