If you are planning a trip to Japan then you must know where to eat the best sushi in Tokyo. Tokyo is famous for its fresh and delicious sushi and you will find everything from affordable conveyor belt sushi to high quality sushi restaurants.
It is good that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to enjoy great sushi. Many small local restaurants will serve fresh and high quality sushi at very reasonable prices. If it is your first time visiting Japan or you have been there before and want to try sushi in Tokyo, then it is an amazing experience you should not miss. This guide will help you understand what are the best places to eat sushi in Tokyo by knowing the best sushi restaurants and budget friendly options.
Table of Contents
Why Tokyo is Famous for Sushi
Tokyo has been famous for its seafood in the city for many years. Every morning fresh seafood comes from different parts of Japan. Many sushi restaurants use fish that was caught on the same day so that you can enjoy some of the freshest and most delicious sushi in the world.
Sushi chefs in Tokyo spend many years learning how to make sushi. They prepare the rice carefully then cut the fish with great care and make every piece of sushi so fresh and delicious. Even a small piece of sushi will taste good and this is one of the reasons why people from all around the world visit Tokyo to enjoy amazing sushi and find the best place to eat sushi in the city.
Read more: What Is the Sushi Capital of Japan? Complete Guide
Best Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo
Sukiyabashi Jiro
This restaurant became famous after the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi. It is one of the most well known and popular sushi restaurants in Tokyo.
Every piece of sushi is made with great care using fresh and high quality ingredients. It is very difficult to get a reservation in that restaurant and the prices are quite expensive. If you want to enjoy eating special sushi then this is a great place you should visit.
It is best for special occasions, luxury experiences and for people who want a premium sushi experience.
Sushi Dai
Sushi Dai is located near the Toyosu Market and it is one of the most popular sushi restaurants in Tokyo. Many people visit this restaurant because it gives very fresh sushi made with seafood that comes to the restaurant every morning.
You should wait a few hours to get a seat in that restaurant but many people who visit that restaurant say it is worth waiting that much time. The dishes will change with the seasons so that you can try different kinds of food throughout the year. It is best for fresh seafood and its traditional atmosphere.
Daiwa Sushi
Daiwa Sushi is located very close to Sushi Dai. It is just a short walk and it is also another popular sushi restaurant in Tokyo. It is loved by both the local people and tourists because of its fresh sushi and the friendly service they provide.
Many people choose Daiwa Sushi because the waiting time is usually shorter than Sushi Dai but the quality is still excellent. If you want to taste fresh sushi without waiting too long then this is a great place to visit. It is best for friendly service and for less waiting time.
Sushizanmai
Sushizanmai is a great choice if you want to taste sushi at a reasonable price. It is one of the most popular sushi chain restaurants in Tokyo and this restaurant has many branches across the city.
Some branches are open around the clock so you can enjoy sushi at any time of the day. It is a good place for people who visit for the first time with families and anyone who is looking for delicious sushi without spending too much money. It is best for families and first time visitors.
Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka
Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka is a modern sushi restaurant where you can order your food using a touch screen. After you place your order the sushi comes to your table on a fast delivery belt.
The sushi is fresh, tasty and affordable which makes it a popular choice for many visitors. It is a great place for a quick meal or for solo travelers.
Best Areas to Eat Sushi in Tokyo
If you are thinking about what is the best place to eat sushi in Tokyo then choosing the right restaurant is very important.
Toyosu
Toyosu is home to Tokyo’s famous fish market and is one of the best places to eat fresh sushi. Every morning fresh seafood comes from different parts of Japan to the restaurants and many restaurants use it on the same day.
If you want to enjoy fresh sushi and see the market area then Toyosu is a great place to visit. It is a popular place for breakfast and gives you a real local market experience. Best for fresh seafood and morning breakfast.
Ginza
Ginza is one of the best places in Tokyo for high quality sushi. It is famous for its luxury shopping and has many well known sushi restaurants.
If you want a special dining experience then Ginza is a great place to visit. Many restaurants here will give high quality sushi made with fresh ingredients.
Shibuya
Shibuya is a great place to enjoy sushi at different prices. It is a popular area with visitors because there are many restaurants, shops and beautiful places near this area. It is a good place to enjoy tasty sushi without spending a lot of money.
Tsukiji Outer Market
Even though the main fish market is in Toyosu the Tsukiji Market is still one of the best places in Tokyo to enjoy fresh seafood. Many people visit this area to try delicious sushi and other local dishes.
You can enjoy sushi, grilled seafood and many kinds of Japanese street food. It is a great place to taste different foods and experience Tokyo’s food culture.
How Much Does Sushi Cost in Tokyo?
The price of sushi in Tokyo depends on the restaurant you choose. If you want to save money then the belt sushi restaurants are usually the best and they charge ¥150 to ¥400 per plate. Local sushi restaurants are another good choice and usually cost ¥2,000 to ¥5,000 per person. They use fresh ingredients and good quality sushi at a reasonable price.
If you want a special dining experience then you can try omakase. Mid range omakase usually costs ¥8,000 to ¥15,000 while luxury omakase can cost ¥20,000 to ¥60,000 or more. No matter how much you spend you will definitely enjoy fresh and amazing sushi in Tokyo.
Is Expensive Sushi Always Better?
Not always, you do not have to spend a lot of money to enjoy great sushi in Tokyo. Many small local sushi restaurants serve fresh and delicious sushi at affordable prices. In many cases the quality is as good as that of the expensive restaurants.
The main difference is that luxury restaurants may serve rare types of fish and provide more personal service, present the food in a special way and have longer omakase meals. Before choosing a restaurant, think about your budget, whether you want a casual or luxury meal, whether you want to try omakase, if you need a reservation, and how close the restaurant is to your hotel. These simple questions will help you find the best place to eat sushi in Tokyo.
Conclusion
There is no single best place to eat sushi in Tokyo. The right restaurant depends on your budget and what kind of sushi you want to eat. Some people like luxury restaurants while others will enjoy small local sushi shops. If you want a special food experience then Sukiyabashi Jiro is a great choice. If you want fresh seafood then Sushi Dai and Daiwa Sushi are popular options. If you are looking for affordable sushi then Sushizanmai and Uobei are excellent choices.
Tokyo is one of the best places in the world to enjoy sushi. The fresh seafood and delicious food make every dish special. If you are visiting Tokyo then eating sushi in Tokyo is an experience you should not miss.
