There’s no meal quite as synonymous with Japan as sushi. From delicate slices of the freshest fish available to hefty spoonfuls of robust fish roe, the world of sushi has astounded many culinary minds and sent the tastebuds of foodies all over the world to gastronomic heaven. You simply can’t travel to Ginza and not have enjoy a meal at a sushi-ya (sushi bar), so read up and take your pick from our top 10 places to grab the best sushi in Ginza.
1. Sushi Yoshitake
Consistently brilliant, flawless and expertly combining various flavors and textures, Sushi Yoshitake is undoubtedly one of the best sushi shops in the upscale district of Ginza. Not only does Sushi Yoshitake have a masterful and talented chef, it also leverages on the best ingredients available in the market, possesses a relaxing ambience and offers fabulous sake. Go for their omakase set menu for the complete experience.
Information
- Name: Sushi Yoshitake
- Address: 3F Suzuryu Building, 8-7-19 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
- Phone: +81 3-6253-7331
2. Sawada
Run by the famous Chef Sawada, this sushi-ya is particularly iconic in Tokyo due in large part to their mouthwatering aged tuna. Marrying flavors and delivering absolutely delicious and delicate sushi, the technique of Chef Sawada is, without a doubt, nothing short of amazing. Sawada is a small sushi shop with only 6 to 8 seats, so make sure to make a reservation ahead of time. If you’re not sure what to order, you can’t go wrong with their 2.5 hour set menu.
Information
- Name: Sawada
- Address: 3F MC Building, 5-9-19 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
- Phone: +81 3-3571-4711
- Price: ¥35,000
3. Sushi Kanesaka
If it takes nearly three months to get a table at sushi bar, you’re sure to be in for a treat. At Ginza’s Sushi Kanesaka, making reservations months ahead of time are an absolute necessity due to the much sought after sushi served up by Chef Kanesaka. There is an almost magical process that goes into the preparation of each nigiri at this sushi-ya, and every bite is down right heavenly. Without a doubt, the top quality fish and the excellently made rice make Sushi Kanesaka a must-visit.
Information
- Name: Sushi Kanesaka
- Address: 8-10-3 Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo
- Phone: +81 3-5568-4411
- Price: ¥20,000 – ¥30,000
4. Sushi Sho
Imagine spending an evening embarking on a gastronomic journey of epic proportions with a 35-dish omakase set menu course. Incredible, right? This, and a laid back and lively environment, is exactly what you can look forward to at Chef Nakazawa’s Sushi Sho. Have a chilled or heated sake while enjoying this roller coaster ride of textures and incredible flavors.
Information
- Name: Sushi Sho
- Address: 1F Yorindo Building, 1-11 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-004
- Phone: +81 3-3351-6387
- Price: ¥20,000
5. Sushi Zanmai Takumi
Let’s face it, not everyone has tens of thousands of yen on hand to blow on a sushi meal, so for the budget conscious foodies out there, Sushi Zanmai is one of your best bets. Sushi Zanmai started in the famous Tsukiji area and has evolved into a popular sushi ‘kaiten’, a.k.a conveyor belt, chain. If you don’t want to eat off of the conveyor belt, try the Nigiri lunch sets, which come with some hearty miso soup and a small salad. The best part about Sushi Zanmai? They’re open 24/7.
Information
- Name: Sushi Zanmai Takumi Ginza
- Address: 6-4-6 Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo
- Phone: +81 3-3541-1117
- Price: ¥1,500 – ¥3,500
- Opening hour: 24 hours
- Website: www.kiyomura.co.jp
6. Harutaka
You know a sushi-ya is good when other top sushi chefs go there to eat. Run by one of Jiro Ono’s most famous students, Harutaka offers a relaxed and pleasurable dining experience in the bustling metropolis of Ginza. Delight in a short tsumami, or appetizer course, before diving into a curated 20-piece nigiri course. The cherry on top of the cake is the extensive sake menu.
Information
- Name: Harutaka
- Address: 3F Ginza Kawabata Bldg, 8-5-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
- Phone: +81 3-3573-1144
- Price: ¥23,000
7. Sushi Mizutani
A family owned and operated sushi bar, Sushi Mizutani’s loyal customer base will tell you that this spot is the absolute best place to eat sushi in Tokyo. The folks that run Tokyo’s Michelin Guide are likely to have the same sentiments as they’ve awarded Sushi Mizutani with three Michelin stars. If you’re ready for a traditional sushi experience from a talented chef, this is the place to go. Be warned, very little English is spoken at Sushi Mizutani, but when eating here, you’re best bet is to go with the special menu.
Information
- Name: Sushi Mizutani
- Address: 8-7-7 Ginza, Juno Building 9F, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0061
- Price: ¥15,000 – ¥30,000
- Opening hour: 11:30 – 13:30, 17:00 – 21:30
- Holiday: Closed on Sundays
8. Sushi Iwa
Pick up the phone and make a reservation quick because not only will Sushi Iwa deliver a world-class sushi experience, they’re also a bit more affordable than most swanky sushi-yas at Ginza. There are 10-piece and 13-piece nigiri sets to choose from, but we assure you, splurging on the larger set is so very worth it.
Information
- Name: Sushi Iwa
- Address: 8-5-25 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
- Phone: +81 3-3572-0955
- Price: ¥4,750 – ¥8,400
- Hours: 11:00 – 22:00
9. Ginza Kyubey
Specializing in the much loved edo-style sushi, Ginza Kyubey is a sushi-ya that has stuck firmly with tradition throughout the years. Among the dishes to try at this well established restaurant are the Sushi Kaiseki menus and the uni or salmon filled ‘Gunkanmaki’, an original creation of the Ginza Kyubey. Reserve a table three days in advance if you want a meal at this joint.
Information
- Name: Ginza Kyubey
- Address: 7-6, Ginza 8-chome, Chuo-ku, 104-0061, Tokyo
- Phone: +81 3-3571-6523
- Price: ¥10,000 – ¥30,000
- Access: 5-minute walk from Shinbashi Station
- Opening hour: 11:30 – 14:00; 17:00 – 22:00
- Holiday: Closed on Sundays
- Website: http://www.kyubey.jp/en
10. Sukiyabashi Jiro
Anyone who has watched the documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” will understand why this sushi-ya has made the list. Quite literally a Japanese national treasure, Jiro Ono has carved his name into the history of Japan’s culinary scene as one of its best, if not the top, sushi chefs. With three Michelin stars under his belt, Jiro conducts a beautiful symphony of courses with finesse and precision alongside his legendary two-fingered technique. Every mouthful of fresh fish and warm, delicately prepared rice will leave you singing.
Information
- Name: Sukiyabashi Jiro Honten
- Address: B1F, Tsukamoto Sogyo Building, 4-2-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, 104-0061
- Phone: +81 3-3535-3600
- Price: ¥30,000
- Access: Ginza Metro Station Exit C6
- Opening hour: 11:30 – 14:00, 17:30 – 18:30
- Holiday: Closed on Sundays and Saturday evenings
- Website: http://www.sushi-jiro.jp/dining-at-jiro/
Whether you’re ready to shell out some major cash or simply want to experience authentic Japanese sushi in a budget friendly way, there’s always a great spot to dine and savor world-class sushi in Ginza. If you’re new to sushi and don’t quite know what to expect, our advice is to simply come with an open mind and an empty belly.
Have a good trip and travel!
