12 Best Sushi Restaurants to Try in Ginza

Ginza: The Heart of Japan’s Sushi Culture

What Makes the Ginza Area Special

Ginza stands out in Tokyo as a mecca of Japanese fine dining, especially sushi. Despite its compact size, the area is densely packed with culinary landmarks. Sushi enthusiasts will recognize names like Sukiyabashi Jiro, visited by former President Barack Obama; the renowned Kyubey, known to virtually every Japanese diner; and Sushi Kanesaka, which has trained numerous master chefs, including the head chef of Sushi Saito.

How to Enjoy Sushi in Ginza

Ginza is home to many sushi restaurants with nationwide and even global fame—many of which are notoriously difficult to reserve, even for locals. Due to high demand, it’s strongly recommended to book well in advance to secure a seat at these prestigious counters.

While the dining experience is of the highest caliber, most establishments maintain a relaxed dress code. However, guests are advised to avoid wearing shorts, sandals, or applying excessive fragrance, as a gesture of respect for the chefs and the delicate flavors of the cuisine.

A sushi experience in Ginza is not only a meal—it’s a cultural moment, and often a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship.

12 Finest Edomae-style Sushi Restaurants Around Ginza

1. Sushi Kanesaka (鮨 かねさか)

A true icon of Edomae-style sushi, Sushi Kanesaka has been awarded one or two Michelin stars for 18 consecutive years since 2008. It consistently ranks among Japan’s Top 100 restaurants on a leading gourmet review platform and has received numerous accolades, including prestigious culinary awards.

Discreetly located in the basement of a building in Ginza, this revered establishment offers a serene and immersive dining experience, where the essence of traditional Edomae techniques comes to life. Each piece of sushi, prepared by master chef Shinji Kanesaka, showcases a deep respect for the ingredients, with delicate craftsmanship that elevates their natural flavor.

In 2025, Chef Kanesaka received the Michelin Mentor Chef Award, a testament to his dedication to nurturing the next generation of sushi artisans. For discerning travelers and gourmets alike, a visit to Sushi Kanesaka is more than a meal—it's a cultural and culinary encounter with the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship.

Conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the Ginza Exit of Shimbashi Station (JR, Metro, and Toei Shinjuku Line), the restaurant offers both accessibility and an unforgettable gourmet experience.

2. Tachiguizushi Akira Shimbashi (Branch) (立喰い寿司 あきら 新橋店)

Selected for the Michelin Bib Gourmand two years in a row, Tachiguizushi Akira is a standout in the world of standing sushi bars. Tucked away in the basement of a multi-tenant building in Shimbashi, this hidden gem is helmed by the owner of the acclaimed Sushi Ryusho in Shirokane.

The sushi here is a masterful balance of refinement and approachability. Highlights include the Shiro-ebi Kombujime (white shrimp marinated in kelp), where the delicate aroma of soft gyuhi kombu kelp seeps into the vinegared rice, and the hon-maguro (bluefin tuna), served with just the right thickness and richness. From chu-toro (medium fatty tuna) to aburi nodoguro (seared blackthroat seaperch), the lineup feels indulgent while maintaining the casual charm of a standing sushi bar.

Priced between ¥300–¥1,100 per piece, the sushi offers excellent value without compromising on quality. It’s an ideal spot for travelers seeking an urban dining experience that blends Japan’s street food culture with the precision of skilled sushi craftsmanship.

Located just a 4-minute walk from the Karasumori Exit of Shimbashi Station (JR Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku Lines), the restaurant offers both convenience and authenticity.

3. Sushi Kojima (鮨 こじま)

Holding a Michelin star for seven consecutive years, Sushi Kojima is a hidden gem nestled on the 5th floor of a quiet building in Ginza, known for its refined take on traditional Edomae-style sushi.

Chef Michio Kojima, often described as a sushi artisan of the Shōwa era spirit, personally selects seasonal seafood each morning at Toyosu Market. His signature style features a custom-blended sushi rice made with both red vinegar and rice vinegar—bringing out the best of each ingredient.

The meal begins with elegant small seasonal dishes such as steamed abalone, simmered tender octopus, and grilled nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), creating a natural progression that heightens anticipation for the sushi to follow. The compact, easy-to-eat sushi rice is perfectly balanced to enhance the flavor of each topping. Guests can enjoy the experience up close at the counter, engaging in conversation while watching the chef’s refined techniques unfold before them.

Located just a 4-minute walk from Shimbashi Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line), Sushi Kojima offers easy access and an intimate, memorable culinary experience.

4. Sushi Ryusuke (鮨 竜介)

Ranked among Japan’s Top 100 restaurants on a major gourmet review platform and a recipient of multiple gourmet awards, Sushi Ryusuke is a refined Edomae-style sushi destination located in the basement near Ginza’s vibrant Corridor Street.

Chef Ryusuke Yamane, who honed his craft at renowned establishments including Ginza Kyubey, brings both skill and creativity to his omakase (chef’s choice) experience. His signature concept—“sushi should be fun”—comes to life through imaginative appetizers such as flounder with aromatic truffle shavings and tuna tartare topped with caviar. The suhsi course showcases meticulous technique, with Chef Yamane carefully selecting between red or white vinegar rice depending on the fish, and applying methods like kelp curing, searing, or aging to highlight each ingredient’s unique character.

With only seven seats at a pristine hinoki wood counter, the atmosphere is intimate and serene, offering guests a deeply personal and innovative sushi experience. For international visitors, Sushi Ryusuke presents a rare opportunity to encounter both the tradition and playful spirit of modern Japanese sushi at its finest.

5. Sushi Sakamoto (鮨さかもと)

Tucked away in the basement of a multi-tenant building in Ginza 5-chome, Sushi Sakamoto is a true hidden gem—a quiet haven for traditional Edomae-style sushi that has earned a Michelin star for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

The owner-chef, Isamu Sakamoto, opened the restaurant in 2017 after 25 years of dedicated training. Known for his unwavering attention to detail, he oversees every step—from sourcing ingredients to shaping each piece of sushi—with a disciplined, craftsman-like precision.

His sushi rice is distinctive: made without sugar, it’s a blend of red vinegar and salt, paired with aged, sun-dried rice from Sado Island. The result is a light yet deeply flavorful base that subtly enhances the umami of each topping. Standout pieces include konbu-jime kisu (kelp-cured sillago), which is delicate yet expressive, and aburi kuromutsu(seared bluefish), offering a perfect balance of charred aroma and rich, well-controlled fat.

Located just a 3-minute walk from Exit B7 of Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro lines), the restaurant is both easily accessible and an ideal escape for those seeking an intimate, uncompromising sushi experience in the heart of Tokyo.

6. Sushi Saeki (すし さえ㐂)

Featured among Japan’s Top 100 restaurants on a leading gourmet review platform and a recipient of prestigious gourmet awards, Sushi Saeki is a celebrated Edomae-style sushi restaurant bringing the talent of Kansai’s top sushi master to Tokyo’s Ginza.

Chef Hiroshi Saeki began his culinary journey in Osaka at the age of 17. Drawn to the elegance and precision of Edomae-style sushi, he brings a rare combination of masterful technique and warm, engaging hospitality to his craft.

The menu follows a sushi kaiseki (traditional multi-course ) format, seamlessly blending small seasonal dishes with sushi. Dishes such as steamed abalone chawanmushi (savory steamed egg custard), skipjack tuna with sake-marinated entrails, and sweet corn and horsehair crab chawanmushi showcase both seasonality and playful creativity. For the sushi, the sushi rice is seasoned with red vinegar, and standouts like marinated tuna reveal a deep umami enhanced by expert aging techniques.

Just a 2-minute walk from Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line), Sushi Saeki offers convenient access and a unique opportunity to experience Kansai artistry reimagined through the lens of Tokyo’s Edomae tradition.

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7. Sushi Arai (鮨 あらい)

Consistently ranked among Japan’s Top 100 restaurants and the recipient of multiple gourmet awards, Sushi Arai is a top-tier Edomae-style sushi destination, discreetly located in the basement of a building in Ginza 8-chome.

Chef Yuichi Arai, whose career includes training at renowned establishments like Ginza Kyubey and Sushi Sho, brings his refined interpretation of Edomae tradition. His signature sushi rice blends red and white vinegars with premium Koshihikari rice from Toyama, cooked to a firm, “reverse al dente” texture. The result is a slightly larger-than-usual piece of sushi with a light, airy mouthfeel that gently unravels with each bite.

Arai’s approach to tuna is particularly meticulous—he adjusts both his knife work and vinegar blend daily, depending on the fish’s condition, and enhances flavor with techniques like kelp curing and searing to bring out nuanced aromas.

At the counter, guests enjoy an immersive seasonal experience, engaging directly with the chef while savoring sushi that appeals to all five senses.

Just a 5-minute walk from Exit A5 of Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro), Sushi Arai offers both convenient access and an exceptional sushi encounter in the heart of Tokyo.

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8. Harutaka (青空)

A two-time recipient of three Michelin stars and consistently listed among Japan’s Top 100 restaurants on a major gourmet review site, Harutaka is a premier Edomae-style sushi destination located near Shimbashi, in the heart of Tokyo’s fine dining mecca, Ginza.

Chef Harutaka Takahashi trained for 12 years at the legendary Sukiyabashi Jiro, honing a meticulous approach to every aspect of the craft. Each morning, he selects the finest seasonal seafood at Toyosu Market. His sushi rice—firm and boldly seasoned with rice vinegar—creates a seamless harmony with each topping, delivering a sense of crescendo across the progression of the omakase. Every piece is thoughtfully constructed to highlight flavor, texture, and balance at the highest level.

Just a 5-minute walk from JR Shimbashi Station, Harutaka offers not only exceptional access but also a masterclass in traditional Edomae sushi, executed with precision, depth, and restrained elegance.

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9. Sawada (さわ田)

A former two-Michelin-star restaurant and consistently ranked among Japan’s Top 100 by a leading gourmet platform, Sawada is a revered Edomae-style sushi destination that operates strictly by reservation.

The rice is a hallmark of the experience: made from aged Koshihikari rice from Toyama, it’s cooked to order based on each guest’s reservation time and seasoned only with red vinegar and salt. The result is a delicate texture and deep, balanced flavor that complements every topping.

The omakase features pristine seasonal selections—flounder, cuttlefish, halfbeak, soy-marinated chutoro, and giant tiger prawn—each piece crafted with meticulous attention to harmony between rice and fish, capturing the essence of traditional Edomae sushi.

Set in a quiet, no-photography environment, guests are invited to enjoy a focused, sensory dining experience, including thoughtful conversation with the chef at the counter.

Located just a 1-minute walk from Exit A5 of Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro), Sawada offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the refined world of Tokyo’s elite sushi culture.

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10. Ginza Kyubey (銀座 久兵衛)

A past Michelin one-star recipient and regularly featured among Japan’s Top 100 restaurants on a major gourmet platform, Ginza Kyubey stands as one of the country’s most iconic Edomae-style sushi establishments.

Led by Chef Ryosuke Imada, the restaurant carries a legacy built on precision and care—especially in its signature bite-sized sushi, where the subtly seasoned rice, lightly blended with red vinegar, delivers the delicate, airy texture unique to traditional Japanese sushi.

Each topping is hand-selected at Toyosu Market each morning, ensuring exceptional freshness. What sets Kyubey apart is its thoughtful preparation, which includes techniques like kelp curing or light searing, adapted daily to match the quality and character of each ingredient.

Conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from both the Ginza Exit of JR Shimbashi Station and Exit 3 of Tokyo Metro Shimbashi Station on the Ginza Line, Ginza Kyubey offers not only accessibility but a timeless sushi experience rooted in craftsmanship and heritage.

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11. Sukiyabashi Jiro (すきやばし次郎)

A legendary name in Edomae-style sushi, Sukiyabashi Jiro has been featured among Japan’s Top 100 restaurants on a major gourmet platform and is a recipient of multiple culinary awards. Founded in 1965, it is internationally renowned thanks to its founder, Jiro Ono, often referred to as the “god of sushi chefs.” The restaurant once held three Michelin stars for 12 consecutive years, though it is no longer rated due to being unavailable for general reservations since 2019.

Today, this intimate 10-seat counter continues to offer a peerless sushi experience, defined by rice seasoned with a precise blend of red and white vinegar, served warm to match body temperature, and paired with meticulously selected seasonal seafood.

Just a 1-minute walk from Exit C6 of Tokyo Metro Ginza Station, Sukiyabashi Jiro remains one of Tokyo’s most exclusive and revered destinations for traditional sushi at its highest form.

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12. Umegaoka Sushi no Midori Sohonten (梅丘寿司の美登利総本店)

Founded in 1977 in Tokyo’s Setagaya, Umegaoka Sushi no Midori Sohonten is the original flagship of the popular sushi chain. Known for its generous cuts of fresh seafood sourced directly from Toyosu Market, this long-standing restaurant is committed to quality in every detail—from the rice and vinegar to the soy sauce and nori seaweed.

The standout offering is the “Super Deluxe Sushi” set (3,300 yen), a signature platter featuring around 10 pieces, including chutoro, sea urchin, salmon roe, and a whole conger eel, accompanied by chawanmushi and a small kani miso (crab tomalley) salad. It’s an unbeatable combination of value, variety, and volume.

With 128 casual, spacious seats and fast turnover, even long lines move quickly. The restaurant offers both English and photo menus, making it a friendly option for first-time visitors to Japan.

Conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from the South Exit of Umegaoka Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line, it’s an easy stop for those looking to enjoy authentic, high-quality sushi without breaking the bank.

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