Top 10 Must-Try Sushi Spots in Tokyo for First-Time Visitors
If there’s one culinary rite of passage every traveler to Japan must experience, it’s sushi. Forget the conveyor belt rolls you grabbed at the airport or the supermarket trays back home—Tokyo is the beating heart of sushi culture, where centuries of tradition meet jaw-dropping precision. For first-time visitors, navigating this world can feel like stepping into a samurai duel armed with nothing but chopsticks and a rumbling stomach. But fear not! We’ve scoured the neon-lit streets and hidden alleys of Tokyo to bring you the top 10 must-try sushi spots that’ll turn your trip into a flavor-packed adventure. From Michelin-starred legends to cozy neighborhood haunts, these places showcase why Tokyo is the sushi capital of the world. Ready to dive in? Let’s roll—er, slice.
Why Sushi is a Must for Tourists in Japan
Sushi isn’t just food in Japan; it’s a cultural icon, a craft honed over generations, and a love letter to the sea. Born in the Edo period (think 17th century), it started as a way to preserve fish with fermented rice—narezushi, they called it. Fast forward to the 19th century, and a clever chef named Hanaya Yohei flipped the script, serving raw fish atop vinegared rice in what we now know as nigiri. Tokyo, then called Edo, was the birthplace of this revolution, fueled by its proximity to the fish-rich Tokyo Bay. Today, it’s home to over 3,000 sushi restaurants, from hole-in-the-wall counters to glitzy omakase palaces.
For first-timers, sushi in Tokyo isn’t just a meal—it’s a front-row seat to a performance. You’ll watch chefs wield knives like katanas, slicing fish so fresh it practically wiggles, all while balancing flavors that dance between subtle and sublime. Whether you’re a raw fish rookie or a seasoned sashimi slayer, these 10 spots will leave you hungry for more. And the best part? You can book them all through Savor Japan, your trusty guide to Japan’s dining scene.
The Top 10 Sushi Spots in Tokyo
1. Sukiyabashi Jiro (Ginza)
Let’s start with the heavyweight champ. Sukiyabashi Jiro in Ginza is the Mount Everest of sushi—small, exclusive, and famously tough to summit. Run by Jiro Ono, a 98-year-old legend who’s been perfecting sushi since before most of us were born, this spot earned three Michelin stars and a visit from Barack Obama (who called it the best sushi he’d ever had). Tucked in a subway station basement, it seats just 10 at a wooden counter. The omakase menu—20 pieces served in 20 minutes—is a whirlwind of tuna, uni, and eel, each bite a masterclass in texture and taste. Booking? Good luck. Reservations open a month in advance and vanish faster than a tuna at Tsukiji. Pro tip: Use Savor Japan to snag a spot—or pray for a cancellation.
2. Sushi Saito (Roppongi)
If Jiro’s the king, Sushi Saito is the crown prince. Chef Takashi Saito’s Roppongi gem once held three Michelin stars too, until he asked to be removed from the guide (too much fame, too little peace). Now in a sleek new location after moving from its original digs, Saito’s counter feels like a sushi sanctuary. His signature? Fatty tuna so melt-in-your-mouth it’s practically a sin, paired with rice that’s warm, vinegary perfection. The vibe is intimate—eight seats, no photos, all focus on the food. First-timers will love the chef’s quiet charisma as he crafts each piece. Book early via Savor Japan; this one’s a unicorn.
3. Sushi Mizutani (Ginza)
Another Ginza gem, Sushi Mizutani is the brainchild of Hachiro Mizutani, a Jiro disciple who’s carved his own legacy. Perched on the ninth floor of a nondescript building, it’s a serene escape from Tokyo’s chaos. The omakase here leans on seasonal catches—think sweet shrimp in spring or mackerel in fall—served with rice that’s a touch looser than Jiro’s, letting the fish shine. With only nine seats, it’s cozy but intense; Mizutani’s laser focus is palpable. It’s a splurge (expect $200+), but for sushi pilgrims, it’s worth every yen. Reserve through Savor Japan to lock it in.
4. Sushi Tokami (Akasaka)
For a modern twist, Sushi Tokami in Akasaka is your spot. Chef Hiroyuki Sato, a young gun in sushi circles, earned a Michelin star by blending tradition with flair. His “red vinegar” rice—aged for a deeper, richer flavor—pairs with bold toppings like seared tuna belly or uni draped over seaweed. The vibe? Relaxed yet refined, with a counter that feels like a stage. Sato’s playful energy makes it perfect for first-timers nervous about sushi’s formality. Plus, it’s less brutal to book than Jiro. Check Savor Japan for openings—you won’t regret it.
5. Sushi Bar Yasuda (Minami-Aoyama)
Chef Naomichi Yasuda is a sushi rockstar, and his Minami-Aoyama bar is a love letter to simplicity. After years in New York, he brought his skills back to Tokyo, serving up classics like buttery salmon and crisp kohada (gizzard shad). The counter’s casual—think warm chats with Yasuda over sake—and the fish is sourced daily from Tsukiji’s successors. It’s pricier (around $150), but the quality’s unreal. First-timers will feel at home here; Yasuda’s a pro at easing sushi newbies in. Book via Savor Japan for a night of laughs and bites.
6. Kyubey (Ginza)
Kyubey’s a Ginza institution since 1935, and it’s the people’s champ—accessible, delicious, and less intimidating than the Michelin elite. Spread over multiple floors, it’s got counters, tables, and even a takeout window. The sushi’s straightforward but stellar: think plump shrimp, silky octopus, and a killer gunkan (battleship-style) uni. Prices range from $50 lunch sets to $200 omakase dinners, making it versatile for first-timers. No reservations needed for some seats, but Savor Japan can secure you a spot if you hate lines.
7. Sushi Zanmai (Tsukiji)
For budget-friendly bliss, Sushi Zanmai in Tsukiji is a no-brainer. Open 24/7, it’s a lifeline for jet-lagged travelers craving a midnight nigiri fix. The fish comes straight from the nearby wholesale market (Tsukiji’s successor), and the vibe’s bustling—think salarymen and tourists elbow-to-elbow. Their tuna trio (lean, medium, fatty) is a steal at under $20, and the conveyor belt keeps things fun. It’s not high art, but it’s fresh, fast, and quintessentially Tokyo. Use Savor Japan to skip the wait during peak hours.
8. Sushidai (Tsukiji)
Also in Tsukiji, Sushidai is a step up from Zanmai—still affordable but with a sharper edge. Open from 5 a.m. (yes, you read that right), it’s a breakfast-of-champions spot for early risers. The omakase set, around $40, piles on 10 pieces of pristine fish—horse mackerel, squid, whatever’s freshest that day. The counter’s tight, the chefs are chatty, and the energy’s electric. First-timers get a taste of Tokyo’s fish market soul here. Book via Savor Japan if you’re not a dawn warrior.
9. Sushi Iwa (Ginza)
Sushi Iwa’s a hidden gem in Ginza, run by Hisayoshi Iwa, another Jiro alum. With just six seats, it’s whisper-quiet—perfect for savoring delicate bites like sea eel or crab-stuffed gunkan. Iwa’s rice is a standout, seasoned with a secret vinegar blend that’s tangy yet mellow. The omakase hovers around $150, and the intimacy feels like a private show. It’s less famous than Jiro, so bookings are slightly easier—Savor Japan’s your ticket in.
10. Daiwa Sushi (Toyosu)
Rounding out the list, Daiwa Sushi in Toyosu (Tsukiji’s modern replacement) is a morning marvel. Open at 5:30 a.m., it’s a pilgrimage for fish market explorers. The $35 omakase is a steal—seven nigiri plus miso soup—and the tuna’s so fresh it practically swims onto your plate. The line’s long, the space is cramped, but the payoff’s huge. First-timers get a raw, real taste of Tokyo’s seafood roots. Reserve via Savor Japan to dodge the queue.
Tips for Booking and Sushi Etiquette
Tokyo’s sushi scene is a beast to tame, especially for first-timers. Here’s how to ace it:
- Booking: The big names (Jiro, Saito) require reservations months ahead—sometimes a year for Jiro. Smaller spots like Kyubey or Zanmai are walk-in friendly, but peak times (lunch, dinner) get nuts. Savor Japan’s reservation system is your secret weapon—multilingual, easy, and direct to the source. Don’t sleep on it.
- Etiquette: No cologne—fish is delicate, and chefs hate competing smells. Dip nigiri fish-side down in soy sauce (not the rice!), and don’t drown it—two drops max. Eat each piece in one bite; it’s crafted that way. Say “arigatou” or “gochisousama” when you’re done—it’s polite and earns you brownie points.
- Timing: Lunch sets are cheaper (e.g., Kyubey’s $50 deal), but dinner’s the full show. Arrive on time—sushi waits for no one.
Your Sushi Adventure Awaits
Tokyo’s sushi spots are more than meals—they’re stories, sliced and served with soul. From Jiro’s lightning-fast precision to Zanmai’s late-night chaos, each bite is a passport stamp on your Japanese journey. First-timers, this is your chance to taste why sushi’s a global obsession, born and perfected right here. So grab your chopsticks (or fork—no judgment), book your spot through Savor Japan, and dive into the freshest, most unforgettable dining adventure of your life. Itadakimasu—let’s eat!
