Experience Authentic Edomae Sushi at Ginza Kyubey: Tokyo's Premier Sushi Destination
Ginza is a glamorous district where historic department stores, modern buildings, and numerous gourmet spots are scattered throughout. A wide variety of shops line the streets, from luxury brand boutiques to fast fashion retailers and long-established restaurants that have been in business for many years.
Among these established businesses, there are restaurants that have preserved their traditional flavors for nearly 100 years and remain popular today. The Japanese cuisine created by first-class artisans is exquisite.
In this article, I will introduce "Ginza Kyubey," which is especially famous among the top-class sushi restaurants gathered in Ginza. You will feel immeasurable charm in Kyubey's sushi, which is exceptional in both appearance and taste.
"Ginza Kyubey" is a renowned restaurant in Ginza known as one of the Three Great Sushi Restaurants of Ginza
Ginza Kyubey is a long-established sushi restaurant that has made a name for itself in Ginza, an area lined with high-end restaurants. It was once famous as one of the Three Great Sushi Restaurants of Ginza, along with "Yoshino" and "Nakata." Currently, as the other two restaurants have relocated elsewhere, Ginza Kyubey remains the only one of the three prestigious establishments still in Ginza.
The premium sushi served at Ginza Kyubey radiates brilliance, resembling works of art. If you want to enjoy high-end sushi in Tokyo, you should first visit Ginza Kyubey. Sitting at the counter and watching the sushi chefs craft each piece right before your eyes is a rare and valuable experience that cannot be had often.
Used for a meeting with former President Obama
Source:BBC
In 2018, former President Obama, who visited Japan to attend an international conference, came to Ginza Kyubey, which was used as a venue for a meeting with then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. After eating sushi and sashimi, former President Obama reportedly commented that it was "the most delicious meal I've eaten in Asia" and was very satisfied.
Additionally, many other celebrities from various fields, including artists, novelists, and Hollywood stars, have visited the restaurant. Ginza Kyubey continues to captivate numerous gourmets with its finest quality sushi and hospitality.
Why Ginza Kyubey Boasts Unwavering Popularity - Explained with Highlights
Supreme Sushi Created by Techniques Cultivated Since Its Founding in 1935
Source:Tabelog
Ginza Kyubey opened in 1935 and is a renowned sushi restaurant with a 90-year history.
The nigiri sushi is intentionally made slightly smaller so it can be eaten in one bite. Once in your mouth, you'll experience the light texture of vinegared rice containing air, along with the flavor of fresh fish. The fish has an appropriate amount of fat, characterized by a refreshingly clean aftertaste.
Ginza Kyubey's sushi features simplicity that could be considered the standard for sushi. Whichever menu item you select, you'll be served dishes that are excellent in both taste and appearance. Each piece showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of the skilled artisans at Ginza Kyubey.
"Omakase" Course Offering Seasonal Ingredients with the Finest Preparation Methods
Source:Ikyu Restaurant
The "Omakase Course" is a set that includes 10 pieces of sushi made with seasonal fish, rolled sushi, and soup. There are also other courses available with more pieces of sushi, or sets that include appetizers and dates.
When you order the Omakase course, sushi is brought to your plate one piece at a time. The chef gauges when you've finished eating before crafting the next piece, ensuring you always enjoy freshly made sushi.
After your first piece, the chef will check if the amount of vinegared rice and wasabi is to your liking. If you have any preferences, you can communicate them on the spot to enjoy the course in perfect condition until the end.
The relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere created by "Sukiya-style" traditional Japanese architecture
Source:Wikipedia
Inside Ginza Kyubey, you'll find traditional Japanese architecture known as "Sukiya style." "Sukiya" refers to a tea ceremony room. The interior features minimal decoration, characterized by a design that finds beauty in simplicity.
Ginza Kyubey is equipped with counter seating with chairs, table seating, and private rooms. In any seat, you can enjoy your meal in a relaxed atmosphere under warm lighting. The simple yet luxurious interior exudes an elegant ambiance. Just stepping inside makes you feel a sense of nobility.
Immerse yourself in this beautiful Japanese space and enjoy a meal that engages all five senses.
English-speaking chefs provide a comfortable experience for foreign visitors
Source:Tabelog
The chefs and staff at Ginza Kyubey can speak English to some extent. They are accustomed to serving foreign tourists, so you can visit the restaurant with peace of mind.
When seated at the counter, the chef will explain the sushi to you in English. Sometimes it may be difficult to identify the type of fish just by looking, but having the chef provide a brief explanation deepens your understanding and allows you to enjoy the flavors even more.
Although Ginza Kyubey is a high-end restaurant, even first-time visitors can dine without hesitation, which is part of its charm.
Ginza Kyubey is also famous as the birthplace of "Gunkan-maki"
"Gunkan-maki," now a standard sushi menu item, was invented by Kyubey's first owner, Hisaji Imada, in 1941.
Gunkan-maki is sushi made by placing ingredients on top of a base created by wrapping seaweed around vinegared rice. It's suitable for forming sushi with ingredients that easily fall apart, such as salmon roe, sea urchin, and Negi-Toro (It is made by scraping off flesh from the fish skin and bones with a spoon).
Gunkan-maki, with its seaweed flavor and texture, is a standard type of sushi loved by a wide range of people.
Sea Urchin Gunkan Maki (Battleship Roll)
Source:Tabelog
The origin of the gunkan maki dates back to 1941 when a regular customer brought sea urchin purchased in Hokkaido to the restaurant and asked, "Could you make sushi with this?" The first-generation owner devised a method to make sushi with the easily crumbling sea urchin by placing it on top of vinegared rice wrapped in seaweed.
The sea urchin gunkan offers a delightful experience combining the crispy texture of seaweed, the light feel of vinegared rice, and the smoothness of sea urchin all at once. The moment it enters your mouth, you can enjoy the luxurious taste with oceanic flavors and profound richness spreading throughout. At Ginza Kyubey, this signature dish exemplifies the restaurant's commitment to traditional preparation techniques while delighting tourists seeking authentic Japanese culinary experiences.
Salmon Roe Gunkan Maki
Source:Tabelog
The gunkan maki topped with generous amounts of large salmon roe is also a popular item. At Ginza Kyubey, they use fresh salmon roe that hasn't been marinated in soy sauce. The taste isn't overly salty, leaving a refreshing aftertaste with ocean flavors at the end.
With one bite, you'll feel the pleasant texture of the roe and how well it pairs with the seaweed and vinegared rice. It's an exquisite piece of sushi with moderate saltiness and the sweetness of salmon roe.
Three Recommended Courses for Those Who Want to Enjoy Ginza Kyubey
Kaiseki Course [Rosanjin]
Source:Ikyu Restaurant
![Kaiseki Course [Rosanjin]](https://res-5.cloudinary.com/dbm1qiew0/image/upload/q_auto/v1/blog-images/Kaiseki-Course--Rosanjin-.png)
The Kaiseki Course [Rosanjin] is the most expensive course available during lunch. Exquisite fish dishes including sushi, sashimi, and grilled fish are served in dishware by artist Rosanjin Kitaoji, who was also a regular customer at Ginza Kyubey.
The course starts with light appetizers, followed by four kinds of sashimi including medium-fatty tuna and shrimp, steamed clams, and grilled premium "nodoguro" fish. Additionally, it includes a luxurious set featuring 10 pieces of nigiri sushi, a flavorful dashi soup, and dessert.
This course is recommended for those who want to fully experience Ginza Kyubey's cuisine or for those visiting the restaurant for special occasions.
Kaiseki Course [Iga]
Source:Ikyu Restaurant
The Kaiseki Course [Iga] is the most reasonably priced kaiseki course offered by Ginza Kyubey. Even though it's considered reasonable, it still costs over 20,000 yen, so you can definitely enjoy high-end Japanese cuisine. The contents include 10 pieces of sushi, sashimi, grilled dishes, soup, and dessert—sufficient to fully appreciate the deliciousness of fish.
The difference between [Iga] and [Rosanjin] lies in the ingredients used. [Iga] is a course where you can casually experience all the charms of Ginza Kyubey, with enough content to understand the restaurant's appeal. It will be a fulfilling lunch where you can feel the careful craftsmanship of the chefs in every dish.
Lunch Nigiri "Oribe"
Source:Ikyu Restaurant
The "Oribe" set, available exclusively during lunch hours, includes 10 pieces of sushi along with tamago yaki (Japanese omelette) and soup. Your meal begins with a wakame and daikon radish salad, followed by the first sushi offering - chu-toro (medium fatty tuna). You'll be amazed by the delicious taste of this perfectly marbled tuna.
Afterward, various sushi pieces including shrimp, sea urchin, squid, and anago (sea eel) are served one after another. Savor each piece and fully enjoy the nigiri sushi crafted at Ginza Kyubey. This set is perfect for those who want to experience Kyubey's exquisite flavors in a convenient format.
Ginza Kyubey Access and Basic Information
- Address: 8-7-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line "Shinbashi Station" Exit 3 or JR "Shinbashi Station" Ginza Exit
- Business Hours: Lunch 11:30-14:00, Dinner 17:00-22:00
- Closed: Sundays, Mondays (including Monday holidays), Obon period, New Year holidays
- Phone: 03-3571-6523
How to Enjoy Authentic Japanese Sushi to the Fullest: Join a Local-Guided Tour!
If you want to enjoy sushi to the fullest while learning how to properly appreciate authentic Japanese sushi, join a tour guided by locals!
For those who wish to enjoy sushi at a high-end restaurant in Ginza, participate in the "Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza" introduced by Magical Trip. On this tour, you can savor the finest sushi and tempura made with premium ingredients at Ginza Kyubey, a Michelin-starred establishment in Ginza.
Counter seats are reserved for you, allowing you to leisurely enjoy your meal while watching the chef's magnificent knife skills. You will be amazed by the deliciousness of freshly-made sushi and crispy tempura.
This tour is satisfying for anyone who wants to experience traditional Japanese food culture at a high-end Ginza restaurant or who loves exploring sushi and tempura restaurants. Don't worry about proper etiquette at upscale restaurants – your guide will explain everything. Even first-timers can easily participate.
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- Meeting point: Near the lion statue at Ginza Mitsukoshi, close to Ginza Station Exit A8 (the building across is Seiko House Ginza Clock Tower)
- Tour area: Ginza
- Start time: 16:30
While in Ginza, Why Not Also Enjoy Japan's Finest Wagyu Beef!
For those who want to discover the appeal of sake and wagyu beef, we recommend the "Wagyu Beef & Sake Pairing Foodie Tour in Ginza."
After meeting your guide, you'll head to a specialty shop that handles products from Nara Prefecture, famous as the birthplace of sake. There, more than 20 types of sake are prepared, and you can enjoy comparing different varieties at a casual bar. You'll be surprised by the diversity of sake options.
Afterward, you'll visit a restaurant that serves the highest grade (A5) wagyu beef. With perfect balance between lean and fatty meat, the wagyu has a clean aftertaste without being heavy. Many reviews state, "A5 rank wagyu was the most delicious meat I've ever tasted."
The tour also includes a walk through Ginza while learning about its history, and a relaxing time enjoying cake and coffee at a café. Spend a wonderful dinner time with your guide, perhaps discussing the excellent sushi you enjoyed at Ginza Kyubey earlier in your trip.
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- Meeting point: In front of the black pillar near SAZA Coffee inside Ecute Edition Shinbashi, at JR Shinbashi Station North Exit
- Tour area: Shinbashi/Ginza
- Start time: 17:00
