Experience Exquisite Sushi at Ginza's Michelin-Starred Harutaka – A Culinary Journey in Tokyo
Ginza is one of Tokyo's finest shopping areas, lined with luxury boutiques. It has a history of development since the late 19th century and is also a district that carefully preserves traditional Japanese culture.
Besides high-end boutiques and department stores, Ginza is known for its concentration of luxury restaurants. Nationally famous establishments gather here, attracting food enthusiasts from both Japan and abroad.
Today, I'd like to introduce one of the most popular restaurants in Ginza, where Japan's top-class sushi restaurants congregate: Sushi Harutaka. In 2024, Sushi Harutaka was the only restaurant in Tokyo to receive three Michelin stars and is widely regarded as Japan's finest sushi restaurant.
I'll explain the allure of this establishment in detail, including personal experiences. If you're looking for the ultimate sushi restaurant to visit during your trip to Japan, this guide will be helpful.
Sushi Harutaka: Tokyo's Premier Sushi Restaurant and the Only Three-Star Michelin Establishment in Tokyo in 2024
Currently creating a buzz in Tokyo's Ginza district as one of Japan's foremost sushi restaurants is Sushi Harutaka.
Sushi Harutaka was awarded three Michelin stars in 2024. Tokyo, which gathers Japan's top-level restaurants, produces establishments featured in the Michelin Guide every year.
However, among Tokyo's array of famous restaurants, only Sushi Harutaka was selected for the highest evaluation of three stars in 2024.
Sushi Harutaka has tremendous appeal in all aspects—taste, ambiance, service, and the chef's personality. From here, I'll carefully explain each aspect of Harutaka's appeal.
Explaining Sushi Harutaka's Appeal and Recommended Points
Supreme Edomae Sushi Selected as Tokyo's Only Three Michelin Star Restaurant
Source:Tabelog
As mentioned earlier, Sushi Harutaka was the only restaurant in Tokyo to receive three Michelin stars in 2024. The Michelin Guide is a global platform that evaluates 17,000 restaurants and hotels worldwide, introducing establishments of value.
Michelin's selection criteria include not only the level of culinary technique and quality of ingredients but also originality and consistency in taste. A three-star rating, which scores highly in all criteria, indicates an establishment that is "worth traveling specifically to visit."
In fact, there's a continuous stream of travelers who make visiting Harutaka a major purpose of their trip to Japan. That's how high the expectations and satisfaction levels are for this restaurant.
Additionally, Harutaka, which excels in food quality and service, is also called a sushi restaurant for chefs. Professional chefs from around the world visit as guests to learn from this excellent cuisine and establishment.
The Head Chef is an Ultra-Traditionalist Who Gained Experience at the Two-Starred "Sukiyabashi Jiro"!
Source:Official website
The proprietor of Sushi Harutaka is Harutaka Takahashi. Born and raised in Hokkaido, he trained for many years at the world-famous sushi restaurant "Sukiyabashi Jiro" in Tokyo's Ginza.
Sukiyabashi Jiro is a renowned establishment that even celebrities from around the world, including former US President Obama, make sure to visit when they come to Japan. It has been featured in the Michelin Guide numerous times and has earned two stars.
Mr. Takahashi studied the techniques and spirituality of sushi making under the famous chef Jiro Ono for over 10 years. Then, at the young age of 33, he became independent and opened Harutaka in Ginza.
Many people visit Harutaka because the chef is a traditionalist who gained experience under Jiro Ono, a name that everyone in the sushi world knows.
Omakase Menu Using the Freshest Seasonal Ingredients
Source:Tabelog
At Harutaka Ginza, the menu consists solely of the "Omakase Course." This special course features premium nigiri sushi made with seasonal seafood and ingredients, accompanied by appetizers that pair perfectly with alcoholic beverages.
The owner, Mr. Takahashi, visits the famous Toyosu fish market daily. Drawing on years of training at renowned establishments, he carefully examines countless fish each morning to select only the finest specimens. The chef firmly believes that "sushi cannot be delicious unless the original ingredients are excellent."
Furthermore, Harutaka is known among sushi restaurants for its emphasis on appetizers. These side dishes, which enhance the enjoyment of both sushi and drinks, are also prepared using the highest quality seasonal ingredients.
Sophisticated Atmosphere with Elegant Luxury
Source:Tabelog
The interior of Harutaka features a refined atmosphere with the warm essence of wood and an air of luxury.
At the entrance after stepping out of the elevator, stone pavement reminiscent of a Japanese garden creates a beautiful, traditional Japanese ambiance. It's a gorgeously appointed space that doesn't feel like it's inside a building.
In many sushi restaurants, the counter is the symbolic centerpiece. Harutaka features an L-shaped counter with 12 seats. The bright, natural wood is beautiful, and guests can enjoy watching famous sushi chefs elegantly prepare sushi right before their eyes. Each counter seat is also more spacious than usual, allowing guests to relax comfortably.
The paintings displayed inside and the flowers arranged in traditional vessels are understated yet tasteful, enhancing the luxurious atmosphere.
Perfect for Family Visits with Rare "Complete Private Rooms"
Source:Rakuten Gnavi
At high-end sushi restaurants in Ginza like Harutaka, the standard style is to sit at the counter, have the chef prepare sushi right in front of you, and enjoy the freshest sushi on the spot.
However, in addition to counter seating, Harutaka offers completely private rooms so families can enjoy their meal without worry. The smaller private rooms have table seating and can accommodate 2 to 5 people.
I used a private room myself, and the service was impeccable. One staff member was almost exclusively dedicated to our table. While the counter seats create a lively atmosphere with conversation flowing among other customers, the private room was quiet, allowing us to focus on conversation with friends and enjoy the meal in a relaxed setting.
Heartfelt Service with Attentive Care from the Head Chef and Staff
Source:Tabelog
At Harutaka, there are two chefs at the counter including the owner, along with about 5-6 young cooks and service staff.
At authentic sushi restaurants, having the chef at the counter explain about seafood and engaging in conversation is an important part of the experience. At Harutaka Ginza, when seated at the counter, the chef explains each piece of sushi with sincerity and humor—why this particular seafood is in season now and why it's delicious.
One of the chefs also provides fluent English service. Various languages can be heard throughout the restaurant, creating moments of lively laughter.
Additionally, I received an English guidebook with detailed explanations about the sushi and seafood. Learning about and understanding the deliciousness and characteristics of the seafood deepens the magical experience at Harutaka Ginza.
Sushi Harutaka's Menu Offers Only "Omakase"! Explaining the Course Content and Appeal
The Course Consists of "Appetizers" and "Nigiri"
Source:Tabelog
Harutaka's "Omakase Course" consists of nigiri sushi and appetizers. Using the freshest and most delicious seafood and ingredients of the season, they provide a dreamlike delicious course. Although it varies depending on the season and what's available, there are approximately 15 types of nigiri sushi and about 10 types of appetizers.
When I visited Sushi Harutaka in Ginza this time, I was deeply moved by the uni (sea urchin) sushi. It had absolutely no fishy smell and offered an elegant taste with cream-like sweetness.
And the otoro (fatty tuna) was unforgettably delicious. Even the tuna sinew was so soft it melted, and as it dissolved in my mouth, the umami flavor intensified.
The Course Can Be Adjusted According to Your Requests, Such as More Appetizers or More Nigiri
At Harutaka, if you make requests when booking, they can adjust the course content accordingly.
Sushi Harutaka is also known for the deliciousness of its appetizers. If you want to enjoy your drinks leisurely, try requesting a course with more appetizers. Of course, you can also request more nigiri sushi.
Furthermore, if you love nigiri sushi and want to fully enjoy Harutaka's supreme sushi, you can even request a course consisting only of nigiri sushi.
At the end of the course, you can order additional servings of sushi you particularly enjoyed or order other seafood items.
Every Piece of Sushi is a Masterpiece with Meticulous Attention to Both the Topping and the Rice
Source:Tabelog
At Harutaka, which receives such high acclaim from both domestic and international guests, there is an extremely strong commitment to both the seafood and rice components of their sushi.
They use two types of rice. One of Harutaka's characteristics is the firmer textured rice with good bite.
Harutaka's rice has a distinct salt flavor in addition to vinegar. They cook rice 4 to 5 times a day and manage it to maintain the most delicious temperature.
Furthermore, as Chef Takahashi learned at famous establishments, he selects the finest seafood daily to create the finest sushi.
These carefully selected ingredients are formed with the chef's precise technique and served one by one on a plate. With one bite, you'll surely be surprised by the difference from sushi you've eaten before, with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and artistic deliciousness.
Attention to Dishware and Ambiance to Maximize Enjoyment of Sushi and Cuisine
Source:Tabelog
In high-end sushi restaurants, enjoying the beautiful space and beautiful dishware that enhance the sushi, cuisine, and sake is part of the experience.
Harutaka's tableware and sake vessels consist of traditional pieces and works by popular artists. They are selected with Chef Takahashi's sense of style and are renowned for their good taste. What left an impression on me when I actually saw them was how antique and modern vessels were both used in a well-balanced, stylish way.
The plates on which the nigiri sushi is served are all gorgeous yet refined, such as glass pieces that enhance beauty and lacquerware with beautiful glossy black. It was truly an enjoyable time watching the combination of varied and gorgeous vessels and dishes that came out one after another.
When you visit the restaurant, please be sure to notice the beautiful Japanese tableware displayed as part of the restaurant's interior.
Sushi Harutaka Access & Basic Information
- Address: 6th Floor, 8-3-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Approx. 10-minute walk from "Ginza" Station (JR Line, Tokyo Metro) toward Miyuki Street
- Hours: 5:00 PM 12:00 AM
- Closed: Sundays
- Phone: 0335731144
- Official Website: https://gfs3000.gorp.jp/
How to Enjoy Authentic Japanese Sushi: Learn from the Experts on a Local-Guided Tour!
If you've read this far and want to truly enjoy sushi while learning about proper etiquette and appreciation techniques, why not join a tour where you can visit a top-tier sushi restaurant with a knowledgeable guide?
The "Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza" tour allows you to meet a local guide in Ginza and visit one of the area's premier sushi establishments, comparable to the renowned Sushi Harutaka, one of Ginza's most prestigious sushi restaurants. Afterward, you'll enjoy tempura at a Michelin-starred luxury tempura restaurant, fully experiencing Ginza's gourmet offerings.
The key advantage of this tour is having a guide with you, enabling a relaxed yet profound experience at high-end sushi restaurants. In Japan, sushi isn't merely food—it's cultural. Especially at upscale establishments like Sushi Harutaka in Ginza, there are various etiquette rules and special ways to enhance your enjoyment that you might not discover on your own.
Rather than struggling to learn everything independently, let a local guide provide on-the-spot instruction. After participating once, your future sushi dining experiences will be transformed.
- Meeting point: Lion statue at Ginza Mitsukoshi near Ginza Station Exit A8, Chuo-ku, Ginza 4-6-16, Tokyo
- Tour area: Ginza
- Start times: 15:30, 16:00, 16:30
While in Ginza, Why Not Savor Japan's Finest Wagyu Beef!
Ginza, where Sushi Harutaka is located, is an area lined with Tokyo's most exclusive restaurants. In this prestigious district, we also recommend the "Wagyu Beef & Sake Pairing Foodie Tour in Ginza."
On this tour, you'll visit an all-you-can-drink sake bar with your guide. Afterward, enjoy dinner at a Ginza teppanyaki restaurant serving A5-ranked wagyu beef. Following dinner, you'll stroll through Ginza and experience a night café.
This tour highlights experiencing Japan's highest-grade wagyu beef in Ginza, a must-visit Tokyo neighborhood. Along with sushi establishments like Harutaka, teppanyaki is another Japanese cuisine popular among international visitors. Ginza boasts numerous renowned teppanyaki restaurants.
The restaurant featured in this tour stands among the finest of these notable establishments. In a refined Japanese atmosphere, savor melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef prepared by a chef right before your eyes.
Since you're already in Ginza, limiting yourself to just sushi would be a shame. Fully enjoy Ginza's Japanese gourmet offerings, from delicious sake to teppanyaki.
- Meeting point: JR Shinbashi Station North Exit, Minato-ku, Shinbashi 2-17-14, Tokyo
- Tour areas: Shinbashi, Ginza
- Start time: 17:00