Experience Exquisite Sushi at Sushi Namba Hibiya: Tokyo's Premier Dining Destination
Ginza, known as one of Tokyo's representative locations, is famous for having numerous buildings and stores that embody traditional elegance and prestige. Additionally, Ginza houses many high-end international and domestic luxury brand stores, making it globally recognized as a world-class shopping district.
The same applies to restaurants, where the area's charm lies in its abundance of high-end establishments serving both Japanese and Western cuisine. Among these, sushi restaurants are particularly well-represented, with not only long-established shops but also excellent sushi restaurants within shopping malls.
In this article, we'll introduce "Sushi Namba Hibiya," a distinguished high-end sushi restaurant located within Tokyo Midtown Hibiya.
Sushi Namba Hibiya: A Highly Popular Tokyo Restaurant on the 3rd Floor of Tokyo Midtown
Sushi Namba Hibiya opened in 2018 on the third floor of Tokyo Midtown, a well-known large shopping complex. It's recognized as one of Tokyo's most sought-after sushi restaurants and is famous for being notoriously difficult to reserve.
The restaurant's exterior features a dignified atmosphere with just a simple wooden entrance and signboard, and the counter seats only eight guests. While the freshness of the sushi is exceptional, they also serve outstanding creative dishes using fresh seafood caught in waters near Japan, making it a place where you can enjoy a memorable dining experience.
To secure a seat, you must make an advance reservation through their dedicated reservation website. Please note that they do not accept telephone reservations.
From Asagaya Main Branch to Popular Second Location
Sushi Namba Hibiya is the second location, with the main restaurant situated in Asagaya, Suginami-ku, Tokyo. Sushi Namba first opened in Ogikubo, Tokyo, in 2007 and relocated to Asagaya in 2011. Their sushi, served at peak freshness, quickly gained recognition, and the restaurant has maintained its status as a highly sought-after establishment that's difficult to reserve.
Following its success, they opened their second location on the third floor of Tokyo Midtown Hibiya in 2018. The restaurant's exceptional quality quickly became well-known, and even six years after opening, it remains one of the most challenging restaurants to reserve.
5 Captivating Features of Sushi Namba Hibiya That Keep Customers Coming Back
Ultra-High Quality Sushi Through Meticulous Temperature Control
Source:Tabelog
Sushi Namba is an establishment where you can savor high-quality sushi maintained through rigorous temperature control. Each piece of sushi has specifically determined temperatures for both the shari (rice) and neta (topping) - for example, with tuna (akami), the rice is kept at 36°C and the fish at 21°C.
The temperature varies depending on the type of sushi being served, and all toppings besides tuna are also served at their optimal temperatures according to a precise manual. Through years of experience and proven quality control, Sushi Namba has risen to become one of Japan's most popular representative restaurants.
Beyond temperature control, they meticulously calculate the firmness, viscosity, sweetness, and saltiness of the shari for each piece of sushi.
Regular Customers from Asagaya Branch Praise: "Sushi Namba Has Evolved in Hibiya"
When they opened their second location in Tokyo Midtown, regular customers from the Asagaya branch expressed concerns about maintaining freshness standards. However, through their commitment to serving sushi at optimal temperatures and enhanced freshness, regular customers praised that "Sushi Namba has evolved in Hibiya."
Through continuous trial and error, they have successfully systematized the ideal timing for when sushi enters the customer's mouth, ensuring the highest quality with every piece.
Sushi and Side Dishes Showcasing Staff's Superior Skills, Intuition, and Expertise
Source:Tabelog
At Sushi Namba, you can leisurely enjoy sushi and side dishes that showcase the staff's superior skills, intuition, and expertise. Since opening their first shop in Tokyo's Asagaya in 2011, they have maintained an extraordinary commitment to sushi freshness, including their thorough temperature management system.
Sushi Namba's strength lies in their attention to detail - from the rice's firmness, viscosity, sweetness, and saltiness to the precise cutting technique, size, and thickness of the toppings. Their overwhelming technical expertise and passion are shared among all staff members, and regular customers say the quality has improved even further since opening the Hibiya location.
Beyond sushi, they also receive high praise for their side dishes and offer a diverse menu.
A Comfortable Space Blending Sophisticated Atmosphere with Open Design
Source:Tabelog
Sushi Namba Hibiya offers a comfortable dining experience that combines sophisticated atmosphere with open design. The restaurant features eight counter seats made of beautiful fresh wood, providing ample space for guests to relax while dining.
A highlight of the counter seating is the opportunity to watch the sushi chefs at work, observing their elegant knife skills and sushi-making techniques. Their artistry is so impressive that you might find yourself mesmerized, temporarily forgetting your hunger.
The sushi chefs are approachable and welcome questions about the sushi and dishes they serve. Feel free to ask about proper sushi-eating techniques or any other questions you might have.
"Maguro no Futomaki" and "Bara-chirashi": Popular Take-out Items Among Regular Customers
Source:Tabelog
At Sushi Namba, there are take-out menu items that are extremely popular with regular customers. This service originally started during the COVID-19 pandemic when many customers couldn't visit the restaurant, as they wanted to provide high-quality sushi options.
The menu features thick rolled sushi (futomaki) made with a mixture of premium bluefin tuna: large Fatty Tuna, medium Fatty Tuna, and lean tuna. Another popular item is the bara-chirashi, which includes cucumber, herring roe, egg, and other ingredients mixed together. Most customers who visit the shop order these as souvenirs.
Take-out items can be purchased when visiting the restaurant or through advance reservation. Please note that orders exclusively for take-out items are not accepted.
Prime Location Inside Tokyo Midtown, Directly Connected to Hibiya Station
Sushi Namba Hibiya is located on the third floor of Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, a shopping mall directly connected to Hibiya Station in Tokyo. While the mall has a glamorous atmosphere, Sushi Namba stands out with its quiet, traditional wooden entrance that distinguishes it from other establishments.
Tokyo Midtown Hibiya is accessible within a 5-minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station and a 15-minute walk from Ginza. This makes Sushi Namba Hibiya an ideal destination for enjoying premium sushi after shopping in Ginza.
The restaurant is located near the elevator and escalator area, making it easy to find even for first-time visitors.
Introducing the Ultimate Sushi at Sushi Namba Hibiya, Along with Their Unique Characteristics
The sushi served at Sushi Namba Hibiya maintains optimal quality through systematic temperature control for each ingredient. Here, we introduce recommended items along with their specific serving temperatures.
Fatty Tuna
Source:Tabelog
[Temperature] Fish: 24°C, Rice: 40°C
The Fatty Tuna, which represents Sushi Namba's excellence, is a piece that allows you to fully savor the richness of the fat. The significant temperature difference between the fish and rice is intentional - once in your mouth, the tuna melts instantly, spreading its delicious flavor throughout.
The rice contains a stronger vinegar flavor compared to other sushi pieces, allowing it to perfectly absorb the tuna's oils. This is a must-try item for anyone wanting to experience Sushi Namba's unique and unparalleled offering.
Dotted gizzard shad
Source:Tabelog
[Temperature for Dotted gizzard shad] Fish: 21°C, Sushi Rice: 37°C
Dotted gizzard shad, a representative ingredient of Edo-mae sushi using fish caught in Tokyo Bay, is characterized by its preparation method involving thorough vinegar curing. Known as a sushi that requires skilled craftsmanship due to its numerous small bones and difficulty in preparation, it showcases the chef's expertise.
At Sushinanba in Hibiya, Tokyo, this fish is traditionally served after Fatty Tuna as a palate cleanser due to its refreshingly cool taste. The fish temperature is kept relatively low at 21°C to prevent the vinegar flavor from becoming too prominent and overwhelming the taste.
This piece offers not just sourness but also a subtle sweetness, making it a delightful experience worth savoring.
Spisula sachalinensis
Source:Tabelog
[Temperature for Spisula sachalinensis] Fish: 17°C, Sushi Rice: 36°C
With its crisp texture and sweet undertones, Spisula sachalinensis is the perfect choice for those who want to fully experience the essence of shellfish. At Sushinanba, this ingredient offers both sweetness and juiciness, providing an immediate cooling sensation upon tasting.
To minimize the characteristic shellfish aroma and make it more approachable for everyone, Sushinanba serves it at a lower temperature. It's typically served later in the course menu, as it helps refresh the palate after fatty pieces like Fatty Tuna.
For the ultimate sushi experience with guidance on authentic Japanese tasting methods, join a tour with locals!
If you want to learn about proper sushi appreciation while in Japan, participate in a tour that takes you to premium restaurants in Ginza with a local guide.
This tour includes visits to Michelin-listed sushi and tempura restaurants in Ginza, where you can enjoy exceptional cuisine. Language won't be a barrier as you'll be accompanied by a bilingual local guide well-versed in etiquette and Japanese culture.
The sushi and tempura served are part of an omakase course specially prepared for the tour, and you'll learn Japanese dining etiquette from your guide. You'll be seated at the counter, allowing you to observe the master chef's knife skills up close.
Between meals, you'll explore Ginza's streets, discovering hidden gems with your guide. The tour welcomes participants of all nationalities, making it perfect for those interested in cultural exchange.
Meeting point: In front of the lion statue at Ginza Mitsukoshi Department Store
Tour area: Ginza
Start time: Weekdays 16:30/Holidays 15:30
While in Ginza, indulge in Japan's finest wagyu!
For those wanting to experience premium wagyu and sake in Japan, join a gourmet tour in Ginza. You'll enjoy A5-grade wagyu teppanyaki and premium sake while exploring Ginza's streets, making it perfect for sake enthusiasts.
The tour includes an English-speaking coordinator familiar with Ginza, eliminating any language barriers. Your guide will show you various aspects of Ginza while exploring the area.
The tour begins at a sake bar operated by Nara Prefecture, known as the birthplace of sake, where you'll enjoy 30 minutes of unlimited sake tasting. Then, you'll visit a Ginza teppanyaki restaurant to savor premium A5-grade wagyu to your heart's content.
After dinner, you'll visit a café for cake and drinks, allowing time to converse with other tour participants. This tour is perfect for those wanting to fully experience Japanese cuisine.
Meeting point: Near the black pillar by SAZA Coffee in Ecute Edition Shinbashi, JR Shinbashi Station North Exit
Tour area: Shinbashi/Ginza/Yurakucho
Start time: 17:00
