The Ultimate Ginza Sushi Guide 2025: Top Restaurants & Expert Tips w/map
Ginza, one of the world's finest gourmet districts, is home to Edomae sushi restaurants that shine with a special brilliance.
Located close to the Tsukiji market, this area attracts the finest ingredients from around the world, and skilled chefs who know these ingredients inside out continue to offer exquisite sushi that blends tradition and innovation.
I, born and raised in Tokyo, have been frequenting Ginza's sushi restaurants for over 30 years, and I find them to have a special charm not found in other areas. In fact, there's a diverse range of options available, from Michelin-starred establishments to hidden gems where you can enjoy authentic sushi at reasonable prices.
However, popular restaurants can be difficult to book, and prices are by no means cheap. In this article, I'll share the essence of Ginza sushi and information that first-timers should know. I hope I can help you choose the best sushi restaurant in Ginza.
Table of Contents
・Reasons to Enjoy Sushi in Ginza
・Tips for Enjoying Sushi in Ginza
・What's the Difference Between High-End and Casual Sushi Restaurants?
・Top 10 Recommended Sushi Restaurants in Ginza
・3 Tours to Fully Enjoy Ginza
・Frequently Asked Questions
Reasons to Enjoy Sushi in Ginza
Ginza is a special place that can be considered the center of Japanese sushi culture. Let me explain why I've been visiting for over 30 years.
Ginza is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants. These establishments offer their own unique sushi, preserving traditional Edomae sushi techniques passed down since the Edo period while also adding modern twists.
What's particularly noteworthy is that many restaurants primarily feature counter seating. The artistry of the chefs unfolding before your eyes is truly an art form. You can experience the chef's intentions with all five senses, from the temperature of the shari (rice) to the pressure applied when shaping the sushi.
Moreover, Ginza is located in the heart of Tokyo, with excellent access to tourist spots. You can enjoy sushi as a special dining experience in between shopping and sightseeing.
Tips for Enjoying Sushi in Ginza
To ensure you have the best experience at Ginza's sushi restaurants, I'd like to share some important advice based on my experience.
Reservation Methods and Points to Note
Advance reservations are essential at high-end sushi restaurants in Ginza. Based on my experience, I recommend making reservations 2-3 months in advance for popular restaurants. Reservations are typically accepted by phone or through official websites, but recently, more restaurants have introduced reservation services for overseas customers.
I'd like to particularly emphasize the cancellation policy and punctuality. Many restaurants may charge cancellation fees, and being late is considered extremely rude. Also, many establishments have dress codes, so it's necessary to check in advance.
If you're bringing children, I recommend checking in advance as many restaurants have entry restrictions. For those concerned about language barriers, I recommend using the sushi restaurant tour offered by Magical Trip. This way, you can enjoy Ginza's sushi without worrying about reservations and with an interpreter.
Best Timing and Crowd Situations
From my years of experience, I most recommend weekday lunch times. It's often less crowded, and you can enjoy the taste of high-end restaurants at more reasonable prices than dinner.
On the other hand, it gets crowded with business users and tourists from evening to night. Especially during cherry blossom season (March-April) and autumn foliage season (October-November), which coincide with peak tourist seasons, earlier reservations are necessary.
For Michelin-starred restaurants, reservations are even more difficult. In my experience, reservations may be needed 3-6 months in advance. I recommend making reservations even earlier, especially around New Year's and before and after holidays.
What's the Difference Between High-End and Casual Sushi Restaurants?
There are sushi restaurants in Ginza at various price points. Let me introduce the characteristics I've noticed through over 30 years of dining experiences.
Price Range
At high-end sushi restaurants, omakase courses for dinner typically cost over 20,000 yen, and even lunch courses range from 6,000 to 10,000 yen. In my experience, it's safe to budget over 30,000 yen per person for a special dinner.
On the other hand, at casual sushi restaurants, you can enjoy authentic sushi for 4,000 to 10,000 yen for dinner, and 2,000 to 5,000 yen for lunch. Although few in number, there are also conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Ginza, where dishes start from 100 yen each.
Quality and Sourcing of Ingredients
The main feature of high-end restaurants is their commitment to ingredients. Many chefs I've interviewed visit Tsukiji or Toyosu market every morning to carefully select the best ingredients of the day. They use seasonal fish and rare ingredients, and have the skills to bring out the best in these ingredients.
Casual restaurants focus on cost-performance when selecting ingredients. While fresh, they don't place as much emphasis on rarity or quality as high-end restaurants do. Conveyor belt sushi restaurants may use frozen or farmed fish to reduce costs, but they still maintain a quality that's sufficiently delicious and enjoyable.
Restaurant Atmosphere
High-end restaurants are characterized by a calm Japanese-style decor and a tranquil space. You can enjoy your meal leisurely while conversing with the chef across the counter. They create a dignified atmosphere perfect for special occasions or business entertainment.
Casual restaurants have a brighter and more open atmosphere. They're often used by families or groups of friends, creating a space where you can casually enjoy sushi. They often have background music playing and more table seating, providing an environment where you can relax and enjoy your meal.
Menu Diversity
High-end restaurants focus on omakase courses. One of the reasons I continue to visit is that I can enjoy the chef's creativity and the changing ingredients from day to day. There are new discoveries every time, from seasonal special items to limited menu items only available that day.
On the other hand, casual restaurants offer a wide range of choices centered around standard sushi menu items. The attraction is that you can freely choose your favorites, including nigiri, maki rolls, and gunkan. They also often have a rich selection of side dishes like tempura and soups, allowing you to enjoy various Japanese foods at once.
Top 10 Recommended Sushi Restaurants in Ginza
Based on my experience of over 30 years of dining and interviews, I'd like to introduce especially recommended sushi restaurants. I'll share the unique charm of each restaurant and detailed information based on actual experiences.
1. Sushi Masa
Source: Google Map
This is a renowned restaurant where you can enjoy exquisite sushi in a calm, high-class interior. I was particularly impressed by the chef's meticulous work and creative use of seasonal ingredients. From the counter seats, you can closely observe the chef's delicate handiwork, and I'm moved every time by the depth of their skill.
The selection of sake is also excellent, and you can enjoy pairing it with the food. For special occasions or business entertainment, I recommend the private room with its serene atmosphere. Lunch starts from 5,000 yen, and dinner from 20,000 yen.
<Store Information>
Address: Koseido Ginza Building B1, 5-14-5 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Closed: None
Phone: 0335415882
Hours: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10:30 PM
Website: https://www.ginza-sushimasa.com/english/
2. Sukiyabashi Jiro
Source: Google Map
This is one of the sushi restaurants I respect the most. Having earned three Michelin stars and boasting worldwide fame, this restaurant embodies the true essence of Edomae sushi. The chef's intentions and skills imbued in each piece of sushi reach the realm of art.
The temperature of the shari, the preparation of the toppings, and the pressure applied when shaping the sushi all create a perfect harmony. Although getting a reservation is extremely difficult, it's well worth it. Lunch ranges from 50,000 to 60,000 yen, and dinner from 60,000 to 80,000 yen, making it one of the most expensive in Ginza, but it will surely be an experience you'll remember for a lifetime.
<Store Information>
Address: Tsukamoto Sogyo Building B1, 4-2-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 0335353600
Hours: 11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–8:30 PM
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13002260/
3. Sushi Kanesaka
Source: Google Map
This is an excellent sushi restaurant that cherishes the tradition of Edomae sushi while incorporating modern sensibilities. I'm particularly moved by their use of seasonal ingredients that change with each season. It's also attractive that you can enjoy conversations with the chef and listen to explanations for each piece of sushi.
In the omakase course, they serve sushi using the best ingredients of the day. Lunch ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 yen, and dinner from 60,000 to 80,000 yen, placing it among the upper tier of high-end restaurants, but it's well worth it.
<Store Information>
Address: Ginza Misuzu Building B1F, 8-10-3 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 0355684411
Hours (Mondays): 6–10:30 PM
Hours: 12–2:30 PM, 6–10:30 PM
Website: https://www.sushi-kanesaka.com/
4. Sushi Suzuki
Source: Google Map
This is one of the sushi restaurants I visit regularly, known as a capable establishment with one Michelin star. You can enjoy Edomae sushi made with the finest ingredients in a simple and calm interior. What's particularly impressive is the pairing with sake selected by the chef, which further enhances the taste of each piece of sushi.
Reservations are essential, but it's well worth it. Lunch ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 yen, and dinner from 60,000 to 80,000 yen. Especially, the creative dishes using seasonal ingredients never fail to surprise and move me each time.
<Store Information>
Address: Ginza Bijutsukan Building 5F, 6-5-6 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 0355376868
Hours (Tuesdays): 6–8 PM
Hours: 12–2 PM, 6–8 PM
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13184367/
5. Sushi Takahashi
Source: Google Map
This sushi restaurant shines with its solid techniques backed by years of experience and unique creativity. I'm particularly attracted to the sense of closeness with the chef at the counter seats. You can enjoy sushi while listening to explanations for each piece.
The sake selection is also excellent, offering premium sake that matches the seasons. Dinner time ranges from 30,000 to 40,000 yen, which is relatively reasonable for a high-end restaurant in Ginza. It's ideal for business entertainment or special occasions.
<Store Information>
Address: Ginza Yoshiden Building 1F, 1-14-14 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 0335616503
Hours: 5–11:30 PM
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13165933/
6. Sushi Arai
Source: Google Map
I'm particularly impressed by this restaurant's dedication to ingredients. The finest toppings, carefully selected at the market every morning, are served in their best condition on the same day. In the omakase course, you can taste exquisite pieces that fuse the chef's technique and sensibility.
From the counter seats, you can closely observe the chef's meticulous work, and I'm always moved by their sincere attitude. The sake pairing is also excellent, with premium sake suggested to match the seasons. Both lunch and dinner range from 50,000 to 60,000 yen, which is expensive, but well worth it for a special day meal.
<Store Information>
Address: Luan Building B1F, 8-10-2 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 0362645855
Hours (Tuesdays): 12–2:30 PM
Hours: 12–2:30 PM, 6–11 PM
Website: https://sushi-arai.com/
7. Ginza Sushi Kappo Ueda
Source: Google Map
This is one of my favorites, with a splendid fusion of sushi and kappo cuisine. You can enjoy a wide range of dishes from creative appetizers using seasonal ingredients to authentic Edomae sushi. Dining at the counter seats feels like watching a culinary stage performance.
The dishes by chefs who know the essence of Japanese cuisine inside out always bring new discoveries. The selection of sake and shochu is also rich, with excellent pairing with the food. The dinner time price range of 10,000 to 20,000 yen is also attractive, being relatively reasonable.
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Chome-14-10 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Closed: Sundays, Mondays
Phone: 0355243311
Hours: 5:30–10 PM
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13106255/
8. Ginza Iwa
Source: Google Map
This is one of the renowned restaurants I visit regularly, having earned one Michelin star. What's most impressive is the array of creative dishes using seasonal ingredients served in the omakase course. The exquisite sushi, which fuses the chef's technique and sensibility, gives me a new impression every time.
At the counter seats, you can enjoy conversation with the chef and listen to explanations for each piece of sushi. The sake pairing is also excellent, with premium sake suggested to match the day's dishes. The price range of 10,000 to 20,000 yen for lunch and 30,000 to 40,000 yen for dinner is also attractive, being relatively affordable for a high-end restaurant.
<Store Information>
Address: Miura Building 1F, 8-4-4 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays
Phone: 0335720955
Hours: 12–2 PM, 6–10 PM
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1301/A130103/13191943/
9. Sushi Yamaken Higashi Ginza
Source: Google Map
This is a convenient sushi restaurant with both counter and table seats. I particularly like the omakase course using fresh ingredients. The chef's meticulous work and heartfelt service are impressive.
The sake selection is also rich, allowing you to enjoy pairing with the food. The price range of 5,000 yen for lunch and 10,000 to 20,000 yen for dinner is also attractive, being relatively reasonable for a sushi restaurant in Ginza.
<Store Information>
Address: Ginza4tower 9F, Duplex, 5-13-19 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Closed: None
Phone: 0362640147
Hours (Mondays): 5–11 PM
Hours: 11 AM–3 PM, 5–11 PM
Website: https://sushi-yamaken-ginza.com/
10. Sushi Taichi
Source: Google Map
This is one of the sushi restaurants I frequently visit, attractive for its high-class and calm atmosphere. At the counter, you can closely observe the chef's delicate handiwork, and I'm moved every time by the depth of their skill. In the omakase course, they serve sushi using the best seasonal ingredients.
The sake selection is also excellent, allowing you to enjoy premium sake that matches the seasons and dishes. Dinner time ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 yen, ideal for business entertainment or special occasions.
<Store Information>
Address: Asagi Building 2F, 6-4-13 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Closed: Sundays, Mondays
Phone: 0335737222
Hours: 12–2:30 PM, 6–10:30 PM
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13060788/
3 Tours to Fully Enjoy Ginza
To make your dining experience in Ginza even more fulfilling, I'd like to introduce three recommended tours. These tours are designed to allow you to fully enjoy Ginza's food culture without feeling any language barriers.
"Wagyu Beef & Sake Paring Foodie Tour in Ginza" by Magical Trip
I particularly recommend the "Wagyu Beef & Sake Paring Foodie Tour in Ginza" offered by us at Magical Trip.
This tour allows you to fully taste the essence of Ginza over 3.5 hours. What's particularly noteworthy is the experience of comparing over 20 types of sake from Nara Prefecture. You can enjoy 30 minutes of all-you-can-drink sake while receiving detailed explanations in English about the history and production methods of sake.
Moreover, it's attractive that you can enjoy all-you-can-eat A5 rank wagyu beef in teppanyaki style. After savoring the first four dishes, you can order as much as you like, allowing you to enjoy authentic wagyu to your heart's content.
You can explore Ginza with a local English-speaking guide, who will show you not only famous spots but also hidden gems that only we locals know about.
The price is $178.26, but I think it's quite a good deal considering that all food and drink costs are included.
However, children under 6 years old cannot participate, and there are restrictions on special meal requests. Gluten-free options are not available, and allergy accommodations require advance notice at least one day before.
For more details: "Wagyu Beef & Sake Paring Foodie Tour in Ginza" by Magical Trip
"Tokyo Private Driving Tour by Car or Van with Chauffeur" by Glocal Japan
Source: TripAdvisor
The next recommendation is the "Tokyo Private Driving Tour by Car or Van with Chauffeur" by Glocal Japan.
This tour is a comprehensive 9-hour plan that allows you to efficiently visit not only Ginza but also major spots in Tokyo. An English-speaking driver-guide will smoothly guide you to popular spots in Tokyo such as Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
What's particularly attractive is that the itinerary can be flexibly adjusted according to the group's pace and interests. You can choose between a 5-seater premium van or a 9-seater spacious van, accommodating groups of 4-9 people.
The price starts from $315.23 for a group of 4. However, due to traffic congestion, it may not be possible to visit all planned locations, and time adjustments may be necessary, especially in the evening and later.
Also, it's important to note that the guide may not necessarily be a Ginza specialist.
For more details: "Tokyo Private Driving Tour by Car or Van with Chauffeur" by Glocal Japan
"Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza" by Magical Trip
Lastly, I strongly recommend the "Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza" by us at Magical Trip.
This tour offers a luxurious experience with guaranteed counter seats at high-end restaurants in Ginza. You can enjoy the finest sushi and tempura while watching the skilled chefs' techniques up close at restaurants with Michelin stars or high ratings on Tabelog.
The 2.5-hour tour includes a total of 4 drinks (2 at each sushi and tempura restaurant), such as beer and sake. There's also a premium sake option, making it perfect for special occasions or meals with important people.
An English-speaking guide accompanies you, carefully explaining the manners and how to enjoy high-end sushi restaurants, so even those new to Japanese sushi culture can enjoy with peace of mind.
The price is $203.73, but considering that these restaurants are often difficult to book and you're guaranteed to eat high-quality sushi and tempura, I think it's a very valuable experience.
However, vegetarians need to make a request in advance by the previous day, and unfortunately, vegan, gluten-free, and shellfish allergy accommodations are not possible.
For more details: "Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza" by Magical Trip
All of these tours provide excellent opportunities to deeply understand Ginza's food culture and history with English-speaking specialist guides.
I strongly recommend these tours especially for those who find it difficult to make reservations at high-end restaurants or who want to understand Japanese food culture more deeply.
Each tour has different features, so I hope you'll choose according to your interests and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'll answer common questions about visiting sushi restaurants in Ginza based on my experience.
Is a reservation always necessary?
For high-end restaurants like the ones introduced in this article, reservations are essential at almost all establishments. I recommend making reservations 2-3 months in advance for popular restaurants.
On the other hand, casual establishments like conveyor belt sushi restaurants can be used without reservations. If you're having trouble making a reservation, consider using a food tour.
Are there dress codes?
At high-end restaurants, smart casual is the basic dress code. I recommend avoiding overly casual attire like sleeveless tops or sandals. Especially for dinner time, more formal attire is preferable.
Ginza's sushi culture offers a unique charm where tradition and innovation merge. You can enjoy authentic sushi at various price points, from high-end restaurants to casual establishments. If you keep in mind the points to check in advance, such as reservation methods and dress codes, you'll have a more fulfilling dining experience.
Based on my experience of over 30 years of dining at Ginza's sushi restaurants, I highly recommend trying a special experience at a high-end restaurant at least once. The time spent enjoying exquisite sushi while conversing with the chef will surely become an unforgettable memory.
