Tokyo is overflowing with top-notch sushi spots; here are 4 you can't miss

If you ask four locals in Tokyo for their top sushi recommendations, you'll probably get four different suggestions—it's a question of personal taste, after all.

The sushi experience goes beyond just fresh fish. It’s about the perfect service, chefs with decades of expertise, an atmosphere brimming with tradition, and, sometimes, a hefty price tag.

What makes choosing the best sushi experience tricky is that it depends on factors like budget, personal preferences, and prior sushi experiences. Fortunately, Tokyo offers a vast selection of options to satisfy every taste.

Sushi is no exception, and at least one of these four restaurants will hit the spot for any visitor. Just don’t expect to find California rolls or spicy tuna on the menu, though.

1. The ultimate breakfast destination: Sushi Dai

If you’re looking to try sushi for breakfast, look no further than Sushi Dai. Just steps from the Tsukiji Fish Market, it’s known for serving some of the freshest seafood on the planet and is consistently ranked among the top sushi spots in Tokyo.

After exploring the vibrant chaos of the Tsukiji market, many visitors flock to Sushi Dai to taste the very fish they’ve just watched being sold to chefs and restaurant owners from around Tokyo.

Craving a Sushi Dai breakfast? Be prepared to cancel your morning plans – the wait for a seat here can stretch to two hours or more. But those who’ve experienced the meal agree that the long queue is well worth it.

Not only does Sushi Dai offer some of the freshest seafood around (with items like clam still wriggling when served), but its prices are surprisingly reasonable. The chef’s special, which includes 10 nigiri, one roll, and a nigiri of the diner’s choice, is a crowd favorite.

5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chūō-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan, +81 3 3547 6797

2. The lunch pick: Sushi Saito

This small, unassuming sushi bar near the U.S. Embassy in Akasaka has a loyal following and is so popular that reservations are often booked out months in advance.

For a sushi master, Takashi Saito is surprisingly young, approachable, and friendly. Despite the intimate setting with only seven seats, the atmosphere is inviting, and the chef takes care to customize the experience to each diner’s tastes.

Like Sushi Mizutani, Sushi Saito boasts three Michelin stars, yet its lunch menu remains one of Tokyo's hidden gems. While not exactly budget-friendly, the exquisite, melt-in-your-mouth seafood and perfectly balanced rice make it worth the splurge.

Chef Saito speaks a bit of English and will make an effort to connect with every guest, but if you don’t speak Japanese, it’s best to book through a hotel concierge or someone fluent in the language.

Sushi Saito, 1-9-15 Akasaka, Minato-ku; +81 3 3589 4412

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3. Best for value: Fukuzushi

A family-run restaurant since 1917, Fukuzushi has been serving sushi from its peaceful corner in Roppongi for over 40 years. Unlike the cramped sushi spots scattered across Tokyo, this restaurant is roomy, with a bar and lounge area, making it ideal for families, groups, or business gatherings.

Fukuzushi attracts a loyal clientele, including many of Japan’s famous entertainers and celebrities, who flock to one of Tokyo's finest sushi establishments.

The current owner and head chef of Fukuzushi is George Fukuzawa, who perfected his craft under the guidance of his father and grandfather. Watching him and his team in action adds to the experience, so small groups should try to snag seats at the counter. Fukuzawa is committed to providing an exceptional dining experience while honoring the pride and precision sushi chefs are known for.

Each piece of nigiri is meticulously seasoned with the perfect balance of wasabi and soy sauce, so resist the urge to add more shoyu unless you want to risk offending the chef.

Fukuzushi pays attention to every detail, such as cutting nigiri into smaller pieces for women so they don’t have to struggle with large portions. While it's one of Tokyo's most beloved sushi spots, Fukuzushi offers a more affordable price point than many other top-tier restaurants. The dinner courses require a minimum of two people, but solo diners can enjoy the à la carte menu.

Fukuzushi, 5 Chome-7-8 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo-to 106-0032, Japan +81 3 3402 4116

4. Best kaiten sushi: Sushi Zanmai

For anyone on a budget who still wants to experience Tokyo’s iconic sushi, one of the 30+ locations of this popular chain is always nearby.

Sushi Zanmai, which originated in Tsukiji, claims to be Japan’s first 24-hour sushi bar, open 365 days a year. Most of its branches feature a cozy, light wood decor with hanging lanterns and offer both counter and table seating. Many locations also serve sushi via the fun “kaiten” conveyor belt style.

While the food quality and service may not place Sushi Zanmai among Tokyo's elite sushi spots, it’s a reliable choice for newcomers or anyone on a budget who wants a solid sushi experience without spending a fortune.

While you might not be served the highest-grade cuts of fish, Sushi Zanmai guarantees a solid meal at unbeatable prices. Their nigiri lunch sets come with a small salad and miso soup, and the “maguro zanmai” set features a variety of tuna sushi. It's an excellent option for even the pickiest eaters to try Japan's iconic dish.

Sushi Zanmai, Takumi Ginza 6chome | 6-4-6 Ginza, Chuo Tokyo +81 3 62554177