[2018 Edition] 15 Izakaya in Tokyo that Serve Delicious Sashimi

1. HARUYO (Akihabara)

HARUYO is located a convenient 2-minute walk from Akihabara Station. The confident chef has a practiced eye for selecting the fresh fish used here at the market every morning, and he prepares them in a way that draws out their individual characteristics. A recommended option is the [Assortment of 5 Varieties of Seasonal Fish], which allows diners to try various tastes and textures with 5 pieces of sashimi. Experience melt-in-your-mouth umami (Japanese savory taste) and a texture possessed by only the freshest of fish with this excellent dish! The natural wood interior makes for a warm, comfortable atmosphere in which to relax while you enjoy the seasonal flavors of the fish.

HARUYO

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk from the Electric Town Exit on JR [Akihabara Station]. On the 4th floor of the AKIBA 426 Bldg. on the opposite side of Akihabara UDX
Address: 4F, AKIBA426 Bldg., 4-2-6, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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2. Tenku no Tsuki (Shibuya)

This restaurant, located in Shibuya's Dogenzakaue, offers finely crafted, original Japanese cuisine. The quiet interior evokes the shops of Kyoto and will make you completely forget that you are in Shibuya the instant you set foot inside. There are various types of private rooms available, such as ones with horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu table), as well as rooms with tables offering nighttime views. The fish, chosen daily at the market to guarantee maximum flavor, is only cut up once an order is placed, further ensuring outstanding freshness. Shibuya's finest sake (Japanese alcohol) is offered here, and it pairs well with the [Wild Fish Sampler] or the [Stewed Fish], whose contents change daily, for an enjoyable meal filled with seasonal fish flavors.

Tenku no Tsuki

Open: Normal hours: 5:00 pm-12:30 am [last order at 11:30 pm] *Operating hours end at 2:00 am on Fridays [last order 1:00 am], and 0:30 am on Saturdays and eves of national holidays / Lunch: 11:30 am - 2:00 pm [Monday - Friday]
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: A 7-minute walk from the JR Shibuya station or 2-minute walk from Shinsen station on the Inokashira line. The restaurant is on the 3rd floor of the Dougenzaka square building, near the Dougenzaka-jo police box.
Address: Dogenzaka SQUARE 3F , 5-18 Maruyama-cho , Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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3. Nihonbashi Maeda (Tokyo)

Nihonbashi Maeda, a 3-minute walk from Nihombashi and Yaesu, offers a menu replete with fresh fish options for an authentic Japanese dining experience. The [Gomasaba] that uses seasonal mackerel, as well as the artfully arranged [Sea Bream Topped with Sea Urchin], speak to the chef's exacting choices. There are many drink options available, especially a number of rare brands of sake and shochu (another type of Japanese alcohol) that are not available at many other places. Counter seating is also available, making this a good spot for a single quiet drink.

Nihonbashi Maeda

Open: [Weekday] Lunch from 11:30 am -2:30 pm (last order at 2:00 pm), dinner from 5:30 pm -11:30 pm (last order for food at 10:30 pm / for drinks at 11:00 pm)
[Saturday] Dinner from 5:00 pm -10:30 pm (last order for food at 9:30 pm / for drinks at 10:00 pm)
Closed: Tuesdays
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 900 JPY
Access: A 3-minute walk from the fare gates after alighting at Tokyo station. Exit from the Yaesu north exit, and we will be straight ahead.
Address: 3-1-14 Nihonbashi , Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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4. Kokera (Shimo-Kitazawa)

Kokera is a seafood izakaya in Shimo-Kitazawa. The most attention-grabbing feature in the modern, subdued interior is the case at the counter that displays rows of fresh fish brought in that day. Diners in the know will ask the chef for tips on how to best enjoy the fish while taking in the view of the case. The famous dish here is the [Box Sushi]. A thin layer of sushi rice is spread in a uni (sea urchin) box, then piled to the point of overflowing with attractively arranged and sliced uni, steamed awabi (abalone), shrimp, and ikura (salmon roe) for a very visually impressive dish. It comes at such a reasonable price that one wonders how they make a profit off it!

Kokera

Open: Normal hours: 5:00 pm - 12:30 am (Last order: 11:30 pm)
Closed: Sundays
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: Five minute walk from the South Exit of Shimo-Kitazawa Station on the Odakyu Line. Head southeast from in front of the McDonalds, then turn left at the Shimo-Kitazawa Station entrance intersection. On the second corner.
Address: Tomokazu Bldg. 102, 2-3-12 Kitazawa , Setagaya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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5. Jijii (Shimo-takaido)

Jijii casts a soft glow from its tucked-away spot on a quiet residential street in Shimo-takaido. This restaurant’s original cuisine features freshly caught fish brought in directly from famous locations throughout Japan, such as Fudai and Sado. The chef here prioritizes flavor above all else, creating Japanese dishes like sashimi and Edomae (Edo-style) sushi alongside Western options for a diverse seafood menu. The [Satsuma-age] (fried fish cake) is a popular item on the menu at Jijii.

Jijii

Open: [Tuesday, Friday - Sunday] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (last order 2:00 pm) *No lunch on Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch menu only.
[Sunday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:45 pm (last order 11:00 pm)
[Tuesday - Saturday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:45 pm (last order 11:00)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: From Shimotakaido station on the Keio and Setagaya lines, follow the Setagaya line tracks (Tamaden-dori) for 3 minutes. Just after Yoshikawa Pediatric Clinic.
Address: 3-13-9 Matsubara, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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6. Shibusan Uokin (Shibuya)

Despite being located in Shibuya, an area bustling with young people, this spacious restaurant has a quiet atmosphere that makes it popular as a more refined, mature spot. Shibusan Uokin offers a large variety of fresh fish, brought in daily, at a reasonable price. The [Sashimi Sampler] provides a large amount of fresh sashimi and is a recommended menu item. Other options like the [Dried Mackerel], which is dried overnight, and the [Boiled Mebaru] (rockfish) present Japanese flavors with a homey, relaxing feel. Furthermore, you will feel like you are watching a live performance, as the staff prepares the food right in front of you!

Shibusan Uokin

Open: [Weekday] Normal Hours 17:00-23:30
[Saturday] Normal Hours 16:30-23:30
[Sunday / Public Holiday] Normal Hours 16:00-23:00
Closed: None
Average price: -
Access: Get off at Shibuya Station on the JR lines, Tokyo Metro line, Keio Inokashira line, Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line or Keihin Tohoku Line, walk one minute from the New South Entrance
Address: GEMS Shibuya 2F, 3-27-11 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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7. Sakedokoro Yamane (Hiro-o)

Sakedokoro Yamane is a tucked-away izakaya in Hiro-o. Japanese cuisine is often misunderstood to be top-class, but the handwritten menu and homey atmosphere make for an understated, comfortable feel. The chef has 40 years of experience and purchases the fish every day at the market, even personally going out to fish once a week to provide unparalleled freshness. The top-grade, annual catch is highly nutritious and can be enjoyed for a moderate price. For the end of the meal, [Seasonal Takikomi Gohan] (rice cooked with seafood), featuring ingredients like uni, is a popular choice. Order this dish as takeout and enjoy it as ochazuke (green tea or broth poured on rice) the next day for a moment of pure bliss!

Sakedokoro Yamane

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch: 11:30am-2:00pm
[Weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays] Dinner: 5:30pm-11:00pm (last order: 10:00pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 950 JPY
Access: Exit through exit number three of Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line "Hiroo" station, and go to the right. Approx. five minute walk.
Address: La Nishi-Azabu Bldg. B1 , 4-5-8 Nishi Azabu , Minato-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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8. Roba Tangyo - Kaisen Robata Izakaya with Cozy Private Rooms (Akabane)

The fresh fish offered here is directly brought in from Nagasaki for a varied menu that changes daily. You will certainly want to try the [Boxed Assortment of 7 Kinds of Fish], which features large servings of deep-sea bream, rare for the Kanto region, as well as Ora king salmon. The marvelous display that greets you as you open the box is a part of the experience you won't want to miss! Another famous dish here is the slow-cooked robatayaki (grilled items), cooked on an irori (Japanese fireplace). The outside is crisp due to being cooked over the long-burning, high-quality coal, and the inside is soft and juicy. This dish is so tasty that you just can't help but smile as you eat!

Roba Tangyo - Kaisen Robata Izakaya with Cozy Private Rooms 

Open: [Monday-Friday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (Food L.O. 10:30 pm, Drink L.O. 11:00 pm)
[Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Food L.O. 10:00 pm, Drink L.O. 10:30 pm)
[Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm (Food L.O. 9:00 pm, Drink L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: -
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: 3 minutes walk from the east exit of Akabane Station on JR Saikyo Line. On the road in the north-west of Akabane Elementary School.
Address: 1-38-2, Akabane, Kita-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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9. Yoyogiuehara no Kaisen Izakaya Ukibukuro (Yoyogi-Uehara)

Ukibukuro is on a back street of Yoyogi-Uehara. The owner had 50 years of experience in the shipping industry in Tsukiji and used his knowledge of the area and routes to open this restaurant in 2011. Front and center amongst the ingredients is the fresh, regional fish collected from locations across Japan. The type and amount of sashimi are based on customers' preferences and budgets, and the chef is happy to explain each of the dishes so that diners may enjoy a happy meal. One recommendation is the seasonal [Japanese Oysters], brought in directly from the best areas to procure them. There are also options such as ramen and onigiri (rice balls) that children are sure to like, making this a favorite place with families.

Yoyogiuehara no Kaisen Izakaya Ukibukuro

Open: [Tuesday - Thursday, Sunday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm -12:00 am (L.O. food 10:30; L.O. drink 11:30)
[Saturday, Sunday] Lunch 11:30 am -2:30 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm)
[Friday & Saturday]
5:00 pm -02:00 am (L.O. 12:30 am ; L.O. drink 1:30 am)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: A 2-minute walk upon alighting from Yoyogi-Uehara on the Odakyu Electric Railway and the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda lines.
Address: 3-22-5 Nishihara , Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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10. Takenawa (Jimbocho)

This popular restaurant is located close to Jinbocho Station and fills up quickly with customers. Dishes featuring rare domestic beef horumon (offal) are available, and there are also many seafood dishes in the lineup featuring fresh fish from the market, such as the [Namero] (minced and seasoned fish dish) and the [Takenawa Salad], wherein plenty of vegetables are topped with fish, seaweed, and bonito flakes. A fine selection of sake is also available, including over 30 varieties of cup sake from around the country, more than 4 local sake that change daily, and over 60 varieties of shochu. The staff is eager to assist guests with any preferences or questions concerning the food.

Takenawa

Open: [Weekdays, including days before holidays] 5:30 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 10:30 am; last drink 11:00 pm. Extended hours on Fridays.)

Lunch: 11:30 am -2:30 pm (last order 2:00 pm)
*No smoking before 12:30 pm.
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 800 JPY
Access: A very quick 3 minute walk from Jimbocho Station exit A5, or a short 9 minutes from Suidobashi Station east exit. Next to Shinden Kitajinbocho post office.
Address: BF Bldg. 1F , 1-38 Kanda Jinbo-cho , Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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11. Sandaime Uoshin (Mitsukoshimae)

At this izakaya, you can enjoy a selection of fresh fish brought in directly from various locations like Odawara Harbor every morning, as well as local sake selected across Japan by a skilled sake connoisseur. The menu changes daily, as the head chef decides the day's offerings after examining the fish on arrival. The [Otoshi] features Odawara's famous atsuage (thick fried tofu) and shishamo (smelt) cooked on a brazier, and the dish positively glows with the chef's energy as you eat. Food critics have highly praised both the flavor and the earnestness with which fish and sake is approached here in Nihombashi. It is a testament to this restaurant's ability that within one week of opening, it already had regular guests.

Sandaime Uoshin

Open: [Weekday / Saturday / Public holiday] Normal hours: 11:30 am -11:30 pm (last order 11:00 pm)
[Saturday] Dinner 3:00 pm -11:30 pm (last order 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 800 JPY
Access: From Nihonbashi Station, go down Showa-dori till you get to the Edobashi-Kita intersection and take a right. Turn left after Mukoyama Dental Clinic, and we're about 200m down the street
Address: Sankin Bldg. B1F, 1-7-10 Nihombashi-Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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12. Seafood Izakaya Maru (Kinshicho)

The sugitama (cedar ball) hanging outside Seafood Izakaya Maru draws the eye and lets customers know that freshly brewed sake is available. This restaurant offers seasonal fish and boasts over 200 types of high-grade sake. The chef personally purchases seasonal fish at the local market for the [Sashimi Assortment], a must-try item. The menu is full of dishes that pair well with sake, such as the [Mozzarella Cheese Tamari-zuke] in which the cheese is soaked overnight in a soy sauce base and house sauce. The restaurant fills up quickly on weekends, so booking in advance is recommended.

Seafood Izakaya Maru

Open: [Weekday] 5:00 pm-12:00 am (last order at 11:00 pm), last order for drinks at 11:30 pm
[Sunday, national holiday]3:00 pm-11:00 pm (last order at 10:00 pm), last order for drinks at 10:30 pm
[Saturday] Normal hours 3:00 pm-12:00 am (last order at 11:00 pm), last order for drinks at 11:30 pm
Closed: Thursdays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,800 JPY / [Lunch] 700 JPY
Access: Two minute walk from JR Kinshicho Station, before the Kotobashi 4-chome traffic light
Address: 4-29-15 Koto Bashi , Sumida-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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13. Izakaya Umaimon Shinjuku Kabuki-cho (Shinjuku)

The motto of this izakaya is "inexpensive, tasty food that puts a smile on the customer's face". Over 30 dishes using fish caught the same morning are offered here, and the focus on seasonal catches keeps the prices reasonable. Enjoy both fresh sashimi and charcoal-grilled dishes that bring out the flavors of the super fresh fish here. The [Sake Sampler] is also popular, and is a luxurious way for diners to sample rare sake from across Japan. Another attractive feature is the counter-kitchen setup, which allows the chef to take orders and interact with customers while working.

Izakaya Umaimon Shinjuku Kabuki-cho

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] 6:00 pm - 5:00 am (L.O. 4:00 am)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: A 5-minute walk from the east exit of the JR Shinjuku station. A 6-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome station on the Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines.
Address: Kabukicho Bldg. 1F, 1-12-6 Kabukicho , Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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14. Sakanaya Oaji (Shimbashi)

Sakanaya Oaji is located in an underpass of Shimbashi, an area filled with businessmen. This izakaya offers seafood brought in daily from Toyama. The [Ikesu] features a diverse selection of Toyama Bay's famous seafood, including buri (amberjack), hotaru ika (firefly squid), and shiro ebi (shrimp). The [Okemorichu] combines fresh, unadorned seafood, referred to as "kitokito" in Toyama dialect, with Misaki tuna for a delicious experience of seasonal flavors. Other dishes on the tasteful and unique menu include miso-coated tofu and regional [Toyama Black] ramen, providing customers an opportunity to sample the flavors of Toyama to their heart's content.

Sakanaya Oaji

Open: [Weekdays/Saturday/National Holidays/the day before National Holiday] Normal hours 4:00 p.m.- 12:00 midnight (last order 11:00 p.m.)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 1 minute walk from Karasumori exit of Shinbashi station located at under the railway on the left
Address: 3-25-19 Shinbashi Minato Tokyo (Map)
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15. Imakoko (Shinsen)

The formidable chef at Imakoko formerly worked at an embassy, yet the atmosphere here is relaxed and perfect for enjoying Japanese cuisine and kaiseki (traditional Japanese course cuisine with tea). The professional staff also have experience working in hotels and offer the very best of service. Fish is brought in from the Noto Peninsula, surrounded by bountiful seas, and the seasonal vegetables used here are also collected from various regions. The [Thinly-sliced Seasonal Fish] is tender and filled with irresistible umami. If you sit at the counter, the cutting board will be at eye-level, and you can watch as the chef lovingly prepares the fish.

Imakoko

Open: [Tuesday - Sunday, Day before National Holidays] Dinner: 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (Last order: 10:30 pm) *Reservations required for course meal
[Tuesday - Friday] Lunch: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (Last order: 2:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Shinsen Station. Head west from the South Exit, and take the second left. Go straight for about 120 meters (400 feet) and it will be on the left corner.
Address: Bichon Dogenzaka, 25-8 Maruyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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These izakaya are perfect for enjoying a luxurious combination of delicious sake and fresh sashimi. If you're planning on visiting Tokyo, be sure to stop by these spots!