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Dream sushi at dream prices

Do you long to visit fine sushi bars, but resist because of their prices? Savor Japan will convince you to seat yourself at their exclusive counters. We share some of the best-kept secrets of Tokyo's finest sushi bars, including chirashizushi offerings and lunches at multi-star establishments, so you can afford to experience some of the world's finest sushi at last!

Sushi Ono鮨 小野(すし おの)

Address:
* Currently this restaurant is out of service for preparing to move.Sorry for the inconvenience.
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Ono was born in 1973 in Gumma prefecture, where he first became intrigued by sushi. After training at a sushi restaurant in Tokyo for 15 years, he opened his own sushi restaurant, Sushi Ono. He pursues "good taste" above all else, and occasionally employs western ingredients when it supports his quest for the ultimate sushi.

Fatty bluefin tuna belly (otoro) from Kishu Katsuura, Wakayama. Ono makes Edomae sushi with remarkable skill, using only the finest ingredients.

Other items on the menu include sashimi of marbled sole from Miyagi, marinated mackerel from Maizuru, Kyoto, and steamed abalone from Sotobo, Chiba served with abalone liver sauce.

The name changes every Sunday

On Sundays, when owner Junpei Ono takes the day off, chef Jun Yoneyama changes the restaurant's name from Sushi Ono to Sushi Sora. Hidden in an alleyway running along the Shibuya river in Ebisu, Sushi Ono is so popular that hardly anyone can reserve a meal. But Sushi Sora, which was established to foster new talent, is far more accessible. The restaurant is small, with six counter seats and two private rooms that beautifully blend contemporary and traditional elements in the spirit of Japanese wa (harmony). Yoneyama closely mirrors the style of master chef owner Ono, down to the selection of ideal ingredients. However, all prices on Sunday are a significant 30% off. "When I'm not making the sushi," says Ono, "the restaurant shouldn't use my name. Don't you think it's cool to run a sushi bar under another name once a week?" Seeing the restaurant filled with content faces on Sunday is enough to convince anyone of the concept's merit.

Phone: 03-5447-1124

Address:
* Currently this restaurant is out of service for preparing to move.Sorry for the inconvenience.
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Nishiazabu Sushi Shin西麻布 鮨 真(にしあざぶ すし しん)

Phone: 03-5485-0031

Address:
Nishi-Azabu CO-HOUSE 1F, Nishi-Azabu 4-18-20, Minato, Tokyo
Open:
Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays for lunch 12:00-13:30 (final seating)
Tuesday through Sunday & public holidays for dinner 18:00 – 23:00
Closed:
Mondays
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Suzuki knows which sushi will please each guest based on age, gender, physique and eating speed.

The finest seasonal seafood is spread before customers, many of whom are sushi aficionados here to witness Suzuki's renowned craftsmanship.

Another favorite from the menu is roasted fatty alfonsino with ground horseradish and citrus vinegar.

Izumi horse mackerel from Kagoshima Prefecture is perfectly complemented by a fresh topping of green onion, shiso paste and grated ginger.

The stiff and crunchy texture of the irresistible Torikai clam from Aichi proves its remarkable freshness.

Sushi favorites made with passion

"I love sushi so much that I simply had to make it my career. As a sushi chef, I am constantly striving to improve my skills," says Sushi Shin owner Shintaro Suzuki with a boyish smile. Suzuki's love for Sushi is real. He made sushi part-time during his high-school years and then spent 13 years training at various sushi restaurants. Even now that he runs his own restaurant, his passion hasn't subsided. Suzuki always asks himself what his customers think and finds ways to satisfy them. He works hard to collect and prepare 20 of the freshest, most seasonal ingredients to present before customers in four boxes.
Guests are fascinated by Suzuki's performance at his counter, the "Suzuki Theater". He cherishes each carefully selected ingredient and seems to gently converse with the sushi while preparing it. His passion is not reserved for evenings, but extends to lunches when he prepares his so-called "regulars" at a discount. He remarks that "Our evening guests usually begin with hors d'oeuvres, but lunch guests come to dine on sushi from the start, and I take their desires seriously." The regular set is only served three days a week and includes 10 varieties of sushi that Suzuki prepares carefully from early in the morning. Experiencing this lunch set will open your eyes to the meaning of fresh, authentic sushi.

Phone: 03-5485-0031

Address:
Nishi-Azabu CO-HOUSE 1F, Nishi-Azabu 4-18-20, Minato, Tokyo
Open:
Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays for lunch 12:00-13:30 (final seating)
Tuesday through Sunday & public holidays for dinner 18:00 – 23:00
Closed:
Mondays
Learn more

Sushi Iwase鮨 岩瀬(すし いわせ)

Phone: 03-6457-7570

Address:
Shinjuku Youth Bldg. "PAX" 6F, Shinjuku 4-1-9, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Open:
Tuesday to Sunday Lunch 11:30 to 13:00 / Dinner 18:00 to 22:30
Closed:
Mondays
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Iwase's apprenticeship at Nishi Azabu Sushi Sho Masa is apparent in his approach to nigirizushi and hors d'oeuvres.

Crispy and fragrant conger eel from Tsushima Island, Nagasaki, soft enough inside to melt in your mouth

Horsehair crab meat blended with creamy kani miso, the perfect complement to sake in hot weather

Kasugo (young sea bream) from Kagoshima, expertly seasoned with vinegared egg yolk

Clams cooked in their juice, then sprinkled with grated yuzu (Japanese citron) peel

Chirashizushi as colorful as jewels

Chirashizushi, a festive lunch specialty at Sushi Iwase, combines over 20 types of sashimi and vegetable on rice. With every bite, the customer enjoys something delectably different, from Kasugo seasoned with vinegared egg yolk to lightly boiled butterfish seasoned with kelp, tuna dipped in soy sauce, vinegared kohada (spotted sardine), horse mackerel from Kagoshima and sea urchin from Karatsu. But be sure to arrive early, because only 10 servings of this popular dish are served per day, three days a week.
Owner Iwase remarks "There are more toppings in this bowl than in our Chef's Choice dinner. It's the perfect introduction to my sushi." Since opening in Shinjuku in September 2012, Sushi Iwase has gained popularity due to Iwase's ability to consistently satisfy customers. A true craftsman, young Iwase works with quiet concentration, but his chirashizushi speaks volumes about his skill at choosing premium ingredients and finishing them with a pleasing flair. When placing toppings on rice, it reminds one of a master painter placing colors on a canvas.

Phone: 03-6457-7570

Address:
Shinjuku Youth Bldg. "PAX" 6F, Shinjuku 4-1-9, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Open:
Tuesday to Sunday Lunch 11:30 to 13:00 / Dinner 18:00 to 22:30
Closed:
Mondays
Learn more

Sushi Aoki鮨 青木(すし あおき)

Phone: 03-3289-1044

Address:
Ginza Takahashi Bldg., 2F, Ginza 6-7-4, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Open:
Lunch 12:00 to 14:00 / Dinner 17:00 to 22:00

*Please note that this restaurant has relocated, and the interior design and dishes may differ from before.
Address: 4F, No.3 Iwatsuki Bldg., 6-7-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Open:[Lunch]12:00 pm - 2:00 pm /[Dinner]5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

One by one, Aoki places beautifully formed sushi on a plate while casually conversing with the guest and drawing laughter: a daily scene at Sushi Aoki.

Wooden trays display the master's meticulous preparation of prime seasonal ingredients.

As an evening appetizer, try sea bream served with sea urchin, salt kelp, and green onion buds.

Authentic Edo-style sushi in Ginza

Needless to say, Ginza is the mecca for sushi. And one of the most prestigious sushi bars in this district esteemed by sushi connoisseurs is Sushi Aoki. While carrying on the Edo-style sushi skills he inherited from his renowned sushi chef father, current owner and sushi chef Toshimasa Aoki never stops pursuing further improvement of his skills and cuisine. Every serving is expertly crafted yet full of character, reflecting Aoki's amiable personality and lighthearted laughter.

To experience sushi made by Aoki, we recommend visiting for lunch when many gourmands take advantage of the lower prices. Subtle yet casual, Aoki's sushi making style is reflected in the atmosphere of this high-end sushi restaurant where guests need not concern themselves with overly formal manners. Just immerse yourself in the taste and you won't be disappointed.

Phone: 03-3289-1044

Address:
Ginza Takahashi Bldg., 2F, Ginza 6-7-4, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Open:
Lunch 12:00 to 14:00 / Dinner 17:00 to 22:00
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Sushi Kanesaka鮨 かねさか(すし かねさか)

Phone: 03-5568-4411

Address:
Misuzu building B1F, Ginza 8-10-3, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Open:
Weekdays Lunch 11:30 to 14:00
Dinner 17:00 to 22:00
Saturday and Sunday Dinner 17:00 to 21:00
Learn more

Owner Kanesaka informs us that "Evening guests tend to drink more, while lunch guests arrive hungry. So I satisfy them with larger servings."

Richly flavored otoro (fatty bluefin tuna) from Kishukatsuura on red-vinegared rice. Simple perfection.

Edo-style conger eel, cooked slowly in sauce to a soft consistency that melts immediately in your mouth.

The pride of a consummate chef

Owner chef Shinji Kanesaka of Ginza Sushi Kanesaka explains while preparing kelp-seasoned red bream from Akashi, Hyogo, that "Rice, toppings and wasabi are what a sushi chef works with. This is the simple truth of our profession. Nothing more, nothing less. And it explains why we invest our hearts in the ingredients."
Once sushi is placed on the wooden counter, the rice begins to settle. So customers should start eating immediately to fully savor the texture of the sea bream and the aroma of the sea. The rice loosens in your mouth and blends with the kelp's flavor while the taste of the tender sea bream lingers on. This is precisely what Edo-style sushi is all about, and it's what earned this establishment 2 Michelin Guide stars. As Kanesaka likes to say, "This is heartfelt sushi".
According to Kanesaka, he loses his "sense of grip" if he takes more than 3 days off. So he's been working continuously at the counter ever since opening his shop 10 years ago. Lunchtime is ideal for becoming acquainted with this dedicated chef owner. His lunch sets begin from a reasonable 5,250 JPY. Once you've experienced the lunch, the evening Chef's Choice will become hard to resist.

Phone: 03-5568-4411

Address:
Misuzu building B1F, Ginza 8-10-3, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Open:
Weekdays Lunch 11:30 to 14:00
Dinner 17:00 to 22:00
Saturday and Sunday Dinner 17:00 to 21:00
Learn more

*Articles are written based on information available at the time of publication.

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