Sushi in Akasaka, one of Tokyo’s top gourmet battlegrounds! 20 recommended restaurants

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Kizaki is a sushi restaurant on the 5th floor of a building, a 3-minute walk from Akasaka-mitsuke Station. It is a small restaurant with only 8 counter seats. The white wood interior creates an elegant and calm atmosphere.

Both lunch and dinner are mainly course meals, and the restaurant is by reservation only.

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The nigiri sushi made with fresh toppings is said to taste so good that it leaves a real impression. Not only are the toppings themselves prepared with care, but the vinegared rice is also shaped and portioned in a way that brings out the best in each topping.

It also pairs perfectly with Japanese sake, and a Japanese sake pairing is available to order.

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Some courses also include standout dishes beyond nigiri. In addition to grilled dishes made with seafood, they also serve Appetizers featuring seasonal sansai (mountain vegetables) and traditional vegetables, so the variety is wide.

On top of that, the portions are generous overall, making for a highly satisfying meal.

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Kagami is a sushi restaurant located on the basement level of a building, about a 3-minute walk from Akasaka Station. Guests can enjoy their meal in a space designed by the owner himself and brought to life by the craftsmanship of miyadaiku (temple and shrine carpenters).

The counter has only 6 seats and is made of hinoki (Japanese cypress), while the earthen walls and the bamboo placed at your feet create an interior with a strong Japanese feel.

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The sushi toppings are high quality because they source the best seasonal ingredients from markets centered around Toyosu. The vinegared rice is made with Yamanashi brand rice Mukawamai and prepared with a blend of three kinds of vinegar mixed to match the season.

The flavors show real care and attention to detail, and are said to be truly impressive.

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The restaurant is also said to stand out for its strong spirit of exploration, making karasumi (dried mullet roe) with octopus eggs instead of the usual mullet roe, and aging sashimi for a week to bring out more umami.

On top of that, every dish is said to be high quality even as a snack to go with drinks, and pairs well with Japanese sake.

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Sushi Haru is a hideaway sushi restaurant in a quiet residential area of Akasaka 4-chome. There are only 9 counter seats.

You can enjoy your meal in a calm, relaxed atmosphere along with Japanese sake selected from Miyagi Prefecture and other parts of Japan to pair well with sushi.

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They blend the rice for the shari (sushi rice) in their own way and cook it in nanbu tekki (traditional Nambu cast ironware). They use their own mix of rich red vinegar and roasted salt that brings out umami, creating a finish that gives a real sense of harmony with the toppings.

The neta (sushi toppings) are said to show delicate technique.

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The sakana (small dishes for drinks) that pair well with Japanese sake are also popular.

They offer an appealing lineup of dishes, including generously portioned kegani (horsehair crab) and the original "Komochi Kombu (herring roe on kombu kelp) to Shirako (soft roe) no Fry."

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Akasaka Sushi Otani is a sushi restaurant on the second floor of a building, a 3-minute walk from Akasaka-mitsuke Station. They serve innovative dishes that are not bound by the usual mold.

Not only the food but also the chic interior, done in a black color scheme, is well liked. With all counter seating, you can watch the sushi chefs at work from any seat.

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They say you can enjoy authentic sushi here that also has a sense of elegance.

The restaurant uses seasonal neta (sushi toppings), sourced from different production regions depending on the time of year. In addition, they bring out the appeal of each ingredient with techniques such as making fine cuts and aging them.

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Drawing on the owner's experience in Spain, the restaurant seems to serve dishes with a Spanish touch, such as items made with Iberico pork and maguro (tuna) tartare.

The most popular dish is the paella shown in the photo. It is said to be so high in quality that you would never guess it comes from a sushi restaurant.

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Akasaka Sushi Fukunaga is a sushi restaurant located a 4-minute walk from Akasaka-mitsuke Station. They mainly offer an Omakase course built around seasonal fish and ingredients from Aomori Prefecture.

The ceiling features ajiro-zaiku (woven bamboo-style craftsmanship), and the counter is made from a single slab of hinoki (Japanese cypress), blending traditional Japanese touches with a stylish modern feel.

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The toppings, which show the care that goes into the preparation, are said to be packed with flavor. The shari (sushi rice), made with Seiten no Hekireki (a branded rice from Aomori Prefecture), also pairs perfectly with the seafood.

While each piece is slightly compact in size, this sushi is said to leave a strong and lasting impression of great taste.

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The à la carte dishes included in the course are also said to be high quality. They are finished with refined flavors to bring out the appeal of the ingredients.

They also have a wide selection of Japanese sake you will want to order with your meal, with a lineup that is said to satisfy everyone from beginners to Japanese sake fans.

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Sushi Minowa is a sushi restaurant on the third floor of a building, a 2-minute walk from Akasaka-mitsuke Station. The interior has a warm feel, with plenty of wood in the decor and soft warm lighting.

Its relaxed and comfortable atmosphere is also popular, and you can enjoy authentic sushi here without feeling stiff or formal.

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The seafood is said to be very good, and you can feel the owner’s care in the sourcing. The nigiri sushi is finished in a simple style without gimmicks, letting you fully enjoy the natural flavor of the ingredients.

Another plus is that the shari (sushi rice) is slightly large, so it is filling.

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The basic menu consists of course meals with All you can drink included. Between the nigiri sushi, they serve individual dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

The Appetizers assortment, grilled dishes, and everything else are seasoned in a way that pairs well with drinks.

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Sushi Gen Akasaka is a sushi restaurant located on the 2〜3 floors of a building, about a 3-minute walk from Akasaka Station.

The interior, designed around wood, has a calm atmosphere, and even though it is close to the station, you can enjoy the feel of a hidden old folk house. In addition to counter seats, a Private room is also available.

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Popular here is sushi made with maguro (tuna) sourced from the famous specialty tuna wholesaler Yamayuki and cut by skilled chefs. They offer a wide range of preparations, including sliced cuts, zuke (soy-marinated fish), and aburi (lightly seared). There is also a tasting menu for comparing different kinds.

It is said to have a strong umami taste and an irresistibly rich, smooth texture on the tongue.

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Orders are mainly course-based, and besides the standard option, you can choose from a short course, a special course, and others to suit the occasion.

The dishes other than sushi, including seafood and Wagyu, are said to use fresh, high-quality ingredients across the board, with a high level of quality.

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Sushi Koshikawa is a sushi restaurant on the second floor of a building, about a 2-minute walk from Akasaka Station, and it is by reservation only. The menu is simple, with only the Omakase course available to order.

This place is known for authentic sushi with careful attention to detail throughout, while the relaxed atmosphere also adds to its appeal.

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The ingredients are sourced from production regions where the character of each fish stands out. In addition, they use akazu (red vinegar) rice for richer flavored fish to bring out the umami, and shirozu (white vinegar) rice for lighter fish.

Reviews also say you can enjoy the differences in umami and the distinct character of each type of fish.

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The small dishes served between pieces of nigiri also sound delicious, bringing out the best in the ingredients. They also make great otsumami (small dishes for drinking) and are said to pair perfectly with alcohol.

The restaurant offers a wide range of alcoholic drinks, including Japanese sake, shochu, and wine.

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Sushi Nobumi is a sushi restaurant on the basement level of a building, right near Akasaka-mitsuke Station. Counter seating and Private room are available. It has a cozy layout and is popular, so reservations are recommended.

Both lunch and dinner are kept simple, with Omakase course menus only.

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The shari (seasoned sushi rice), made with Koshihikari rice from Niigata and seasoned with a carefully chosen blend including red vinegar, is said to have an excellent balance with (Each) topping.

It pairs especially well with tuna, whose rich, sticky texture and deep flavor make it especially good.

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The quality of the appetizer menu made with seasonal ingredients is also said to be high. Along with sashimi, the course includes a wide range of cooking styles such as tempura and grilled dishes, so you can enjoy it from start to finish without getting bored.

Not only does it taste great, but the simple yet somehow elegant assortment is also part of its appeal.

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Akasaka Sushi Aoi is a sushi restaurant on the second floor of a building, about a 2-minute walk from Akasaka Station. It has a calm atmosphere, with counter seating and Private room options.

The concept here is "a little of many things," making it a great fit when you want to try a range of appealing ingredients and enjoy a just-right sense of Manpuku.

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You can enjoy nigiri crafted by the owner, who devoted himself to Edomae-zushi (Tokyo-style sushi) and spent 15 years at a famous restaurant in Ginza.

They use high quality ingredients sourced through their own channels. Delicate hidden knife work on each topping brings out its flavor and texture, creating a more refined level of taste.

Among the many ingredients available, uni (sea urchin) is especially popular. It is said to have a sweet taste and be very good.

Not only can you enjoy it as sushi, but you can also compare murasaki uni (purple sea urchin) and bafun uni (short-spined sea urchin), which makes it irresistible for uni lovers.

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Sushi Matsumoto is a sushi restaurant on the third floor of a building, a 3-minute walk from Akasaka Station. It is said to offer a high-quality Japanese-style space, with counter seats made from Nara hinoki (Japanese cypress) and elegant, calm Private rooms.

Meals are by reservation only, and the only option is the Omakase course.

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They say you can enjoy classic Edomae-zushi (Tokyo-style sushi) here, the kind that may not be flashy but stays in your memory.

With thoughtful combinations of seasonings and yakumi (condiments), plus hidden knife work and other careful techniques, each ingredient is finished in a way that brings out its best, and many people seem impressed by the harmony between the toppings and the shari (sushi rice).

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The highly original menu is also popular.

In addition to sushi like the one in the photo, which pairs ebi (shrimp) fritto with uni (sea urchin), they also offer sushi combining ika (squid) with uni, as well as shari (sushi rice) served with caviar, all of which add to the luxurious appeal.

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Sushi Uogashi Nihonichi Akasaka Ten is an authentic Edomae-zushi (Tokyo-style sushi) restaurant located right near Akasaka-mitsuke Station. Counter seats, box seats, and fully private rooms are available.

In addition to sushi, they offer a wide range of à la carte dishes. They also have a strong alcohol selection, and the sommelier-selected wines are especially recommended for pairing with sushi.

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From standard nigiri sushi to California rolls, the restaurant offers a wide range of sushi. Their original aburi mayonnaise-style menu items are also popular.

With a nice balance of thick cuts of topping and slightly smaller shari (vinegared rice), you can really enjoy the good flavor of the fish.

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The colorful appetizer style menu items are also popular. The photo shows the "masu assortment two-tier jubako (tiered lacquered box)." In addition to sliced fish, it is topped with ikura (salmon roe) and egg, making it a bright and colorful dish.

They also have tempura and grilled dishes. They all seem like a great match for drinks.

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Sushi Umi no Michi is a sushi restaurant on the second floor of a building, just a 2-minute walk from Akasaka-mitsuke Station. You can enjoy dishes made with high quality ingredients in a relaxed setting.

The interior has a warm wooden feel and an inviting hideaway atmosphere, and in addition to counter seats, a Private room is also available.

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The sushi, made with quality ingredients, is well liked, starting with the neta (toppings for sushi) that the head chef personally goes to the market to pick out every day.

You can feel the care in every detail, from Iyahiko-mai (a Niigata brand rice) known for its strong umami to the nori (seaweed) sourced from a long established shop founded in 1894.

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You can also order premium ingredients like crab, sea urchin, and awabi (abalone).

They all pair well with drinks, and you can find your favorite pairing from the wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including Japanese sake, shochu, and wine.

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Sushi Rei is a sushi restaurant on the 5th floor of a building, about a 2-minute walk from Akasaka-mitsuke Station.

It is decorated with custom made original pieces, including tableware and interior decor, created by young Japanese creators who share the restaurant’s concept. The art gallery-like atmosphere is part of its appeal.

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The standard option is the seasonal Omakase course. You can enjoy delicate nigiri sushi centered on seasonal seafood, along with a wide variety of otsumami (small dishes).

The sushi toppings range from simple slices to zuke (marinated fish) and grilled items, and each one is said to bring out the best of the ingredients for an impressive taste.

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They put a lot of care into the drinks as well. Along with the meal, you can enjoy courses created together with pros in their fields, such as sakasho (sake experts) and sadoka (tea ceremony masters), and the glasses are also Special.

Because the thinness of the glass and the shape of the rim change how each drink tastes, they prepare glasses that suit each one.

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Sushi Matsui is a sushi restaurant on the 7th floor of a building, about a 2-minute walk from Akasaka Station. It has a luxurious feel while still being a place where you can relax.

You can choose counter seating, where you can enjoy your meal while watching the chefs at work, or a Private room, which is great for groups.

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You can enjoy seasonal neta (sushi toppings) prepared in ways that bring out the best in each one. The seafood is known for being consistently good, and you can tell it has been carefully prepared.

Along with course meals, you can also order "Okonomi" or "Omakase," which people like because they let you enjoy a wide range of neta with plenty of flexibility.

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The course also includes a full lineup of items beyond sushi, such as sakizuke (appetizers) and seasonal specialties. Both the quality and volume are highly satisfying, and they pair perfectly with the carefully selected drinks.

There are always six kinds of light, dry Japanese sake that suit the season.

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Umai Sushikan Akasaka Ten is a sushi restaurant located on the first basement floor of a building near Akasaka Sacas, a 3-minute walk from Akasaka Station. In addition to the long row of counter seats, Sunken kotatsu seating and fully private rooms are also available.

It has a good reputation for serving casual yet high-quality food.

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You can enjoy fish that the procurement team buys directly at the markets in Sendai, Ishinomaki, and Toyosu. The toppings are not only delicious, but also thick cut and satisfying to eat.

In addition, they use Domestic rice and vinegar, and you can choose from two kinds of soy sauce. You can really feel their commitment to good taste.

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They also offer a full range of side dishes, including tempura and ara-jiru (fish head soup).

Set menus are a nice option when you want to enjoy a well-balanced meal with sushi. They have a wide range, from light options to hearty ones.

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Okuakasaka Sushi Awashi is a sushi restaurant tucked away a 7-minute walk from Akasaka Station. This calm restaurant is by reservation only and has a cozy interior with just 8 counter seats.

From the sushi to the a la carte dishes and even the Japanese sake served with them, everything is said to be of high quality.

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The concept behind the sushi here, made with high quality seafood shipped directly from the production region, is “flavors that stay in your memory.” With the restaurant’s own aging techniques, you can discover new kinds of great taste in maguro (tuna) and hikari-mono (silver skinned fish).

The balance with the shari (sushi rice), which gently falls apart in your mouth, is also well liked.

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One of the big highlights of this restaurant is the matcha and sweets served after the sushi course. You can also move to a calm chashitsu (tea room) to enjoy them, and people say the atmosphere is excellent.

What is more, the tea sweets are Homemade by the restaurant as well.

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This sushi restaurant is a 1-minute walk from Akasaka-mitsuke Station. The stylish interior has a Japanese modern feel, with 65 seats in total, making it fairly spacious.

Not only is the food menu extensive, but the alcohol selection, including sours, is also well stocked. You can also order All you can drink tabletop highballs.

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This place features Edomae-zushi (Tokyo-style sushi) crafted with techniques such as yubimo-shitate (lightly blanched surface finish), aburi (seared), and kombu-jime (cured with kombu kelp).

They offer not only A la carte items but also bright assortments like the one in the photo, so you can enjoy a range of toppings and preparation styles. Each one is said to bring out its own appeal, from umami to texture.

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All the maguro (bluefin tuna) served at this restaurant is hon-maguro (bluefin tuna). They source it from an intermediate wholesaler in Toyosu with 80 years of history.

The rich, dense flesh with its deep flavor is said to be delicious not only as sushi or sashimi, but also grilled or fried.

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Akasaka Kazuhisa is a sushi restaurant on the second floor of a building, about a 1-minute walk from Akasaka Station. With a concept of being “a place you’ll want to stop by casually,” it offers authentic sushi in a relaxed, comfortable setting.

In addition to counter seats, Private room are also available.

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This restaurant has a great reputation for its seafood sourcing. They are said to stock a full range of appealing seasonal ingredients.

On top of that, you can enjoy dishes prepared with a strong focus on Edomae (traditional Tokyo-style sushi) techniques that take time to bring out the fish's full flavor, from knife work and sujime (vinegar curing) to the amount of soy sauce used.

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The a la carte dishes are also said to be high quality, from bright and elegant sakizuke (appetizers) to deeply nourishing wanmono (soup dishes).

Among them, the restaurant especially recommends its authentic grilled dishes cooked over charcoal. Their crispy and juicy texture and toasty aroma are said to whet the appetite.

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Sushi Himitsu is about an 8-minute walk from Akasaka Station. This sushi restaurant stands in a quiet residential area of Akasaka.

This small restaurant has only 8 counter seats, giving it a hideaway feel. The chic interior, with a striking bonsai (miniature tree), is also well liked.

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The sushi toppings are fresh and change depending on what is available that day. Even regulars can enjoy a fresh experience each time.

The shari (sushi rice) is made with the restaurant's own blend of rice cooked in a hagama (traditional iron pot), then finished with akazu (red vinegar), a classic Edomae-zushi touch. People praise the way it comes together with the toppings and its good balance.

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They also serve sakana (small dishes to go with alcohol) that show careful preparation, so it is also a great place when you want to enjoy a drink. The owner is also knowledgeable about Japanese sake and wine, and seems happy to recommend a glass that matches your taste or your food.

You can also add a pairing to the course centered on à la carte dishes.