For tourists visiting Japan, the “OMAKASE” sushi experience is a quintessential part of the country’s rich culinary culture you shouldn’t miss.
OMAKASE allows sushi chefs to craft a personalized meal for you, using the freshest and finest ingredients of the day.
In this article, we introduce some of the best OMAKASE sushi restaurants in the Ginza area.
Step into these luxurious spaces, where master chefs create sushi masterpieces, and enjoy an unforgettable dining experience.
What is OMAKASE?
OMAKASE has the meaning of “to entrust” in Japanese and refers to a dining style where you leave the meal entirely in the hands of the chef.
In OMAKASE sushi, the chef selects the finest ingredients of the day, preparing sushi and small dishes that highlight the season’s best offerings.
As the home of Edomae sushi, Ginza boasts numerous top-tier sushi restaurants, many of which provide exceptional OMAKASE experiences.
1. Sushi Yuu Ginza
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“Sushi Yuu Ginza” relocated to Ginza from Roppongi in 2023 and has quickly become a neighborhood favorite.
The restaurant features a main counter with 9 seats, a separate counter with 6 seats, and private rooms for parties of 2 or more, making it the perfect place for an intimate OMAKASE experience.
Chef Osamu Ozaki’s OMAKASE course includes a carefully curated selection of seasonal ingredients, with small dishes and sushi that change depending on the day.
Each piece of sushi showcases the freshness and aging of the ingredients.
The 27,500 yen (tax included) course will take around two hours and means you’ll have a relaxing dining experience.
The restaurant also offers an excellent selection of wine and sake, and their pairing options are a great way to enhance and harmonize the taste of the food with a drink.
2. Sushi Kadowaki
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Located in a prime spot in Ginza, “Sushi Kadowaki” offers a unique Edomae sushi experience that engages all five senses.
The restaurant specializes in “aging” techniques, which bring out deeper flavors from the fish, allowing you to savor the rich-tasting fat and umami with each bite.
The interior features a stunning hinoki (Japanese cypress) counter to deliver a contemporary and sensory dining experience.
Using fresh seafood sourced directly from places like Kyushu and the Goto Islands, the chefs craft sushi right before your eyes.
The OMAKASE course is paired with a selection of premium sake and wine, offering a sublime balance of top-quality ingredients and drinks.
3. Ginza Sushi Yuu
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Tucked away in central Ginza, “Ginza Sushi Yuu” is a hidden gem that specializes in Edomae sushi.
The restaurant has a warm, wood-toned counter and offers a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere perfect for savoring fine sushi.
Chef Seiki Aritou carefully selects seasonal seafood, with a focus on top-quality tuna sourced from the renowned supplier, “Yama Yuki”.
The OMAKASE course, featuring 12 pieces of sushi, is a popular choice among customers, and the relatively affordable lunch OMAKASE makes this a great option for those looking to try Ginza’s high-end sushi without breaking the bank.
Each visit will deliver a fresh and delightful culinary experience.
4. Sushi Fujioka
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Opened in 2023, “Sushi Fujioka” is a newcomer to Ginza’s high-end sushi scene, but it’s quickly gaining a reputation for its relaxing atmosphere and innovative take on OMAKASE. Helmed by Chef Kousei Fujioka, the restaurant blends the traditions of Edomae sushi with his own creative flair, offering a fresh take on seasonal ingredients.
The rice is a specially selected variety of Kochi Prefecture, accented with a custom blend of red and rice vinegar for the sushi.
The chef adjusts the temperature of the rice to match the fish, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced.
With an impressive selection of sake, wine, and premium tea, “Sushi Fujioka” delivers a truly indulgent OMAKASE experience.
5. Sushi Kageyama
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Located just outside of Ginza in Shimbashi, “Sushi Kageyama” is a hidden Edomae sushi gem.
Chef Nobutoshi Kageyama, who trained for a decade at the Michelin-starred Sushi Aoki, offers an OMAKASE experience that balances tradition with personal creativity.
At the counter, you can watch as Chef Kageyama meticulously prepares each piece of sushi right in front of you.
Using only the finest seasonal seafood, his sushi and small dishes capture the essence of each ingredient.
The OMAKASE course is ideal for special occasions or business dinners, offering a refined and memorable dining experience with each visit.
Conclusion
Experiencing OMAKASE sushi in Ginza is an opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Japan’s most cherished culinary traditions.
Each of these restaurants offers not only the finest ingredients and craftsmanship but also a serene, luxurious environment where you can savor each bite.
On your next trip to Japan, be sure to visit one of these outstanding OMAKASE sushi restaurants and indulge in a truly unforgettable gastronomic journey.