When you visit Japan, a must-try culinary experience is omakase sushi.
Especially in the Shinjuku area, there are numerous high-end sushi restaurants where you can savor the finest sushi made from fresh ingredients and prepared with masterful skills.
In this article, I’ll introduce some of the top omakase sushi spots in Shinjuku, highlighting the unique features of each restaurant and the exceptional cultural experience they offer through sushi.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready for a memorable sushi experience in Shinjuku.
What is Omakase Sushi in Shinjuku?
Omakase means “I’ll leave it up to you” in Japanese.
When you order omakase at a sushi restaurant, the chef prepares a selection of sushi for you, choosing the best seasonal ingredients and presenting them in the most delicious way possible.
The chef’s skill shines not only in how they select and prepare the ingredients, but also in the perfect balance between the neta (fish) and the shari (vinegared rice).
While Shinjuku is a bustling tourist hub, these top-tier sushi restaurants offer a serene and luxurious dining experience.
Enjoying omakase sushi in the heart of Shinjuku is a great way to connect with Japanese culture on a deeper level.
Yurakucho Kakida
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Located on the 19th floor of the Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower in Shinjuku, “Yurakucho Kakida” is the perfect place to enjoy a special evening.
Featuring luxurious sushi made from premium ingredients like bluefin tuna, sea urchin, and salmon roe sourced from Toyosu Market, the offerings here are nothing short of extravagant.
Owner-chef Kakida carefully selects each ingredient, ensuring that the sushi is not only flavorful but visually stunning as well.
With the “Supreme Omakase Course”, diners can enjoy unlimited sushi refills and savor the best of Japan’s ocean bounty.
Dining with a view of the city lights makes it an ideal spot for a date.
Sushi and Japanese Cuisine Shinjuku Yonegami
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“Sushi and Japanese Cuisine Shinjuku Yonegami” offers a unique fusion of traditional Edo-mae sushi and kaiseki (Japanese multi-course) dining.
The seasonal ingredients used in their course meals allow guests to experience the finest flavors of Japan’s ever-changing seasons.
Sitting at the counter, you can watch as the chef prepares each piece of sushi right before your eyes, providing a live, immersive dining experience.
The attention to detail in both the taste and presentation of the dishes is truly an art form.
The elegant and relaxing atmosphere makes this a perfect venue for business meetings or celebrating special occasions.
Shinjuku Sushi Yokota
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“Shinjuku Sushi Yokota” is a high-end restaurant where you can enjoy both sushi and tempura.
As a sister restaurant of “Tempura Yokota”, which has been featured in the Michelin guide for eight consecutive years, this spot is known for its perfectly crispy tempura and delicate sushi.
The restaurant takes pride in its use of seasonal ingredients, which are prepared to look as beautiful as they taste.
With a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere and warm hospitality, this is a place where you can unwind while enjoying a top-tier dining experience.
Sushi Su
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“Sushi Su” is a hidden gem in Shinjuku that serves simple yet exquisite Edo-mae sushi.
The minimalist space, with just 12 counter seats, offers an intimate setting where you can watch the chef work his magic right in front of you.
The balance of red vinegar-seasoned rice and fresh fish is exceptional, and premium ingredients like sea urchin and tuna are elevated to new heights.
Paired with carefully selected sake, the sushi here offers a refined yet approachable dining experience, perfect for both sushi beginners and seasoned connoisseurs.
The beautiful Edo-style cut glass used for serving sake adds an extra layer of sophistication to your meal.
Otaru Masazushi Shinjuku
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“Otaru Masazushi Shinjuku” brings the flavors of Hokkaido to the heart of Tokyo.
Known for its fresh ingredients sourced directly from Hokkaido, the restaurant boasts specialties such as live botan shrimp, bafun sea urchin, and kinmedai (splendid alfonsino).
The spacious interior features counter seating where you can watch the sushi chefs in action, as well as private rooms perfect for intimate gatherings or business dinners.
Their seasonal omakase course highlights the best ingredients at the time of the year you visit, and you’ll be treated to a luxurious yet laid-back dining experience.
Conclusion
The ultimate omakase sushi experience in the Shinjuku area is more than just a meal.
It’s a journey across Japanese culture, craftsmanship, and the bounty of the seasons.
Each restaurant offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, allowing diners to fully immerse themselves in the flavors and spirit of Japan.
Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable dinner date or a serene escape from the bustling streets of Shinjuku, these omakase spots will leave you with memories as rich and nuanced as the sushi itself.
On your next trip to Japan, make sure to add one of these incredible sushi experiences to your itinerary.
You won’t regret it!