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5 Must-Try OMAKASE Sushi Restaurants by Chefs Trained at Ginza’s Renowned Kyubey

April 18, 2025

Imagine sitting at a quiet counter, the scent of fresh wasabi in the air, as a master chef places a perfectly crafted piece of sushi before you—no menu, no choices, just trust. That’s the magic of OMAKASE.
This uniquely Japanese dining experience has become a global obsession, where guests leave the entire menu in the hands of the chef, who curates each course based on the day's freshest ingredients and your personal reactions. There is no fixed menu—each piece is carefully crafted and presented like a performance. With every bite, diners are immersed in a sensory journey that can only be experienced in that very moment. This is the true charm of OMAKASE.

One of the most iconic places to enjoy OMAKASE culture is Tokyo’s Ginza district. Among the many legendary establishments, Ginza Kyubey, founded in 1935, stands out as a culinary institution that has welcomed countless celebrities and international dignitaries. Known for its refined Edomae techniques and forward-thinking creativity, Kyubey is more than just a sushi restaurant—it's a symbol of excellence that has shaped Japanese sushi culture for generations. Many aspiring chefs have trained here, honing their skills under the guidance of master craftsmen.

Today, chefs who trained at Ginza Kyubey have opened their own restaurants across Japan, sharing new interpretations of OMAKASE while staying true to the traditions passed down from their mentor. Each dish they serve reflects the spirit of Kyubey as well as their own personal vision. In this article, we’ve carefully selected five must-visit OMAKASE sushi restaurants in Tokyo, each led by a master chef who embodies both heritage and innovation. These spots promise to turn your Tokyo journey into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Ready to discover the next level of sushi in Tokyo?

  1. Sushi Kiyoshi / 鮨 きよし(銀座、東京)
  2. Sushi Ryusuke / 鮨 竜介(銀座、東京)
  3. Makarisushi / まかり鮨(新宿御苑前、東京)
  4. Ginza Kurosu / 銀座 くろ寿(銀座、東京)
  5. Sushi Kato / 鮨 かとう(乃木坂、東京)

Top 5 Omakase Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo by Chefs Trained at Ginza Kyubey

Discover five outstanding omakase sushi restaurants in Tokyo, each led by a master chef who honed their craft at the legendary Ginza Kyubey.

1. Sushi Kiyoshi / 鮨 きよし

Tokyo, Ginza
☆4.3 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1296

Features

Enjoy traditional Edomae-style sushi crafted by a master chef who trained for a quarter of a century at Ginza Kyubey.

  • Just a 2-minute walk from Ginza Station.
  • Experience the artistry of sushi created by a chef with approximately 25 years of training at Ginza Kyubey, engaging all five senses.
  • Ingredients are carefully selected from Toyosu Market and other regions across Japan.
  • Three types of sushi rice (shari) are prepared to perfectly complement each type of topping (neta).
  • Seasonal sake, handpicked by the chef who is a certified sake sommelier (kikisake-shi), is available to pair with sushi and small bites.
  • Enjoy premium sake served in exquisite Edo Kiriko cut glass, a traditional Japanese craft.
The chef slicing fish
Sea urchin nigiri
Sophisticated interior view
Served one piece at a time
Fatty tuna (ōtoro) nigiri
Exterior view of the restaurant

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2. Sushi Ryusuke / 鮨 竜介

Tokyo, Ginza
☆4.2 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1071

Features

Savor “fun sushi” by a master chef trained at Ginza Kyubey and other top sushi establishments.

  • A 9-minute walk from Ginza Station.
  • A seasoned chef with years of training at Ginza Kyubey and further refinement at other sushi restaurants.
  • The concept is “fun sushi” — offering a fresh twist on the traditional sushi experience.
  • Unique ingredients rarely seen in sushi restaurants, such as truffles and caviar, are incorporated.
  • Red vinegar and white vinegar sushi rice are used selectively to best match top-grade ingredients sourced from all over Japan.
  • Relax at the counter, beautifully crafted from a single slab of Japanese cypress wood.
The chef preparing sushi
Tuna nigiri
Shrimp nigiri
Bright and airy interior space
Fatty tuna (ōtoro) nigiri
Nameplate at the entrance

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3. Makarisushi / まかり鮨

Tokyo, Shinjuku-Gyoenmae
☆5.0 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1241

Features

Indulge in authentic sushi infused with the passion and precision of a chef who trained 10 years at Ginza Kyubey.

  • Just a 3-minute walk from Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station.
  • Skillfully prepared sushi by a chef who honed his craft over 10 years at Ginza Kyubey.
  • The chef visits Toyosu Market each morning to handpick the freshest seasonal fish.
  • Enjoy expertly crafted nigiri and seafood dishes made from seasonal ingredients and refined techniques.
  • Sushi rice is adjusted by type—red vinegar rice for fatty fish, white rice for silver-skinned varieties.
  • An extensive selection of premium sake sourced from across Japan is also available.
Ōtoro, chūtoro, and akami (different cuts of tuna)
Interior view of the restaurant
A variety of nigiri sushi
Various parts of tuna
An assortment of sushi toppings
Exterior of the shop

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4. Ginza Kurosu / 銀座 くろ寿

Tokyo, Ginza
☆4.6 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1033

Features

Taste the craftsmanship of a master chef who trained at Ginza Kyubey.

  • Just a 3-minute walk from Ginza Station.
  • A chef who trained at Ginza Kyubey and has polished his skills at various Japanese restaurants and sushi counters.
  • A hidden gem for true sushi lovers.
  • Carefully selected seafood sourced from Toyosu Market.
  • Highlights include the rich umami of sea bream and blackthroat seaperch nigiri.
  • A curated selection of 20 to 25 varieties of sake to pair perfectly with your sushi.
Homey interior atmosphere
Fatty tuna (ōtoro) nigiri
Gizzard shad (kohada) nigiri
Shrimp nigiri
Private room view

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5. Sushi Kato / 鮨 かとう

Tokyo, Nogizaka
☆4.2 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1057

Features

Seasonal sushi crafted by a master chef trained at Ginza Kyubey.

  • A 5-minute walk from Nogizaka Station.
  • Sushi prepared with delicate skill by a chef who trained at Ginza Kyubey.
  • Every morning, the chef personally visits the market to select the finest ingredients, drawing from years of experience.
  • Enjoy the peak flavors of each season with high-quality, seasonal toppings.
  • A hidden oasis located away from the city's hustle and bustle.
  • No time limits—relax and enjoy your meal at your own pace.
The chef making sushi
Spotless interior
Fatty tuna (ōtoro) nigiri
A selection of exquisite nigiri
Storefront view

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Conclusion

OMAKASE sushi is more than just a meal—it's an immersive experience that combines artistry, storytelling, and connection between chef and guest. Especially when prepared by chefs trained at the legendary Ginza Kyubey, each piece becomes a masterful expression of skill, creativity, and carefully selected ingredients.

  • The Tokyo-based OMAKASE sushi restaurants featured in this article are truly worth visiting right now.
  • Each chef carries on the proven techniques and deep philosophy of Ginza Kyubey
  • You’ll experience world-class attention to detail in ingredients, preparation, and ambiance
  • Though reservations may be hard to get, the experience is undeniably worth it

Every restaurant offers a dining experience so refined and memorable that it goes far beyond simple satisfaction. From the moment the first piece touches your tongue, you’ll understand that this is not just sushi—it’s something far more profound.
Whether you're planning your first trip to Japan or returning to uncover more hidden gems, these OMAKASE restaurants will elevate your Tokyo journey—and create unforgettable moments you’ll savor long after the last bite. Because when it comes to sushi, the most unforgettable stories are the ones you can taste—and remember forever.


 

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