Michelin-Recognized OMAKASE in Tokyo: A Must-Try Guide for Sushi Lovers
December 26, 2025
Tokyo: The City with the Most Michelin Stars in the World
Tokyo holds the record for the most Michelin-starred restaurants of any city worldwide. Since surpassing Paris in the 2008 edition of the Michelin Guide, Tokyo has maintained its No. 1 ranking for 16 consecutive years.
Among its celebrated culinary offerings, sushi stands out as the ultimate fusion of Japanese tradition and innovation, highly regarded both domestically and internationally. Sushi restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide offer exquisite craftsmanship and the finest ingredients, making them well worth a visit.
This guide introduces Michelin-recognized sushi restaurants in Tokyo while also explaining what the Michelin Guide is, why Japanese sushi culture is so highly valued, and the significance of Michelin stars and Michelin Selected restaurants.
What Is Michelin?
The Michelin Guide is a prestigious restaurant rating system published by the French tire manufacturer Michelin. First released in the early 1900s, it evaluates restaurants worldwide using anonymous inspectors who apply rigorous criteria. Simply being included in the guide is a mark of high quality, while the star ratings indicate excellence in cuisine, service, and technique.
Why Is Japanese Sushi Culture Recognized by Michelin?
A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
Traditional Techniques: Sushi, particularly Edo-style sushi, is rooted in centuries-old culinary traditions and expert craftsmanship. When combined with meticulously selected fresh ingredients, these techniques create an unparalleled dining experience.
Modern Sensibilities: Many sushi establishments honor tradition while incorporating contemporary ingredients and techniques, appealing to a broad range of diners.
Meticulous Ingredient Selection and Quality Control
Carefully Sourced Ingredients: Michelin inspectors recognize the premium-quality seafood and rice sourced directly from places like Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Toyosu Market.
Consistently High Standards: The Michelin Guide's rigorous annual evaluations ensure that restaurants maintain exceptional quality year after year.
The Challenge of Earning a Michelin Star
Receiving a Michelin star signifies that a restaurant serves "exceptionally good food in its category," but achieving this distinction is extremely difficult.
Strict Evaluation Criteria: Inspectors visit restaurants multiple times anonymously, assessing food quality, technique, service, and atmosphere from various perspectives.
Fierce Competition: With thousands of restaurants worldwide aiming for Michelin stars, only a select few are awarded.
Maintaining Excellence: Even after earning a star, restaurants must continuously uphold their standards, as Michelin updates its evaluations annually, and there is always a risk of losing a star.
What Is Michelin Selected?
The term "Michelin Selected" refers to restaurants that meet Michelin’s high standards but do not receive a star.
Significance of the Recognition: While not awarded a star, Michelin Selected restaurants are still recognized for their exceptional quality and receive a badge of distinction.
Selection Process: These restaurants undergo the same stringent evaluations as starred establishments, and if inspectors deem them outstanding, they are featured in the guide under "Selected" or "Recommended" categories.
Top 5 Michelin-Recognized Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo
Here are five OMAKASE-style sushi restaurants in Tokyo that have been featured in the Michelin Guide.
Jizozushi / 地蔵鮓
Sushi Takumi Tatsuhiro / すし 匠 達広
Sushi Miura / 鮨 みうら
Sushi Marufuku / 鮨 まるふく
Sushi Shin / 鮨 真
1. Jizozushi / 地蔵鮓
Tokyo, Meguro ☆4.4 (Google Maps)
Enjoy Authentic Edomae Sushi Crafted by Skilled Artisans
At this Michelin one-star hidden sushi restaurant, skilled chefs use carefully selected ingredients from Toyosu every morning and prepare sushi meticulously using traditional Edomae techniques. The red vinegar-seasoned rice (shari) is cooked in a special kamado, with a subtle sweetness that harmonizes perfectly with the toppings. The menu includes items that evoke a sense of time, such as simmered scallops recreating Showa-era sushi and seaweed rolls with shrimp. Sushi served at the wooden counter can be enjoyed in a quiet space where Japanese and Western elements blend. This is a perfect place for sushi connoisseurs who value authenticity over trends.
A Seasonal OMAKASE Experience Where Tradition Meets Innovation
At this Michelin-listed sushi restaurant tucked away in a quiet back alley, you can enjoy a creative OMAKASE course that brings out the best of seasonal ingredients. The chef carefully prepares each piece of sushi in front of you, combining tradition with innovation. There is relentless attention to freshness and cooking techniques, offering a unique surprise with every visit. The sushi presents different expressions at lunch and dinner, promising a memorable dining experience. This high-quality cuisine appeals to both OMAKASE beginners and seasoned diners.
A Michelin-Listed Sushi OMAKASE Breathing the Aesthetics of Japanese Cuisine
The chef, who trained for 13 years at a three-Michelin-star Kyoto restaurant, offers a unique OMAKASE that incorporates the spirit of Japanese cuisine and seasonal nuances. Each piece served in the quiet space in Akasaka is filled with respect for Japanese culinary techniques and ingredients. Sushi and small dishes featuring the aromas of seasonings like sweetfish and kinome leaves stimulate the senses. The artistic vessels and presentation embody the aesthetics of Japanese cuisine. This Michelin-featured chef is highly regarded by guests from abroad as well.
This Michelin-listed sushi restaurant shines with techniques that carefully age fish for one to four weeks to maximize their natural umami. Each piece, crafted without sparing time or effort, offers an unprecedented depth of flavor. It uses rare seafood sourced from across Japan, with seasonal variations to enjoy. Pairing with sake is also a highlight, inspiring awe in the taste design that finishes in your mouth. This special dining experience stands apart from everyday sushi.
A Hidden Gem in Nishi-Azabu Pursuing the Essence of Edomae
This Michelin-listed sushi restaurant has expert chefs who daily assess the condition of fish to serve the best pieces. The balance of beautifully marbled Bluefin tuna, akin to wagyu, and red vinegar-seasoned rice is exquisite. The OMAKASE, prepared using Edomae techniques and careful movements, allows diners to savor Japan’s seasons and craftsmanship through all five senses. In a refined atmosphere, the sushi is served with a pronounced umami and lingering finish. Here lies a highly completed sushi experience that even connoisseurs admire.
Price: ¥43,500~(High-end)
Type: Authentic
Business Hours: 12:00~13:30, 18:00~23:00
Regular Holiday: Monday
Feature: Child-Friendly, English menu, Chinese (simplified) menu, Michelin, Highly renowned restaurant
Being featured in the Michelin Guide is the ultimate recognition for a restaurant. Sushi establishments in particular are consistently highly rated for their mastery of tradition and innovative approaches.
Earning a Michelin Star: Extremely challenging, requiring restaurants to maintain exceptional quality at all times.
Michelin Selected: While not awarded a star, these restaurants are officially recommended by Michelin for their excellence.
If you're looking for an exceptional sushi experience in Tokyo, consider visiting the restaurants featured in this guide. Each one offers exquisite sushi crafted with expert techniques and carefully selected ingredients, promising an unforgettable gourmet experience.
