Hello, sushi lovers!
I'm a foreign writer living in Japan and I'm excited to share with you the ultimate sushi experience in Ikebukuro.
In this article, we'll introduce five must-visit sushi restaurants in Ikebukuro.
We’ll give you details on each restaurant's unique charm and features and useful information for your travel plans.
By reading this, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Ikebukuro's sushi culture to make your next trip to Japan even more fulfilling.
The Allure of Ikebukuro and Edo-mae Sushi
Ikebukuro is one of Tokyo's major commercial areas and packed with shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.
This area is home to many popular sushi restaurants, favored by both tourists and locals.
In particular, Edo-mae sushi, known for being prepared with fresh seafood and seasoned techniques, is a traditional sushi style that is highly regarded in Japanese cuisine.
Without further ado, let's dive into the top recommended sushi restaurants in Ikebukuro!
Sushi Tofuro Ikebukuro East Exit
(Source:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1305/A130501/13025488/dtlphotolst/?smp=2&sby=D&srt=normal&mode=owner)
"Sushi Tofuro Ikebukuro East Exit" is a Japanese-style izakaya located just a few minutes' walk from Ikebukuro Station.
They offer sushi and seafood dishes made with fresh, directly-sourced ingredients.
The interior has a warm atmosphere that’s reminiscent of a townscape in the Edo period and there is a variety of seating options, including counter seats, recessed kotatsu seats, and private rooms.
It's perfect for dates, girls' nights out, family gatherings, and company parties.
This restaurant is known for its authentic Edo-mae sushi made with red vinegar-seasoned rice ("akazushi") and healthy tempura fried in rice oil.
Additionally, their homemade soba made with buckwheat flour from Hokkaido is popular among customers for its flavor and texture.
The dishes are meticulously prepared by the chefs using fresh seafood and vegetables sourced from across Japan.
The restaurant also has a variety of banquet plans, including all-you-can-drink courses and options for extended reservation hours, including for daytime class reunions and farewell parties.
Private rooms can accommodate from 2 to 60 people, providing a relaxing space to enjoy your meal.
A wide selection of sake and wine is also available that perfectly complement the dishes.
Sushi Wa Ikebukuro
(Source:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1305/A130501/13036573/dtlphotolst/?smp=2&sby=D&srt=normal&mode=owner&PG=2)
“Sushi Wa Ikebukuro" is a long-standing sushi izakaya located a few minutes' walk from Ikebukuro Station and boasts a 33-year history.
The interior has a casual yet tranquil Japanese ambience, featuring counter seats, table seats, and recessed kotatsu seats.
Seasoned chefs use fresh seafood directly sourced from Toyosu Market and Toyama Prefecture and prepare each dish with great care.
This restaurant's highlights include authentic Edo-mae sushi made with red vinegar-seasoned rice, healthy tempura fried in rice oil, and homemade soba made with Hokkaido buckwheat flour.
Popular dishes include seasonal nigiri sushi, sashimi, and robatayaki (charcoal-grilled dishes).
The drink menu is also extensive, with a variety of sake and shochu that pair well with the food.
The restaurant has a variety of banquet plans, including anniversary courses and all-you-can-drink options, for special occasions and large gatherings.
Private rooms for 2 to 16 people are available, providing a cozy space for your meal.
They also offer delivery and takeout services, so you can enjoy their dishes at home.
With a smoke-free environment and thorough hygiene management, you can enjoy your meal with peace of mind.
Whether it's a date, a family outing, or a gathering with friends, this is a recommended sushi restaurant for various occasions.
Sushi Chaya Momotaro Ikebukuro West Exit
(Source:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1305/A130501/13027945/dtlphotolst/?mode=owner&smp=2)
"Sushi Chaya Momotaro Ikebukuro West Exit" is a sushi izakaya located a 5-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station.
The interior exudes a Japanese ambience, featuring counter seats, table seats, and private rooms, making it suitable for meals with friends and family or parties.
Private rooms can accommodate up to 20 people and are ideal for large gatherings.
The restaurant specializes in authentic sushi and a variety of dishes made with fresh seafood sourced directly from Toyosu Market.
The sushi, prepared by skilled chefs, perfectly balances the fresh ingredients and seasoned rice, and the fan-shaped presentation also makes it visually appealing.
Additionally, they offer daily specials on sushi, such as a 30% discount on tuna and medium fatty tuna on Mondays.
The banquet courses are also extensive, from seafood courses to wagyu beef courses and dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
Discount coupons are also available for these courses, as well as a 2-hour all-you-can-drink option, which includes a variety of sake, shochu, and wine.
This restaurant is perfect for savoring delicious sushi and dishes in a chic and relaxed atmosphere.
It’s an ideal spot for business meetings, anniversaries, and special occasions, and since it’s open late into the night, you can enjoy a leisurely meal even as the evening winds down.
THE SUSHI TOKYO SHUN
(Source:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1305/A130501/13294312/dtlphotolst/?mode=owner&smp=2)
"THE SUSHI TOKYO SHUN" is a high-end sushi restaurant located a few minutes' walk from Ikebukuro Station, where Japanese tradition and artistry merge.
The interior is chic and relaxed, with 14 counter seats and four fully private rooms for 2 or more guests.
The counter seats allow you to enjoy a live performance of the chefs making sushi right in front of you, while the private rooms offer a secluded space for dates, business meetings, and special occasions.
This restaurant features an omakase (chef's choice) course fully reflecting the head chef's meticulous attention to detail, from ingredient selection to preparation.
For both lunch and dinner, they only offer omakase courses, which allow you to enjoy seasonal nigiri sushi and a variety of dishes.
The fresh ingredients and well-balanced sushi rice, along with attention to detail such as fish aging, ginger, and wasabi, are the highlights here.
The extensive selection of sake and wine goes wonderfully with the dishes and includes carefully selected sake and local spirits from across Japan that pair delightfully with sushi.
The restaurant also accepts private bookings for company parties and wedding after-parties and accommodates large groups.
The restaurant is entirely smoke-free and children are welcome, although only adult-portion courses are offered.
With a luxurious atmosphere and attentive service, this is a sushi restaurant where you’re sure to have a special time.
Sushi Ginza Fukusuke Sunshine 60
(Source:https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1305/A130501/13097204/dtlphotolst/?smp=2&sby=D&srt=normal&mode=owner&PG=2)
"Sushi Ginza Fukusuke Sunshine 60" is a high-end sushi restaurant located on the 59th floor of Sunshine 60 in Ikebukuro.
From its stunning location, you can enjoy meals with a breathtaking view 220 meters above ground.
The interior has counter seats, table seats, and private rooms, making it suitable for business meetings, anniversaries, and dates.
The restaurant features authentic Edo-mae sushi made with fresh seafood directly sourced from Tsukiji.
With a history dating back to 1960, this fish wholesaler-owned restaurant offers a rich variety of ingredients expertly prepared and offers both nigiri sushi and sashimi.
Popular set menus such as the "Yuraku Course" and "Eiraku Course" feature a wide range of seasonal dishes.
At the counter seats, you can enjoy watching the chefs' skills up close while savoring nigiri sushi.
The window seats offer a panoramic view of the beautiful nightscape for a special dining experience.
Private rooms for up to 8 people are available, offering a comfortable space for dining.
The extensive drink menu includes a variety of sake and wine.
They also have all-you-can-drink plans, allowing you to enjoy the perfect pairing with your meal.
The entire restaurant is smoke-free and child-friendly, and have children's menus and high chairs.
"Sushi Ginza Fukusuke Sunshine 60" is a hidden gem for adults to enjoy authentic sushi while taking in thespectacular view.
Conclusion
What did you think?
We introduced five exquisite sushi restaurants in Ikebukuro.
Were you able to get a sense of the unique charm and dedication of each restaurant?
By visiting these establishments, you’ll experience the depth and deliciousness of Ikebukuro's sushi culture and have an unforgettable time.
During your trip to Japan, be sure to enjoy exquisite sushi in Ikebukuro.
May your journey be wonderful!
We hope this helps in arranging your travel plans.
Have a great trip!