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Too Good to Miss at Lunch! 6 Must-Try OMAKASE Sushi Spots in Tokyo Offering Exceptional Value

April 25, 2025

"OMAKASE, please." — With this simple phrase begins one of Japan’s most distinctive dining experiences. Rather than choosing from a menu, guests entrust the chef to craft a course meal using the freshest ingredients of the day and their culinary intuition. This results in a once-in-a-lifetime experience, where each piece of sushi, prepared with precision and served at the perfect moment, offers a sensory journey beyond words.

And when it comes to enjoying OMAKASE-style sushi, there’s no better place than Tokyo—a global gastronomic capital. From Michelin-starred establishments in Ginza and Akasaka to hidden gems in Ebisu known only to locals, the city is home to countless sushi counters where tradition and innovation meet. Each restaurant has its own personality, and watching a seasoned sushi master at work just inches away is an unforgettable part of the Tokyo dining experience.

What many travelers don’t realize, however, is that there’s a smart way to enjoy OMAKASE without breaking the bank—lunchtime. Many of Tokyo’s most prestigious sushi restaurants open their doors at lunchtime to offer the same exquisite OMAKASE experience—often at a fraction of the dinner price, yet with every bit of the magic intact. Some even provide exquisite courses for under ¥10,000. In this article, we introduce five handpicked Tokyo restaurants where you can indulge in high-quality OMAKASE sushi at lunchtime for exceptional value. If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, don’t miss the chance to treat yourself to this luxurious and memorable culinary experience.

Let's Go!

  1. Sushi Oikawa / 鮨 及川(新宿、東京)
  2. Sushi Tenkawa / 鮨 天川(恵比寿、東京)
  3. Karin / 華林(両国、東京)
  4. Kagurazaka Sushi Yasaka Bettei / 神楽坂 鮨 弥栄 別邸(神楽坂、東京)
  5. Sushi Oshima / 鮨 大嶋(麻布十番、東京)
  6. Sushi Nakagawa / 鮨 なかがわ(錦糸町、東京)

6 Must-Try OMAKASE Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo for an Unbeatable Lunch Experience

Here are six handpicked OMAKASE sushi restaurants in Tokyo where you can enjoy exceptional quality at lunch for an outstanding value!

1. Sushi Oikawa / 鮨 及川

Tokyo, Shinjuku
☆4.9(Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1141

Features

Enjoy a value-packed OMAKASE lunch in a cozy hidden gem.

  • Just a 3-minute walk from Shinjuku Station.
  • Uses fresh, premium ingredients sourced from Toyosu Market—ingredients also used by Michelin-starred restaurants.
  • The sushi rice has a soft, delicate texture that melts in your mouth.
  • A blend of rice vinegar and red vinegar is used to enhance the flavor of the toppings.
  • The lunch course focuses on nigiri sushi, offering a casual and affordable experience.
  • The intimate, counter-only space feels like a true hidden retreat.

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2. Sushi Tenkawa / 鮨 天川

Tokyo, Ebisu
☆4.0 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/978

Features

Savor traditional Edomae sushi at a great value during lunch.

  • A 7-minute walk from Ebisu Station.
  • Rooted in tradition, the sushi and side dishes reflect deep flavors refined through years of experience.
  • Delicate seasonings highlight seasonal ingredients and handpicked Kyoto vegetables.
  • You can enjoy not only fresh fish but also seasonal vegetables.
  • The weekday lunch course is especially affordable.
  • The clean and refined interior exudes a calm, Japanese aesthetic.

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3. Karin / 華林

Tokyo, Ryogoku
☆4.9 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1171

Features

Enjoy a lunch OMAKASE course with a complimentary drink.

  • A 2-minute walk from Ryogoku Station on the Oedo Line.
  • The head chef and sous chef, who have garnered tens of millions of views on social media, serve premium sushi and Japanese cuisine.
  • The head chef trained at a top-tier sushi restaurant renowned across Japan, mastering everything from sourcing to selection.
  • Every morning, he personally selects the finest ingredients at Toyosu Market.
  • The lunch OMAKASE course comes with one complimentary drink and is priced reasonably.
  • The Yakusugi cedar counter offers both luxury and warmth.

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4. Kagurazaka Sushi Yasaka Bettei / 神楽坂 鮨 弥栄 別邸

Tokyo, Kagurazaka
☆4.5 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/924

Features

A variety of great-value lunch courses featuring uni and more.

  • Just a 1-minute walk from Kagurazaka Station.
  • Enjoy authentic Edomae sushi, each piece crafted with heartfelt precision by skilled hands.
  • The chef trained for many years at a sushi restaurant within a luxury hotel.
  • Each dish is prepared to suit the condition of the ingredients on the day.
  • Lunch courses include options with uni or ikura rice bowls.
  • A wide selection of rare sake is available to pair with the sushi.

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5. Sushi Oshima / 鮨 大嶋

Tokyo, Azabu-Juban
☆4.7 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/897

Features

A refined lunch OMAKASE experience featuring sushi and seasonal dishes.

  • A 4-minute walk from Azabu-Juban Station.
  • Exquisite sushi and seasonal cuisine made with carefully selected ingredients from across Japan.
  • The chef has spent years honing his skills.
  • The lunch OMAKASE course offers great value, using fresh, seasonal ingredients selected that very day.
  • Sushi and wine pairings are also available.
  • The warm, modern-Japanese interior features a beautiful hinoki counter and private rooms.

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6. Sushi Nakagawa / 鮨 なかがわ

Tokyo, Kinshicho
☆4.3 (Google Maps)
https://japan-food.guide/restaurants/1085

Features

Experience the essence of Edomae sushi with a lunch OMAKASE course.

  • An 8-minute walk from Kinshicho Station.
  • Sushi rice made with Saga-grown rice and red vinegar brings out the best in seasonal seafood.
  • Each piece of sushi is prepared with great care, reflecting the essence of Edomae craftsmanship.
  • Particularly known for its marinated “hikarimono” (silver-skinned fish), offering uniquely seasoned flavors.
  • The lunch OMAKASE course includes nigiri sushi and small side dishes at a very reasonable price.
  • With only six counter seats, the cozy setting makes for an intimate and memorable dining experience.

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Conclusion

OMAKASE is a true culinary art, a harmony of seasonal ingredients and the chef’s refined technique. Tokyo stands at the heart of this culture, offering world-class sushi experiences that blend heritage with excellence. While the evening courses at top sushi restaurants can be costly, lunchtime provides a golden opportunity to savor the same craftsmanship at more accessible prices.

Especially in Tokyo, even Michelin-recognized restaurants often serve affordable lunch OMAKASE courses, making it possible to enjoy premium sushi within a tight travel schedule. If you're seeking the perfect balance between cost and quality, lunch is definitely the way to go.

The restaurants introduced in this article are all worth visiting for their commitment to ingredients, skill, and ambiance. So if Tokyo is part of your journey, carve out time for a lunch OMAKASE. It’s more than a meal—it’s a window into Japanese craftsmanship, a moment of connection between chef and guest, and perhaps the most delicious souvenir you'll take home. With its elegant fusion of heritage and intimacy, this midday indulgence might just be the highlight of your entire trip.

 

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