Tabelog, Japan’s leading review platform, annually publishes the “Sushi Top 100,” based on ratings and awards. Here’s a roundup of five absolute standouts—darlings of sushi purists and hard-to-book destinations—perfect for serious sushi lovers.
1. Nihombashi Kakigaracho Sugita（日本橋蛎殻町 すぎた）
- Why Visit: Awarded Tabelog Gold and named one of Tokyo’s top sushi venues in 2025; this is the definitive Edomae-style sushi destination .
- What to Expect: One set omakase course only (starting around ¥44,000), featuring finely-tuned kōhaku nigiri: glistening kohada, delicate monkfish liver, and buri cuts served with red vinegar rice and brewed soy. Every gesture from Chef Sugita is thoughtful and meditative .
- Reservations: Extremely difficult—phone reservations may work if you have local contacts. Booking via concierge services, and planning months in advance, is essential.
- Budget: ¥44,000+ per person.
2. Higashiazabu Amamoto（東麻布 天本）
- Why Visit: Ranked second in Tokyo’s sushi list for 2025, this intimate eight-seat counter is led by Chef Masamichi Amamoto, famed for his stylish technique and seasonal presentation .
- What to Expect: Elegant Edomae nigiri, from live botan shrimp to black-throat sea perch, paired beautifully with karasumi and seasonal sake. Each piece is theatrical and flawlessly executed.
- Reservations: Extremely difficult— Booking via concierge services, often opening up to four months ahead.
- Budget: ¥52,800+ per person.
3. Sushi Saitō（鮨 さいとう） — Roppongi
- Why Visit: Tabelog rating ~4.60, continuous gold award winner and long-time Michelin three-star sushi icon. Considered unreachable for non-regulars .
- What to Expect: Rigorous Edomae craft in a minimalist eight-seat counter at Ark Hills. Chef Takashi Saito personally handles every plate—no assistants. Expect impeccably seasoned akami, delicate squid, and tuna belly prepared with perfect timing.
- Reservations: Practically impossible for new guests. Only long-time patrons or invitees succeed.
- Budget: ¥50,600+ per person.
4. Tenzushi Kyōmachō（天寿し 京町店）,Fukuoka
- Why Visit: Founded in 1939, this iconic sushi establishment enchants guests with its artful expression of the “Kyushu-mae” style—each piece as refined as a dish in a kaiseki course.Established in 1939 by the late Katsuo Amano, the restaurant draws on the rich bounty of the Genkai Sea and surrounding Kyushu waters to source only the finest local seafood. Instead of the traditional soy sauce finish, the chef delicately spritzes each piece with fragrant kabosu citrus from Oita Prefecture—an innovation that defines the signature “Kyushu-mae” approach. Here, sushi is not simply food but a culinary performance. The restaurant does not serve sake or appetizers, choosing instead to focus entirely on sushi as a standalone dining experience. Every piece is meticulously composed to engage all five senses, with an ever-evolving pursuit of harmony in flavor, color, and texture. It’s not just sushi—it’s an edible form of art..
- Reservations: Accepts phone reservations.
- Budget: ¥49,500+ per person.
5. Chikamatsu（近松）,Fukuoka
- Why Visit: A masterclass in precision—where every detail sharpens the essence of each ingredient. One of Fukuoka’s most revered, invitation-only sushi sanctuaries. Step through the stone-paved path and you’re greeted by an arresting sight: a sleek counter crafted from a single slab of pristine whitewood, radiating quiet strength and elegance. The day’s offerings change with the seasons, each selected at its peak from the market that very morning. The sushi rice is dressed solely in rice vinegar, lending a touch of assertive acidity that balances the flavors with finesse. Each piece is molded with exacting control—firm enough to hold, yet dissolving effortlessly on the tongue.
- Reservations: Access is by introduction only
- Budget: ¥27,500+ per person.
📌 Quick Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Omakase Price Range | Reservation Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Sugita | ¥44,000+ | Ultra-hard; months in advance; concierge only |
| Amamoto | ¥52,800+ | Ultra-hard; months in advance; concierge only |
| Sushi Saitō | ¥50,600+ | Reserved for regulars only |
| Tenzushi | ¥49,500+ | Phone booking |
| Chikamatsu | ¥27,500+ | Introduction only |
📝 Final Advice for Visitors
- These restaurants only offer omakase courses—no à la carte.
- Confirm allergies or dietary needs when booking.
- Dress code is smart-casual; strong perfumes discouraged.
- All have Japanese-only interiors; minimal English, so learning phrases like “thank you” (gochisōsama) in advance is helpful.
- Reservations must be done weeks or even months ahead, often via concierge or hotel service in Japan.
✅ Visiting Japan’s Sushi Elite
From the legendary elegance of Sugita to the refined artistry of Saitō, Amamoto, Tenzushi, and Chikamatsu—these spots define Japan’s sushi pinnacle. For international sushi lovers, landing a reservation is worth the effort: expect unforgettable craftsmanship, meticulously sourced fish, and a dining experience worthy of memory.
