5 Alternatives to Jiro Sushi

Sukiyabashi Jiro Sushi is a tiny restaurant in the heart of Ginza. It’s got three Michelin stars and has served raw fish to the likes of President Obama and Prime Minister Abe. A movie has been made about it. All the guidebooks recommend a visit. A meal costs a cool ¥30,000.

It’s almost impossible to get a reservation (you can book a seat at his son’s restaurant, though). But luckily there are over 5,000 sushi restaurants in Tokyo, many of them providing a luxury experience to rival that of Jiro. If you’re looking for something a little fancier than our budget sushi options, here are 4 (and a half) alternatives to the giant Jiro name.

1. Sushi Oumi

Sushi Oumi is easily one of our favorite sushi places in Tokyo. Chef Oumi is a skilled sushi master and watching him prepare each dish is a delight. The atmosphere at the restaurant is warm and friendly, and Chef Oumi explains each dish — in English — as it’s served. The omakase lunch course starts at ¥19,800 amd includes three light dishes, 10 pieces of nigiri sushi, and a miso soup.

Read our full review of Sushi Oumi here.

2. Isshin

Isshin is a restaurant that is best described as modest, despite the Michelin star it boasts. 15 minutes from Asakusa Station, Isshin serves up old-style sushi in a cozy atmosphere. Rice cooked over charcoal is their “thing”, and they’re also known for their abalone (when it’s in season). The chef and his wife are friendly and will make you feel right at home despite the language barrier. Reservationsare necessary.

3. Sushi Kanesaka

Sushi Kanesaka is all about balance — both in the taste of their sushi and the aesthetics of the restaurant. They’re also all about entertainment — you sit right up close to the chefs and get to watch their “live dance performance” (their words, not ours — see the website) of sushi preparation. It may sound cheesy, but once you’re there and feasting, it will make sense. Make a reservation to make sure you secure a spot — and if you’re staying at a hotel, ask the concierge to do it (that’s what the restaurant requests to avoid losing money on cancelations).

Pro tip: Try the 10-yen sushi restaurant instead.

4. Sushi Saito

And then there is Saito — Tokyo’s (not-so) secret sushi gem. It’s got an impressive three Michelin Stars and is consistently ranked in lists of Tokyo’s top restaurants. The owner is nice, the rice perfect, the fish out of this world. Reservations for the nine-seater restaurant fill up months in advance, so get in there asap.

5. Tama Sushi

Ok, so it’s nowhere near as classy or sophisticated as the other four entries, but Tama Sushi is a good option to keep in mind. It’s a big step up from the standard conveyor belt fare, but isn’t going to melt your credit card. The fish is super fresh and it generally comes with soup and chawanmushi (an egg dish) or dessert. They also have a range of interesting fusion type foods. Oh — and their hand rolls are to die for. Try one, seriously.

Cheapo bonus: Uogashi Nihon-Ichi

Uogashi Nihon-Ichi is a standing sushi bar offering high-quality sushi. The dishes on offer use seasonal and superior ingredients (relative to some conveyor-belt joints), but the atmosphere is relaxed (the no seating definitely helps this cause). It’s a chain with branches around Tokyo and in central areas like Shibuya and Shinjuku, so it’s great for people on a tight schedule, but who still want a tip-top meal.

Pro tip: If you aren’t so flash in the vernacular, ask a Japanese-speaking friend to be on standby for reservation-making, just in case. Just because a restaurant advertises its English ability doesn’t mean that the staff member who answers the phone will be fluent.

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in September 2016. Last updated: May 2024.