Best Sushi in Shinjuku: 10 Restaurants in Tokyo

Shinjuku's Sushi Restaurants

Tokyo’s Shinjuku district boasts a higher concentration of world-class sushi than most entire cities.

Anchored by Shinjuku Station—one of the world’s busiest transit hubs—the area acts as a magnet for top chefs, fresh suppliers, and a diverse clientele ranging from local office workers to international travelers seeking the ultimate omakase.

• Table of Contents
• 1. ITAMAE SUSHI Shinjuku Toho: Dine Beneath the Godzilla Statue
• 2. Sushi Hatsume Shinjuku: 22‑Piece Sushi Course with Lobster Starter
• 3. Sushi Sagane: A Tranquil Dining Experience
• 4. Sushi Iwase: Award-Winning Sushi with Kyushu Seafood
• 5. Nihonshu Sushi Bando: Edomae Sushi Near Shinjuku Gyoen
• 6. Shinjuku Gyoen Sushi Nishi: Natural Wine and Seafood from Across Japan
• 7. Sushi Watanabe: Kyoto-Trained Precision Meets Seasonal Sushi
• 8. Sushi Wasabi: Traditional Craft, Unpretentious Spirit
• 9. Takumi Makoto: A Refined Sushi Dining Experience
• 10. Sushi Matsumoto: Edo Tradition with a Fresh Twist

1. ITAMAE SUSHI Shinjuku Toho: Dine Beneath the Godzilla Statue

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Tucked into the ground floor of Shinjuku’s Godzilla Building, ITAMAE SUSHI celebrates Edo‑mae style sushi with course-driven precision.

The signature omakase (about 6,000 yen – 8,500 yen) unfolds with a parade of seasonal small plates that awaken the palate, followed by a silky chawanmushi (steamed egg custard dish) and a succession of 7 to 9 carefully pressed sushi pieces.

Each piece showcases Tokyo Bay’s catch, premium seasonal cuts, and beloved everyday fish, enhanced by Edo preservation and seasoning techniques that deepen umami and texture.

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Rice is tempered to complement the topping rather than overpower it, and courses conclude with a clear, comforting soup.

Longer omakase options add extra nigiri and chef-selected bites; an optional 150‑minute all‑you‑can‑drink upgrade covers beer, sake, wine, whisky, and other beverages.

While à la carte ordering is possible, the curated courses best reveal the chefs’ skill with vinegared rice, marinated garnishes, and seasonal finishing touches.

2. Sushi Hatsume Shinjuku: 22‑Piece Sushi Course with Lobster Starter

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Sushi Hatsume offers a meticulously timed 22-piece omakase celebrating the finest seasonal catches. Its signature is the shari: made without additives using rare Niigata Koshihikari rice, it provides a fresh, deep clarity to the palate.

The menu features creative textures—from seared squid with smoked salt to a refreshing cold chawanmushi with tomato jelly. For a more indulgent experience, guests can add premium fish or Wagyu shabu-shabu, complemented by expert drink pairings curated by the resident sommelier.

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The interior mirrors the precision of the cuisine. A warm, minimalist counter of pale wood, soft recessed lighting, and a serene floral alcove create an intimate atmosphere that keeps the focus entirely on the chef’s craft.

With menus and service available in both English and Chinese, the restaurant offers a refined yet accessible experience for international guests.

3. Sushi Sagane: A Tranquil Dining Experience

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Centering on seasonality and refined technique, Sushi Sagane offers an intimate six-seat Edomae experience. Watch as the master crafts seafood from Toyosu into elegant nigiri and playful appetizers, each paired with curated drinks and artisanal tableware.

The interior is a study in restraint, using soft lighting and warm wood to create a peaceful backdrop for the chef’s artistry. With English-speaking staff and an 'offline' atmosphere (no Wi-Fi), it’s the perfect destination for diners who value presence and tradition.

4. Sushi Iwase: Award-Winning Sushi with Kyushu Seafood

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Rooted in precision, Sushi Iwase features an omakase sushi course that moves seamlessly between nigiri and seasonal small plates. Chef Iwase, who opened his counter in 2012 after training at a top Tokyo landmark, sources exceptional seafood from Kyushu.

The experience is defined by subtle mastery—perfecting the temperature and texture of every piece. With a calm atmosphere and a smart-casual dress code, this 'Best 100' award winner (2022) is perfect for diners seeking a slower, more intentional meal.

5. Nihonshu Sushi Bando: Edomae Sushi Near Shinjuku Gyoen

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Nihonshu Sushi Bando offers a refined yet unpretentious take on Edomae sushi. Drawing on the prestige of the Takumi Tatsuhiro school, the chef prepares a single, prepaid omakase based on the best available market catches.

The experience is both technical and communal, with a light-wood counter designed to put the chef’s craftsmanship on full display.

Unlike many high-end counters, Bando is notably approachable: English is spoken, and children can enjoy à la carte options. However, the kitchen requires prior notice for allergies and maintains strict limits on dietary substitutions.

Nihonshu Sushi Bando is a rare find in Shinjuku—a calm, auspicious setting that balances elite technique with genuine warmth.

6. Shinjuku Gyoen Sushi Nishi: Natural Wine and Seafood from Across Japan

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Near the verdant Shinjuku Gyoen, Shinjuku Gyoen Sushi Nishi is a 'sushi tea-room' that offers a quiet, high-end escape. The omakase (approx. 270 USD) features pristine seafood from across Japan, highlighting the chef’s technical mastery and seasonal focus.

What sets this spot apart is its drink concept: a curated selection of hot sake and natural wines designed to complement the warm, seasoned rice.

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The space is small and minimalist, with a famous view of cherry blossoms during the spring season. It is an ideal choice for a sophisticated, season-forward meal in a tranquil setting.

7. Sushi Watanabe: Kyoto-Trained Precision Meets Seasonal Sushi

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Sushi Watanabe offers an omakase that gracefully bridges the world of Kyoto ryotei and Edomae sushi.

Drawing on his training in Kyoto, Chef Watanabe begins the meal with a series of delicate, seasonal small plates designed to showcase a wide spectrum of flavors in modest portions.

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The experience then transitions to nigiri, featuring seafood the chef personally sources from fishing ports across Japan to ensure maximum impact.

The counter offers a relaxed, unhurried pace where the chef shares the stories behind his ingredients.

While the main counter welcomes guests aged 12 and up, private rooms are available for families with infants—making this a rare, refined sanctuary for diners seeking Kyoto-inspired precision in the heart of Tokyo.

8. Sushi Wasabi: Traditional Craft, Unpretentious Spirit

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Sushi Wasabi is a hidden gem for those seeking classic Tokyo sushi in a personal, calm setting. The chef’s expertise in traditional curing techniques—specifically his signature shime method—creates nigiri with exceptional depth and flavor.

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Whether you opt for a straightforward nigiri course or an indulgent omakase, the experience is defined by market-driven quality and approachable service. It’s a great spot to watch a master at work without the typical high-pressure formality of Shinjuku counters.

The beverage program is a highlight, featuring prized sakes from Yamagata and Akita. Note: English menus are available for drinks, though the kitchen has limited capacity for dietary exclusions.

9. Takumi Makoto: A Refined Sushi Dining Experience

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Takumi Makoto carries forward the storied legacy of Sushi Takumi with an energetic omakase that alternates between delicate tsumami and precisely formed nigiri.

Now located in Yotsuya, the intimate nine-seat counter offers a front-row seat to Chef Makoto Shimura’s technical mastery—most notably his use of different vinegars to create the perfect shari for each cut of fish.

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A consistent honoree in the Japan Restaurant Award (2021, 2022), the restaurant is celebrated for its 'lively' service style and seasonal originality.

The experience is refined yet welcoming, making it a premier destination for sushi purists who value both traditional craftsmanship and modern culinary flair.

10. Sushi Matsumoto: Edo Tradition with a Fresh Twist

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Sushi Matsumoto in Kagurazaka delivers a disciplined sushi experience rooted in tradition. Seated at an extraordinary 300-year-old cypress counter, guests enjoy an omakase that balances Edo-era techniques with modern accents.

The chef’s meticulous approach to rice and texture allows the seasonal catch—sourced from top-tier national producers—to shine.

The compact, eight-seat setting provides a serene backdrop for a meal that is both technically exacting and warmly hospitable. Ideal for those seeking a high-end, quiet escape near Iidabashi Station.

Enjoy Excellent Sushi in Shinjuku

Shinjuku packs extraordinary sushi into its narrow streets and hidden counters, where regional catches, precise shari, and culinary discipline converge.

From focused midday omakase to port-fresh tastings from Kyushu, these ten restaurants showcase the immense range of Tokyo’s sushi craft.

To ensure the best experience, book well in advance and observe a smart-casual dress code. Once seated, simply relax, remain present, and allow the seasons to guide your meal.

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