When visiting Tokyo, sushi is a must-try experience. Watching a skilled sushi chef craft each piece in front of you is something truly special. But for many visitors, stepping into a traditional sushi restaurant can feel a bit intimidating. The good news? Just knowing a few simple etiquette tips can transform your sushi time into a more enjoyable and memorable experience.
In this article, we’ll introduce essential sushi etiquette tips and recommend some top sushi spots in Tokyo. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, by the end, you’ll feel more confident — and maybe even like a local sushi pro.
Five Sushi Etiquette Tips to Enhance Your Experience
1. Don’t use the oshibori (wet towel) on your face
When you’re seated, you’ll be handed a oshibori (wet towel). It’s meant for cleaning your hands — not your face or neck. While it might seem minor, this is an etiquette point many Japanese take seriously.
2. Don’t eat gari (pickled ginger) with sushi
Gari is served to cleanse your palate between different types of sushi. It’s not meant to be eaten with the sushi itself. Enjoy it between bites to appreciate each flavor more fully.
3. Dip the fish side, not the rice, into soy sauce
When adding soy sauce, gently dip the fish side of the sushi. If you dip the rice side, it can fall apart or absorb too much soy sauce. This small tip can help you enjoy each piece as intended by the chef.
4. It’s perfectly fine to eat nigiri with your hands
Believe it or not, eating nigiri (hand-formed sushi) with your hands is completely acceptable. Of course, chopsticks are also fine. For sushi rolls (makizushi), chopsticks may be easier.
5. Go with the flow when ordering “omakase”
Omakase means letting the chef choose the dishes for you. The order and pacing are carefully planned, so relax and enjoy the flow. The atmosphere and connection with the chef are part of the experience, too.
How to Order Sushi and Interact with the Chef
・At the counter, asking for recommendations is a great start
Sitting at the counter puts you close to the action — and the chef. A simple “What do you recommend today?” helps break the ice. Even if your Japanese isn’t perfect, just asking with a smile shows respect and curiosity.
・Keep your voice low in quieter restaurants
In upscale or traditional sushi restaurants, the atmosphere is often calm and serene. It’s respectful to speak softly and match the mood of the room. Let the focus remain on the food — and the experience.
・Appreciate the connection with the chef
The chef’s craftsmanship and quiet presence are part of what makes sushi special. You don’t need dramatic reactions — just a simple “It’s delicious” or “Thank you” can go a long way in showing appreciation.
『鮨辰巳』Sushi Tatsumi
Located in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district, Sushi Tatsumi has been serving authentic Edomae-style sushi since 2002. Known for its fresh seafood and masterful techniques, the restaurant has earned popularity among both locals and international visitors.
One of the highlights is the “omakase” course, where you leave everything in the hands of the chef. Enjoy seasonal delicacies like melt-in-your-mouth chutoro (medium-fatty tuna), soft and tender anago (saltwater eel), and plump raw shrimp.
In addition to sushi, the menu features a wide variety of small dishes such as fugu skin in aspic, thinly sliced marbled sole, grilled alfonsino with Saikyo miso, deep-fried mehikari fish, and oysters — perfectly paired with sake.
Lunch sets are more affordable, making it easy to enjoy high-quality sushi in a relaxed environment . Don’t miss heir beautiful boxes `barachirashi, which also makes makes a great souvenir.
(*Note: Course content and pricing may vary by a season.)
The interior is entirely non-smoking, with a clean, calming atmosphere. There are 12 counter seats where you can chat with the chef, as well as a private room for up to six people — ideal for groups or special occasions.
Address:
8–5–19 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Reservation: Don’t miss out on your favorite spots — book your table now!
『尽誠』Sushi Jinsei
Just a short walk from Ueno Station, Sushi Jinsei is a beloved sushi restaurant frequented by Tokyo’s food lovers. It’s known for serving authentic Edomae sushi with skillfully prepared seafood and a rich depth of flavor.
A standout feature is the uni tasting flight, where you can enjoy three types of sea urchin — murasaki uni, bafun uni, and shio-mizu uni — each offering a unique taste and texture. Seasonal dishes and sashimi are also worth exploring.
Enjoy front-row seats at the counter to watch the chef in action, or take in Ueno’s skyline from a quiet private room. The intimate, refined vibe makes this spot perfect for business dinners or anniversaries.
Address:
8F Veritas Okanoeisen Building, 6–14–7 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Reservation：Don’t miss out on your favorite spots — book your table now!
『銀座のみこ寿司』Nomiko Sushi
Hidden on the 11th floor of a building in Ginza, Nomiko Sushi is an exclusive sushi spot with just 10 counter seats. With its tranquil ambiance, it’s a perfect for romantic dinners or formal gatherings.
Their signature dish is “Uni Paradise,” where you can sample three types of the day’s finest sea urchin. The chef selects each variety to suit your personal taste.
Other highlights include buttery hon-maguro (bluefin tuna), tender squid from Kyushu, and perfectly balanced horse mackerel. Every detail — from ingredients to temperature — is carefully curated.
(*Note: Course content and pricing may vary by a season.)
Guests appreciate the chef’s thoughtful service and clear explanations, making it a comfortable choice for first-time visitors. Due to its popularity, early reservations are highly recommended.
Address:
11F Sakura Marks Ginza, 6–12–12 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Reservation：Don’t miss out on your favorite spots — book your table now!
『鮨 鈴木』Sushi Suzuki
Nestled in a quiet Ginza building, Sushi Suzuki is a top-tier Edomae-style sushi restaurant that blends tradition with modern gastronomy.
Chef Suzuki trained for 12 years at the renowned Sushi Aoki and now brings his expertise to every piece of sushi, featuring premium ingredients and rice seasoned with a mix of red and white vinegar.
Notable creations include salt-crusted tuna, white shrimp from Toyama, and baby gizzard shad from Shizuoka — each showcasing the best of Japan’s regional offerings.
The clean, wooden counter lets you witness the chef’s artistry up close, while private rooms offer a discreet setting ideal for business or special occasions.
Address:
5F Ginza Bijutsukan Building, 6–5–6 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Reservation: Don’t miss out on your favorite spots — book your table now!
『鮨 すぎた』Sushi Sugita
Tucked away in a quiet residential area of Edogawa, Sushi Sugita offers an intimate, one-group-per-day sushi experience in a cozy, renovated home-like setting.
The restaurant serves only an omakase course, starting with eight small appetizers followed by around ten pieces of seasonal sushi.
Ingredients include top-tier products like bluefin tuna from Kesennuma, rich sea urchin, and melt-in-your-mouth anago (saltwater eel). Creative small bites, such as chawanmushi with cheese, seared pufferfish, and smoked squid, add extra excitement.
(*Note: Course content and pricing may vary by a season.)
Enjoy having the chef’s full attention as you savor beautifully crafted sushi and rare sake — a truly immersive dive into Japanese culinary culture.
Address:
7–17–15 Shinozakimachi, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Reservation：Don’t miss out on your favorite spots — book your table now!
『鮨國』Sushi Kuni
Located in Tsukiji, Sushi Kuni is famous for its lavish seafood bowls, especially those topped with a generous heap of uni (sea urchin) and ikura (salmon roe). The combination of rich flavors and fresh textures makes it a must-try.
They source top-quality ingredients like bafun uni from Nemuro and ikura from Hokkaido. Every bite is a burst of ocean umami.
At night, the restaurant also serves traditional sushi and individual dishes like chutoro sashimi.
With 9 counter seats and 6 tables, the space is cozy and welcoming — ideal for tourists looking for an authentic yet approachable experience.
Address:
1F Tsukiji 4 Building, 4–14–15 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Reservation: Don’t miss out on your favorite spots — book your table now!
Making Your Sushi Experience a Memorable Part of Your Journey
Sushi in Japan is more than just a meal — it’s a cultural experience that reflects craftsmanship, tradition, and hospitality. By learning a few simple etiquette tips, you’ll find yourself engaging more deeply and respectfully with this beautiful part of Japanese culture.
Your sushi adventure in Tokyo can become one of the most memorable highlights of your trip. So the next time you sit down at the counter, take a moment, enjoy the experience, and remember: good manners make great memories.
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