I remember a period when I was commuting through St Pancras and would have a Yo! Sushi pitstop dinner. Now, there’s nothing wrong with the place, per se, but some of those plates did seem to do dozens of laps of the conveyor belt… not so with the kaitenzushi of Japan where everything is just that much fresher, the rice more succulent and the fish pieces more generous.
If you’re hankering for sushi as soon as you get to Tokyo, head to Uobei Dogenzaka just up the slope from the famous Hachiko crossing. Inexpensive plates made to order that arrive by express model train! Most plates are under £2 despite the central location, making it maybe the best value sushi bar I’ve been to.
For the dedicated gastronomic explorer I’d check out Harmonica Alley (pictured above), a little warren of eateries in trendy Kichijoji 20 mins west of Shibuya. You’ll need a translator app at the ready in these local places but you can work up an appetite strolling nearby Inokashira park and it’ll get you away from the tourist crowd.
Switch things up a bit with a super fresh bowl of kaisendon – sashimi slices on a bowl of rice – at Omicho market in Kanazawa. Apart from being delicious, it’s a great way to refuel during a full day exploring the city.
JapanMan has plenty more sushi options to recommend from personal experience and past client feedback – all part of the comprehensive service.