4 Best Sushi in Shinjuku

★ Ideal for: Solo travelers, Couples
With a compact layout centered around counter seating, this restaurant is especially welcoming to solo diners and couples looking for an authentic yet casual sushi experience. While families with small children may find the space tight, many still choose this spot for its friendly staff and flexible menu options.

★ Best suited for: Casual sushi fans
Ideal for travelers who are new to conveyor-belt sushi or want to experience it in a relaxed setting. The restaurant strikes an excellent balance between quality and price, making it a favorite among locals and repeat visitors. Sushi connoisseurs seeking premium craftsmanship may find the experience less refined, but the overall value is widely praised.

★ Style: Conveyor-belt sushi (Kaitenzushi)
A hybrid style that lets guests enjoy the casual fun of conveyor-belt sushi while still being able to order freshly hand-pressed pieces from skilled chefs behind the counter. The atmosphere is lively but approachable, perfect for travelers easing into Japan’s sushi culture.

★ Price Range: 1,000–3,000 yen
A satisfying meal typically costs around 1,000–2,000 yen, while those who enjoy drinks with their sushi can expect to spend closer to 2,000–3,000 yen. This makes it one of the best-value sushi options near Shinjuku.

★ Average Wait Time: Around 20–30 minutes
The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations. During peak hours (6:00–8:00 PM), waiting times can stretch to 40–60 minutes, especially after 7 PM. Visiting during off-peak hours—such as weekday lunches or early dinners before 5:30 PM—often allows guests to be seated immediately.

★ Access: About 1–5 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station
Conveniently located in the heart of Shinjuku, the restaurant is easy to find, though some visitors note it can take up to 10–15 minutes to reach on foot depending on the route and crowds. Its proximity to major attractions makes it an easy stop for travelers exploring central Tokyo.

★Ideal for: Solo travelers, Groups
The restaurant features an L-shaped counter with 12 seats, allowing diners to enjoy an intimate experience while watching the chef prepare each piece right in front of them. The chef’s warm and friendly personality makes it easy for solo travelers to relax and engage in conversation, even if it’s their first time at a sushi counter. In addition, there are two fully private rooms (accommodating up to eight people), making it suitable for business dinners or meals with friends.

★Best suited for: Intermediate sushi eaters, Sushi enthusiasts
This restaurant perfectly balances authentic Edomae-style craftsmanship with creative touches. Guests can enjoy traditional techniques such as kombujime (kelp-curing) and zuke (soy-marinated fish), along with innovative twists. Those familiar with sushi will especially appreciate the depth of flavor achieved through the use of seasoned red vinegar rice and the chef’s subtle combinations of sauces and salts like powdered soy sauce, ponzu jelly, and bamboo-charcoal salt.

★Style: Edo-style omakase (chef’s choice)
The omakase course alternates between nigiri and small dishes, showcasing the best seasonal ingredients. Signature items include inventive creations such as fatty tuna rolls with umibudo (sea grapes) and iburigakko (smoked radish pickles), or lightly fried sea bass topped with homemade tartar sauce made with pickled ginger. It’s a harmonious blend of tradition and creativity.

★Price Range: Around 11,000–19,800 yen per person
The omakase lunch course starts at 11,000 yen, while dinner courses are priced from 16,500 yen. A higher-tier dinner option is available at 19,800 yen. Many guests praise the restaurant’s value for money, noting that the quality rivals much more expensive sushi bars. Sake is priced from about 2,000 yen per go (180 ml).

★Average Wait Time: Reservation required
With only 12 counter seats and two private rooms, reservations are essential. The restaurant is often fully booked, especially on weekends and evenings, making walk-ins difficult. A typical meal lasts around 90 minutes.

★ Access: About 1–5 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station
Located on the basement floor near Keio Department Store and Yodobashi Camera, this restaurant offers an elegant, quiet escape from the busy streets above. Despite being in the heart of Shinjuku, it feels like a hidden gem. It’s also conveniently close to major hotels such as the Keio Plaza, making it easy to visit for travelers staying in central Tokyo.

★ Ideal for: Solo travelers, Couples, Families, Small groups
Counter seating makes solo visits enjoyable and comfortable, while friendly staff and approachable chefs create an engaging atmosphere. Small groups or couples can share the omakase course at a relaxed pace, and families have praised the restaurant’s accommodating attitude and warm hospitality.

★ Best suited for: First-timers, Intermediate sushi eaters, Sushi enthusiasts
First-timers benefit from clear explanations in multiple languages, making the experience approachable even for those unfamiliar with sushi dining. Intermediate guests will appreciate the strong balance between value and variety, while seasoned sushi lovers can explore jukusei (aged fish) techniques and inventive dishes that reinterpret classic Edomae traditions.

★ Style: Edo-style omakase
A chef’s-choice menu blending traditional Edomae nigiri with seasonal small plates. The restaurant specializes in aged fish prepared using advanced techniques, occasionally enhanced with creative elements such as smoky aromas, liver sauces, or unexpected pairings that highlight each ingredient’s depth of flavor.

★ Price Range: Courses typically 6,600–12,100 yen (common picks: 8,800 yen; higher options available)
The popular 8,800-yen course includes around 20 items, combining nigiri and side dishes for exceptional value. Higher-tier courses add premium cuts and additional dishes, while beverages are charged separately.

★ Average Wait Time: Reservation required
Due to limited seating and a fixed serving schedule, reservations are essential. Walk-ins are rarely accepted once the restaurant is full. Guests should arrive on time to enjoy the meal from the opening course without delay.

★ Access: About 1–5 minutes walk from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station
Conveniently located near Shinjuku Gyoen, the restaurant offers a calm setting away from the busy streets of central Shinjuku. The entrance can be slightly discreet, so it’s best to check the map beforehand; nearby landmarks include Marugame Seimen.

★ Ideal for: Families, Solo travelers, Small groups
Sushizanmai offers a flexible dining environment that caters to a wide range of travelers. Families appreciate its spacious seating, friendly service, and welcoming atmosphere for children. Solo travelers can comfortably enjoy a meal at the counter while watching chefs prepare sushi in front of them. Small groups and friends find it convenient thanks to its large tables and quick, efficient service that allows everyone to order at their own pace.

★ Best suited for: First-time sushi eaters, Intermediate sushi eaters
This restaurant is particularly suitable for travelers who want an approachable and reliable sushi experience without the formality of high-end omakase dining. The menu is available in multiple languages, and photos make ordering intuitive even for first-timers. Intermediate sushi lovers will enjoy the consistent quality and variety, especially the tuna, which is a signature highlight. The atmosphere is casual, making it easy to relax and focus on enjoying the food.

★ Style: Casual sushi dining (table and counter seating)
Unlike exclusive omakase-style sushi bars, Sushizanmai provides a casual yet authentic dining experience. Guests can choose between counter seats—ideal for those who want to see the chefs in action—and comfortable tables for groups or families. Sushi is made to order, and service is quick, allowing visitors to enjoy freshly prepared nigiri and rolls without long waits.

★ Price Range: Around 3,000–5,000 yen
The restaurant is considered mid-range, offering great value for quality sushi. A typical meal with sushi and drinks costs about 4,000 yen per person. Lunch sets and special promotions are often available at lower prices, around 2,000–3,000 yen. Although some guests note that individual items can be slightly more expensive, the overall balance between price and quality remains one of the restaurant’s strongest points.

★ Average Wait Time: 15–40 minutes during peak hours (no reservation required)
Reservations are not necessary, but wait times can vary depending on the time of day. During busy evenings and weekends, a 15–40 minute wait is common, while weekday afternoons are usually quieter, allowing for immediate seating. The staff manages queues efficiently, and the wait system ensures that guests are seated in order without confusion.

★ Access: 3–5 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station
The restaurant is conveniently located within walking distance from Shinjuku Station, making it easily accessible for both local and international visitors. It’s also close to popular sightseeing and nightlife areas, allowing travelers to enjoy sushi before or after exploring Shinjuku. Clear signage and the restaurant’s recognizable brand make it easy to find, even for first-time visitors.

Written by

Hiroki take