Hello Tokyo! We came to Tokyo in July 2023 to meet up with friends who were visiting the first time with their pre-teen daughter (who is a huge foodie). One purpose of this trip was to introduce her to a variety of foods representing different aspects of Japanese cuisine.
First stop: Sushi in Tsukiji!
Although the famous Tsukiji Fish Market left Tsukiji in 2018 (so glad we had a chance to go in 2017!), the outer market is still thriving, as well as the area sushi restaurants. Sushi Zanmai Tsukiji is a famous restaurant "headquartered" in Tsukiji, where they have several restaurants. In fact, they have over 40 locations around Japan. It's famous, and thus you will see a line, especially during high travel season (yes, we went in July).
This places is open 24 hours! So you can come at any time . . . great if you're jetlagged!
July is HOT in Tokyo! This is why we opted for the iced matcha, which was really refreshing. While we were dining there, a woman actually started suffering from some sort of heat exhaustion (or heat stroke?) inside the restaurant. The staff were really attentive, bring her a cold towel and letting her lie down for as long as she needed.
Sushi Zanmai Tsukiji is know for its tuna. The owner is famous for bidding the 150,000,000 JPY in 2013 for a tuna! (USD$1 million in today's dollars, but during the exchange rate at the time, maybe USD $1.5 million!)
Because of that fame, Bryan and I both decided to get their special tuna focused set, which included various types of maguro, chutoro, otoro, and seared toro.
For around JPY4800 (which is only about USD$32), this was a steal. The quality was excellent, and the fish slices were generous!
The tofu "yuba" was fresh and delicious.
Bryan loves uni, so he had to get some of that.
This is the longest eel nigiri I've ever seen!
The place is full of energy. People come in and out fast, there's lots of lively conversation, and overall it's a fun places. Prices are very reasonable for the quality. I can see why people line up!
It's fun to visit this location because of its location in Tsukiji market. It's fun to explore the market after lunch (or like in our case, before lunch while the guys waited in line!). All in all, we had a great time enjoying good sushi in Tsukiji Market at very reasonable prices.
Sushi Zanmai Tsukiji
4-5-12, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045
Japanese Address
〒104-0045 東京都中央区築地4-5-12
