Book via Tripadvisor
Sushizanmai Tsukijiekimae-Ten: Tokyo’s Top-Rated 24-Hour Sushi Experience Near Tsukiji Market – When jet lag strikes at 3 AM and you’re craving authentic Tokyo sushi, most visitors resign themselves to convenience store onigiri.
But savvy diners know about Sushizanmai Tsukijiekimae-Ten, where master chefs slice pristine maguro and hand-press nigiri nearly around the clock, serving locals and travelers alike with the same dedication at midnight as at midday.
Key Takeaways: Sushizanmai Tsukijiekimae-Ten
Hide
- Exceptional Rating & Convenience: Ranked #1 among 483 Tsukiji restaurants with a 4.4 rating from 955 reviews. Located immediately outside Tsukiji Station Exit 1, making it one of Tokyo's most accessible quality sushi experiences with zero navigation required.
- Nearly 24-Hour Operation: Open 11 AM - 5 AM weekdays (10 AM - 5 AM Saturdays), allowing visitors to satisfy sushi cravings at almost any hour—particularly valuable for jet-lagged travelers or late-night diners.
- Outstanding Value Proposition: Mid-range pricing (¥2,000-¥4,000 per person) delivers quality comparable to premium sushi bars. Significantly more affordable than exclusive counters while maintaining direct-from-Tsukiji-Market sourcing standards.
- Signature Tuna Excellence: The maguro (tuna) sets featuring multiple cuts—akami (lean), chutoro (medium fatty), and otoro (fatty belly)—consistently earn praise for exceptional quality-to-price ratio. This is the dish to order.
- Strategic Timing Matters: Weekday 3-5 PM offers the sweet spot with shorter waits and full menu availability. Late-night visits after 1 AM provide authentic Tokyo experiences with minimal queues. Peak dinner (6-9 PM) and late-night weekends see 15-30 minute waits.
- Smart Takeout Alternative: Pre-made takeout sets run 20-30% cheaper than dine-in while maintaining identical ingredient quality—perfect for budget-conscious travelers or those avoiding queues. Consume within a few hours for optimal texture.
- Tourist-Friendly Operations: Walk-in only (no reservations), accepts credit cards, provides English menus with pictures, and welcomes solo diners at the counter or groups at tables. No dress code. Professional, efficient service at "Tokyo speed."
- Quality Without Pretension: Modern, bright setting prioritizes functionality over traditional ambiance. Part of respected 37-location Sushizanmai chain, maintaining brand standards while offering counter seating where you can watch master chefs work.
This isn’t just another tourist trap trading on Tsukiji’s reputation—with a 4.4 rating from 955 reviews and the #1 ranking among 483 Tsukiji restaurants, this flagship location has earned its place as a must-visit dining destination.
Overview: Where Tsukiji’s Legacy Meets Accessible Excellence
Sushizanmai Tsukijiekimae-Ten represents the best of Tokyo’s sushi culture without the intimidation factor of exclusive counters or reservation-only policies.
Located directly outside Tsukiji Station Exit 1 along Shin-Ohashi Dori, this modern establishment brings the fresh ingredients and expert craftsmanship associated with the legendary Tsukiji Market to a welcoming, walk-in format.
As part of the respected Sushizanmai chain—now with 37 locations across Tokyo—this flagship store maintains the brand’s commitment to quality while offering exceptional convenience for travelers navigating Tokyo’s dining landscape.
The restaurant’s reputation rests on three pillars: consistently fresh seafood sourced daily from Tsukiji, skilled craftsmen who prepare each piece with traditional techniques, and operating hours that accommodate virtually any schedule.
Whether you’re seeking an early breakfast before exploring the outer market, a late-night meal after Ginza entertainment, or anything in between, you’ll find the same quality and service that have made this location Tokyo’s most-reviewed sushi restaurant.
Location & Access: Best Sushi in Tsukiji: Complete Guide to Sushizanmai Ekimae Location
Finding Sushizanmai Tsukijiekimae-Ten requires zero navigation skills—the restaurant sits immediately adjacent to the Tsukiji Station Exit 1 of the Hibiya Line.
This prime location at 3-11-9 Tsukiji Square Building 1F makes it one of Tokyo’s most accessible quality sushi experiences, particularly valuable for first-time visitors still mastering the subway system.
Getting There
Transportation to the restaurant couldn’t be simpler:
- Subway: Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Line (Exit 1) places you directly at the entrance
- Walking from Tsukiji Outer Market: 5-minute walk east along Shin-Ohashi Dori
- From Ginza: 10-minute walk or one stop on the Hibiya Line
- Taxi: Provide address “Tsukiji 3-11-9, Chuo-ku” for precise drop-off
The storefront location along a major avenue means you’ll spot the distinctive Sushizanmai signage immediately upon exiting the station.
During peak hours, the queue extending along the sidewalk serves as an additional landmark—though contrary to some visitor fears, lines typically move efficiently.
Menu Highlights: Fresh Fish Meets Fair Prices
Sushizanmai’s menu strikes an impressive balance between traditional Edomae preparations and contemporary favorites, all grounded in the direct-from-market sourcing that defines Tsukiji dining.
The pricing structure falls within the mid-range $$ – $$$ category, making it significantly more affordable than comparable quality sushi bars while maintaining ingredient standards that justify the wait times frequently mentioned in reviews.
Signature Selections
The restaurant’s most celebrated offerings showcase the seasonal best from Tokyo Bay and beyond:
- Tuna (Maguro) Set: Features multiple cuts including akami (lean red), chutoro (medium fatty), and occasionally otoro (fatty belly) when available—reviewers consistently praise the quality-to-price ratio
- Chef’s Selection (Omakase) Course: Trust the craftsmen behind the counter to curate seasonal highlights, typically featuring 10-12 pieces of nigiri plus miso soup
- Sea Urchin (Uni) and Salmon Roe (Ikura): Premium toppings served generously, sourced fresh daily
- Grilled and Cooked Items: Anago (sea eel), tamago (sweet egg), and seasonal fish collar preparations round out the menu
Value Options and Takeout
Budget-conscious diners appreciate the well-constructed set menus that provide variety without the premium single-item pricing.
The colorful takeout selection mentioned frequently in reviews offers pre-packaged combinations perfect for picnicking at nearby Hama-rikyu Gardens or taking back to your hotel.
Takeout prices typically run 20-30% lower than dine-in equivalents while maintaining the same ingredient quality.
Dining Experience: Efficient Service in a Modern Setting
The atmosphere at Sushizanmai Tsukijiekimae-Ten prioritizes functionality and freshness over traditional ambiance—think bright, clean, and efficiently designed rather than intimate and hushed.
Counter seating provides the classic sushi bar experience where you can watch craftsmen work, while table service areas accommodate groups and families comfortably.
The modern interior reflects the restaurant’s philosophy: respect for ingredients and technique without unnecessary pretension.
What to Expect
Service operates at Tokyo speed—professional, attentive, and remarkably efficient given the constant customer flow.
English menus are available, and while staff English proficiency varies, pointing to pictures or asking for popular items (osusume) works seamlessly.
The restaurant accepts credit cards, a convenience not universal among Tokyo sushi establishments, and serves wine, beer, and sake to complement your meal.
Operating hours represent one of the restaurant’s most distinctive features: 11:00 AM to 5:00 AM Sunday through Friday, with Saturday opening at 10:00 AM.
This nearly 24-hour schedule means you can satisfy sushi cravings at almost any hour, though prime dinner hours (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM) and late-night weekend slots see the longest queues.
Managing the Queue
The “worth the wait” keyword appearing frequently in reviews tells an honest story—expect lines during peak times, particularly weekends and late nights when nearby bars close.
However, turnover moves steadily, with most waits ranging 15-30 minutes during busy periods.
Solo diners often find faster seating at the counter, while groups may wait slightly longer for table availability.
Insider Tips: Maximizing Your Visit
Smart timing transforms your Sushizanmai experience from merely good to exceptional.
Weekday lunchtimes (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM) attract business crowds but move quickly, while 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM represents a sweet spot with shorter waits and full menu availability.
Late-night visits after 1:00 AM offer an authentic Tokyo experience with minimal queues, though you’ll be dining alongside industry workers and night owls rather than tourists.
Order strategically by starting with the restaurant’s strength—fresh fish nigiri—before exploring rolls or cooked items.
The tuna selections consistently earn praise in reviews, making any maguro variation a safe bet.
If you’re uncertain about raw fish, the anago and tamago provide excellent entry points to nigiri style preparations.
Don’t hesitate to use the takeout option if lines seem daunting or your schedule is tight.
The pre-made sets offer the same fish quality at lower prices, perfect for enjoying at your hotel or during travels to your next destination.
- Tokyo Discount Coupon Guide: Where to Find Tourist Savings
- Tokyo Photo Spots: Instagram-Worthy Locations & Tips
- Tokyo Souvenir Guide: Unique Gifts Beyond Tourist Traps
- Tokyo With Kids: Family-Friendly Activities & Tips
- Tokyo Safety Guide: Crime Statistics & Precautions for Tourists
- Tokyo Free Walking Tour Routes: Self-Guided Budget Adventures
Just remember that sushi’s optimal texture window is relatively short—consume takeout within a few hours of purchase.
Practical Information: Before You Go
Address: 3-11-9 Tsukiji Square bldg1F, Tsukiji, Chuo 104-0045 Tokyo Prefecture
Phone: +81 3-3524-9833
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 AM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 AM
Payment: Credit cards accepted
Average Cost: ¥2,000-¥4,000 per person for a satisfying meal
Reservations: Not accepted; walk-in only
Menu: Available at the official website with pricing and seasonal offerings
No dress code restrictions apply, making this equally appropriate for casual sightseeing attire or business wear.
The restaurant accommodates solo diners comfortably at the counter, while tables serve groups up to six.
English menus and picture references make ordering straightforward regardless of Japanese language ability.
Which Tsukiji sushi experience matches your Tokyo itinerary—a mid-afternoon break between market exploration and Ginza shopping, or perhaps a memorable 2 AM feast that epitomizes Tokyo’s always-on food culture?
DiscoverCars
RentalCars
Trip.com
Klook
