What kind of sushi is Edomae sushi?
“Edomae sushi” is a style of nigiri that originated as a local dish of Edo (present-day Tokyo). The name comes from using seafood caught in Edo-mae, meaning the waters of Tokyo Bay. In the past, it was centered on nigiri sushi and loved by common people as a kind of street-food “fast food” served from stalls. In the late Edo period, when there was no refrigeration, the Edomae style developed techniques such as marinating in soy sauce, curing in vinegar, simmering, and steaming so fish could be eaten safely and deliciously. By carefully preparing fish available around Tokyo Bay—such as gizzard shad, conger eel, and tuna—with vinegar, salt, and a thickened soy-based sauce, then pairing them with vinegared rice, a unique style of sushi was born. In addition, many traditional Edomae sushi restaurants still use sushi rice seasoned with “akazu,” a red vinegar made from sake lees. Toppings that have been given this extra bit of preparation, combined with rice seasoned with akazu’s subtle acidity and umami, are what continue to define the distinctive character of “Edomae” today.
Recommended Edomae sushi restaurants to try in Tokyo
⚪︎ Tsukiji Sushiko (Tsukiji, Yaesu, and other locations)
This is a chain with multiple locations across Tokyo where you can order nigiri by the piece, and set menus are offered at relatively affordable prices.
Both counter and table seating are easy to use, making it perfect for those “I feel like grabbing some sushi on my way home” days.
They use seasonal ingredients sourced from Toyosu Market, and you’ll find everything from classic tuna, white fish, and silver-skinned fish to various rolls, making it a great place to get a feel for the basics of Edomae sushi.
Start by experiencing a “Tokyo sushi counter” here, and if you get hooked, move on to the next level.
Approximate lunch budget ：1000 ~ 2000 yen
Approximate dinner budget：4000 ~ 7000 yen
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⚪︎ Hebinoichi Honten (Nihonbashi)
This long-established restaurant in Nihonbashi has been around since the Meiji era and is the kind of neighborhood sushi shop you’d choose for “a slightly special day.”
You can feel the old-school Edomae style in details like the rice made only with red vinegar and no sugar, and the conger eel simmered in a sauce that has been continuously replenished over the years.
With omakase nigiri and chirashi sushi available, you can enjoy it for both lunch and dinner, and the atmosphere is calm and refined.
It’s a well-balanced choice when you’re visiting Tokyo and want to treat yourself to a slightly upscale Edomae sushi experience at least once.
Approximate lunch budget ：3000 ~ 4000 yen
Approximate dinner budget：10,000 ~ 15,000 yen
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⚪︎ Sukiyabashi Jiro Main Branch (Ginza)
A world-famous Ginza institution, this restaurant is fully reservation-only for both lunch and dinner. Course prices are quite high, making it the kind of place people describe as “somewhere you want to visit once in your lifetime.”
The nigiri, served at a steady rhythm over the counter, reflect meticulous control over every detail—from the condition of the fish to the temperature of the rice and the firmness of the grip—offering an experience of truly “ultimate Edomae.” It’s the type of sushi restaurant you visit after carefully preparing for a special day, such as an anniversary or an important milestone with someone special.
Approximate lunch/dinner budget ：around 90,000 yen
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Summary
If you simply want to enjoy the atmosphere casually, why not start by sitting at the counter of a chain restaurant like Tsukiji Sushiko? If you’d like to feel the full depth of the Edomae style, try visiting Hebinoichi Honten or Sukiyabashi Jiro. Any of these places is sure to give you an unforgettable memory.