
Sushi Arai
A sophisticated Ginza sushi gem, renowned for its legendary tuna and Edomae-style craftsmanship. An intimate dining experience with personalized chef ...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Sushi Arai

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sophisticated Ginza sushi gem, renowned for its legendary tuna and Edomae-style craftsmanship. An intimate dining experience with personalized chef interaction.
"An all-time great omakase experience with flawless food and humble, humorous conviviality."
Book Well in Advance
Securing a reservation is extremely difficult; plan months ahead. Consider the B1 counter if main counter seats are unavailable.
Appreciate the Craftsmanship
Beyond the exquisite sushi, observe Chef Usui san's precise knife work and artistry. Engage with the chefs for a richer experience.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Sushi
Price
$$$
Phone
+81 3-6264-5855
Address
ルアンビル 地下1F, 8 Chome-10-2 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Website
sushi-arai.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Legendary Tuna Selections
Experience the finest tuna cuts, celebrated for their butter-like texture and perfect richness. A true highlight of any omakase experience.

Chef Arai's Culinary Mastery
Witness the artistry of Chef Arai and his skilled chefs, crafting Edomae-style sushi with meticulous precision and personalized hospitality.

Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere
Enjoy a sophisticated yet warm dining experience, where chefs engage with patrons, fostering a friendly and memorable meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Well in Advance
Securing a reservation is extremely difficult; plan months ahead. Consider the B1 counter if main counter seats are unavailable.
Appreciate the Craftsmanship
Beyond the exquisite sushi, observe Chef Usui san's precise knife work and artistry. Engage with the chefs for a richer experience.
Understand Reservation Policies
Reservations for the main counter are referral-only. Visiting the second counter does not guarantee main counter access.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Well in Advance
Securing a reservation is extremely difficult; plan months ahead. Consider the B1 counter if main counter seats are unavailable.
Appreciate the Craftsmanship
Beyond the exquisite sushi, observe Chef Usui san's precise knife work and artistry. Engage with the chefs for a richer experience.
Understand Reservation Policies
Reservations for the main counter are referral-only. Visiting the second counter does not guarantee main counter access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sushi Arai is celebrated for its exceptional quality sushi, particularly its renowned tuna selections and the masterful preparation by skilled chefs. Diners praise the warm, engaging atmosphere and the overall refined dining experience. While reservations are incredibly difficult to secure, the culinary journey is consistently described as outstanding and worth the effort.
"I visited the second shop by the famous Sushi Arai, run by his apprentice, and it fully lived up to my expectations. Chef Usui san delivered a top-notch lunch experience, showcasing exceptional skill and precision. The sushi was of outstanding quality, with the tuna selection being some of the best I’ve ever had. His knife work was impeccable, a true pleasure to watch. Beyond his craftsmanship, Chef Usui san made a genuine effort to engage with all the patrons, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Hopefully, the photo captures the exquisite quality of the sushi."
Kingramen
"I rarely give five stars, as I try to be conservative with my ratings. This restaurant, however, stands out for its strong balance of quality and experience. Securing a reservation was a challenge, but we managed to book seats at the B1 counter.
This is a classic, high-end sushi restaurant. The food is exceptionally well-prepared and showcases the chef’s dedication to the craft. While it doesn’t deliver groundbreaking surprises for this price range, it’s a polished and satisfying dining experience.
The chef is highly skilled, professional, and welcoming, creating a friendly atmosphere that enhances the meal. You leave feeling well cared for and completely satisfied. For those seeking a refined sushi experience, this place is worth visiting."
Diego Ramos
"Shari with subtle red vinegar note, hint of salt flavour, size on smaller end, kote-gaeshi. I will spam photos of different parts of tuna and let the photos do the talk."
Alan Chun
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are extremely difficult to secure, often requiring booking months in advance. The main counter is typically referral-only.
Try booking seats at the B1 counter, which is more accessible than the main counter. Utilize booking platforms if available.
The restaurant is famous for its exceptional quality tuna, especially its various cuts, and its Edomae-style sushi crafted by skilled chefs.
Yes, the chefs are known for their warm hospitality and often engage with guests, many of whom speak some English.
The main counter is often reserved for regulars or referrals, while the B1 counter is more accessible to tourists and served by a skilled sous-chef.
The menu is typically omakase (chef's choice). However, specific dishes and ingredients are often explained by the chefs during the meal.
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At just 33, Yuichi Arai was remarkably young for an independent sushi chef when he opened his own restaurant in 2015 after more than a decade of experience. Having honed his skills at renowned establishments like Ginza Kyubey and Sushi Takumi, Chef Arai brings a personal touch to each guest’s experience. The dining experience at Sushi Arai is tailored for both English-speaking and Japanese-speaking guests, with separate areas and a book of fish with Japanese and English translations for any rarities.
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This super-popular sushi restaurant is a contender for the #1 or #2 sushi spot in Ginza!. The restaurant's owner, Yuichi Arai, has honed his skills at prestigious sushi restaurants "Kyubey" and "Sushi Sho."Thanks to its warm reception and the pricey, high quality fish Chef Arai sources at Tsukiji Market, this restaurant quickly gained popularity after its opening in 2018, soon becoming one of the best restaurants in Ginza.The most iconic dish at "Arai" has to be its bluefin tuna in the winter.If you order the lunch course, priced at 15,000 yen, you can enjoy 3 top-rate types of fish sourced from "Yamakou," a prominent fishmonger at Tsukiji Market.The delightful combination of tart sushi rice and fatty tuna is indescribably delicious.If you're looking to try in-season sushi in Tokyo, be sure to give "Sushi Arai" a visit!. Note: Unfortunately, it is currently difficult to make reservations for Sushi Arai.
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With a concept centered on creating sushi you’ll never tire of, Chef Arai, who honed his skills at the renowned Kyubey and Sushi Sho, crafts genuine Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi at Sushi Arai. The signature dish of this establishment is tuna, for which the chef meticulously selects the cut and type of rice based on its condition. In the clean, sophisticated ambiance with a cypress counter, the chef provides warm and personalized hospitality, ensuring every customer leaves happy.
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After honing his skills under chef Keiji Nakazawa at Sushisho, Yuichi Arai established his own distinctive style in the heart of Ginza. His pristine cypress counter and vintage-inspired wooden ice box create an atmosphere that feels both traditional and modern. While the main counter – where Arai himself serves – is now exclusively for regulars and anyone referred, a second counter offers visitors the same exceptional experience.
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Despite being headed by one of the youngest chefs in town, Sushi Arai holds its own in a district home to most of Tokyo’s best sushi restaurants. Chef-owner Yuichi Arai got an early start in the trade. He joined the renowned Kyubey as a teenager, honing his skills in Edomae (old Tokyo)-style sushi for a decade before a six-year stint at Sushi Sho, another reputable sushi restaurant in Yotsuya.
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After training for 10 years at the long-established sushi restaurant ``Kyubei'' and 6 years at ``Sushi Sho,'' he opened his own restaurant in Ginza 8-chome at the tender age of 33. The one-of-a-kind sushi that adds character to old-fashioned Edomae sushi quickly became popular, and is now so popular that reservations have to be waited for six months. Make a Reservation with Autoreserve
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Sushi Arai is massively popular among visitors - not only with Tokyo residents but also with foreign tourists. So popular that Arai opened a second counter that primarily serves foreign guests. This counter is run by a sous-chef who is fluent in English and therefore able to make friendly conversations with guests while explaining the various intricacies of each piece of sushi.
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Characterised by sharp, powerfully flavoured shari—made with a blend of white and red vinegar—and sublime fish, Arai’s Edomae-style sushi, with nods to Sushi Shimizu, is a firm favourite with many connoisseurs. The quality is to be expected. Chef Arai has 15 years of experience under his belt, including eight years at the well-loved Sushi Kyubey.
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Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 8-chōme−10−2 ルアンビル 地下1F. Sushi Arai in Tokyo is known for blending classic Edomae techniques with modern touches, reflecting the chef’s training under respected masters. Its reputation has made it one of the tougher places to book, drawing those who want a carefully crafted experience.
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Despite being one of the youngest sushi chefs in town, Chef Arai has already forged his own style. Newcomers and regulars alike love it, especially having a say in the line-up in their sushi course – a rarity in this age of omakase. A most enjoyable sushi experience right in the heart of Ginza, the ...
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Every sushi restaurant is different and the great ones have at least a few items that are just unforgettable. At Arai, it’s the tuna that hits that mark. The toro just melts in your mouth and when available, they serve a seared tuna cheek that is just heavenly.
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Let’s take a look at a location founded by someone newer to the game. Sushi Arai is a hidden gem located in the Ginza district. This is another option with few seats, only accommodating 8 people, so it’s a very intimate experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit