5 Best Sushi Restaurants in Shinjuku – From Traditional to Creative Modern Twists

Sushi at ITAMAE SUSHI

Sushi is one of Japan’s most iconic culinary traditions.

From classic nigiri to modern creations with bold twists — and even colorful “NEO sushi” designed to wow on social media — the world of sushi keeps evolving with fresh ideas and flavors.

One of the best places to experience this cutting edge is Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s busiest dining districts.

Here you’ll find everything from restaurants preserving time-honored traditions to spots offering playful, contemporary plates.

This guide introduces five unique sushi restaurants in Shinjuku where individuality shines.

Through a sushi-hopping journey, you’re sure to discover new flavors and possibilities in this ever-evolving Japanese food culture.

Try sushi like you’ve never had it before with NEO sushi

Located at the east exit of JR Shinjuku Station, “Shiawase Shinjuku Sakanaumai” is a popular restaurant known for its creative menu that breaks away from the conventional image of sushi as strictly traditional Japanese dining.

Despite its casual and approachable atmosphere, the sushi served here is crafted with great skill, and its excellent cost performance is another key draw.

Sushi at Shiawase Shinjuku Sakanaumai

Traditional sushi is also served at Shiawase Shinjuku Sakanaumai

The core concept at the restaurant is enjoying sushi together with alcohol.

The creative sushi here is designed to impress both in appearance and flavor, with pairings carefully crafted to complement your drink of choice.

One of the signature dishes is the “Red Cliff of Bluefin Tuna.”

This dish layers generous slices of fresh raw bluefin tuna over thin sushi rolls, topped off with tobiko (flying fish roe) for the finishing touch.

Red Cliff of Bluefin Tuna at Shiawase Shinjuku Sakanaumai

Red Cliff of Bluefin Tuna at Shiawase Shinjuku Sakanaumai

By insisting on fresh—not frozen—tuna, the flavor and aroma are brought to an exceptional level.

The popping texture of the tobiko adds an accent, making this dish stand out both in appearance and taste.

Another popular item is the “Drooping Saltwater Eel and Egg Sushi” As the name suggests, a jumbo-sized anago (saltwater eel) is boldly draped over the rice, creating a striking presentation.

Each anago is seared to order with a torch right in front of guests, adding a smoky aroma and a sense of live performance to the experience.

Drooping Saltwater Eel and Egg Sushi at Shiawase Shinjuku Sakanaumai

Drooping Saltwater Eel and Egg Sushi at Shiawase Shinjuku Sakanaumai

The pairing with the block of thick omelet beneath is exquisite—the fluffy sweetness of the egg blends seamlessly with the rich, sauce-coated anago as they melt together in your mouth.

Just one bite of the innovative sushi at Shiawase Shinjuku Sakanaumai will have you thinking, “I’ve never had sushi like this before!”

Store name 幸せ新宿 サカナウマイ
Shiawase Shinjuku Sakanaumai
Address Shimada Building 1F, 3-20-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Reservations Accepted
Tabelog, ebica, Reserve with Google, Appointments on Facebook, DM (Instagram)
Hours 13:00-23:30(last order 23:00)
Closed No holidays
Official website https://www.instagram.com/shiawaseshinjuku_sakanaumai/
Language support A mobile app for ordering with Japanese and English language is available

All-you-can-eat authentic sushi at an unbelievable price!

“Hina Sushi” offers such surprisingly low prices, you’ll find yourself asking if it’s really OK to pay so little for their excellent sushi.

For the reasonable price of around 4,000–5,000 JPY per person, you can enjoy all-you-can-eat authentic sushi, each piece carefully crafted by skilled chefs.

Sushi at Hina Sushi in Shinjuku

Sushi at Hina Sushi

The menu includes more than 60 types of sushi at any given time—from classics like lean tuna, to seared sushi with a savory aroma, to monthly specials made with seasonal fish—ensuring you’ll never get bored no matter how many times you visit.

The all-you-can-eat system is both unique and delivered with hospitality.

When you first take your seat, you’re served the “Monthly Special.” After that, you simply fill out an order sheet with the names and quantities of the sushi you’d like to enjoy.

The order sheet is available in Japanese, English, and Chinese, making it easy to use for the many international visitors who come here.

Foreign language menus at Hina Sushi in Shinjuku

Foreign language menus at Hina sushi

The most popular sushi are the classics: medium fatty tuna and salmon, as well as gunkan-style sushi with salmon roe and sea urchin.

Being able to enjoy these premium toppings without holding back provides a level of satisfaction that makes it hard to believe it’s an all-you-can-eat experience.

Popular sushi at Hina Sushi in Shinjuku

Lineup of popular sushi at Hina Sushi

What’s particularly noteworthy is the quality of the sushi rice. Each piece is pressed to a perfect softness that melts in your mouth, creating seamless harmony with the toppings.

It’s precisely because the skill of the sushi chefs is evident that every single piece is crafted with care and full of flavor.

For those looking to eat a lot but still savor high quality sushi, Hina Sushi fulfills that greedy wish, making it a standout all-you-can-eat sushi spot in Shinjuku.

It’s hard to find a reason not to go—this is a must-visit for anyone seeking bang for your buck sushi.

Store name 雛鮨 新宿マルイ アネックス店
Hinasushi Shinjuku Marui Annex
Address Shinjuku Marui Annex 8F, 3-1-26 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Reservations Accepted
Phone, official website, Tabelog, Hot Pepper Gourmet, TableCheck
reservations on Sun & nat’l holidays are only accepted from 11:00 or 11:30 onward; reservations in the evening are only accepted by phone
Hours Mon-Sat. 11:00-23:00 (last order 22:15)
all-you-can-eat is only available to customers who enter the restaurant by 21:30
Sun & nat’l holidays 11:00-22:30 (last order 21:45)
all-you-can-eat is only available to customers who enter the restaurant by 21:00
Closed No holidays
excluding Shinjuku Marui Annex holidays
Official website https://hina-sushi.com/
Language support Menus are available with English and Chinese language

Savor artisan sushi in the heart of Kabukichō

Kabukichō is one of Japan’s most bustling entertainment districts, located in Shinjuku, known as the “city that never sleeps,” where people come and go day and night.

Located right in the heart of this popular area is “Tokyo Sushi ITAMAE SUSHI Shinjuku Toho Bldg.” (hereunder referred to as “ITAMAE SUSHI”). Amid the hustle and bustle, you can enjoy authentic Edomae sushi crafted with carefully selected ingredients and the skill of expert chefs.

Edomae Sushi Combo at ITAMAE SUSHI in Shinjuku

Edomae Sushi Combo at ITAMAE SUSHI

The hallmark of ITAMAE SUSHI is it’s exclusive use of fish caught in Tokyo Bay.

With the “Edomae Sushi Combo,” which highlights the local seasonal catch, the chef carefully selects the freshest and most delicious ingredients of the day and prepares each piece with meticulous attention.

Another point worth noting is the use of six traditional Edomae sushi techniques: yubiki (blanching), tsuke (marinating), aburi (searing), niru (simmer), kombujime (kelp-curing), and sujime or shiojime (vinegar or salt curing).

All of these traditional methods are included in a single set, allowing diners to experience the depth of sushi—and the skill of the chef—firsthand.

For those who want to truly appreciate the culture and craftsmanship of premium sushi, this set is a must-try.

Kinmedai (splendid alfonsino) sushi at ITAMAE SUSHI in Shinjuku

Kinmedai (splendid alfonsino) sushi, prepared using the kombujime technique

Another unique offering exclusive to ITAMAE SUSHI is the “Fresh Sea Urchin from Hadate.”

You can enjoy it simply as uni (sea urchin) sashimi, or use the nori seaweed and sushi rice provided with the set to make hand-rolled sushi, giving you the freedom to enjoy it your way.

Fresh Sea Urchin from Hadate at ITAMAE SUSHI in Shinjuku

Fresh Sea Urchin from Hadate at ITAMAE SUSHI

The uni used is a high-quality product proudly offered by Hadate Suisan Co., Ltd., a renowned provider of high quality uni.

Its sweetness is stronger and its scent milder than typical uni, thanks to its exceptional freshness. The melt-in-your-mouth texture and naturally unfolding sweetness are sure to captivate anyone who tries it.

Fresh Sea Urchin from Hadate at ITAMAE SUSHI in Shinjuku

Fresh Sea Urchin from Hadate at ITAMAE SUSHI

Discover the artistry of Edo-style sushi at ITAMAE SUSHI, where tradition and elegance come together.

Store name 東京寿司 ITAMAE SUSHI 新宿東宝ビル店
Tokyo Sushi ITAMAE SUSHI SHINJUKU TOHO BLDG
Address Shinjuku Toho Bldg. 1F, 1-19-1 Kabukucho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Reservations Accepted
Phone, official website, Tabelog, GURUNAVI, SAVOR JAPAN
Hours Sun-Thur. 9:00-5:00 AM(last order 4:30 AM)
Fri-Sat. 9:00-9:00 AM
lunch time 11:30-15:00
Closed No fixed holidays
excluding Shinjuku Toho Bldg. holidays
Official website https://itamae.co.jp/
Language support Menus are available in Japanese, English, Korean and Chinese language only

Enjoy artistic temari sushi in a dreamlike setting

“Nanairo Temariuta Shinjuku” is a restaurant popular for its whimsical interior, creating a magical atmosphere that feels like stepping into a storybook.

Matching the enchanting interior, the dishes served are as beautiful as works of art.

The signature dish is the charming “Seasonal Temari Sushi Assortment.” Temari sushi is a type of sushi that features vibrant toppings on balls of sushi rice. This sushi dish offers five bite-sized pieces of sushi arranged in a colorful display reminiscent of a box of jewels.

Each piece is crafted with care, creating a set that delights both the eyes and the palate, making it irresistible to photograph.

Seasonal Temari Sushi Assortment at Nanairo Temariuta Shinjuku

Seasonal Temari Sushi Assortment at Nanairo Temariuta Shinjuku

One temari suhi that particularly catches the eye is the “Tuna Caviar.”

A vibrant slice of tuna wraps the sushi rice, topped with caviar and dried bonito flakes, creating a contrast of saltiness, umami, and the popping texture of the caviar.

The rich flavor of the tuna hits first, followed by the lingering saltiness of the caviar and bonito flakes, leaving a delightful aftertaste to savor.

Additionally, the restaurant’s original dish, “Uni Jelly,” leaves a lasting impression with its striking visual presentation.

The sphere placed on top of the sushi rice is a jelly made with bonito broth that encases the uni.

It looks like an amuse-bouche from high-end French cuisine, but when you take a bite, the gentle flavor of the bonito broth spreads first, followed by the aroma of the uni, offering a delicate and captivating taste.

At Nanairo Temariuta Shinjuku, not only the dishes but the entire space creates an extraordinary experience, making it perfect for special occasions.

If you’re looking for sushi that’s adorable, tasty, and a little bit theatrical, don’t miss this place.

Store name 七色てまりうた 新宿
Nanairo Temariuta Shinjuku
Address Humax Pavilion Shinjuku East Exit 5F, 3-28-10 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Reservations Accepted
Phone, Tabelog, GURUNAVI, Hot Pepper Gourmet, Ozmall
Hours Mon-Fri. 17:00-23:00(last order 22:00)
Sat. 13:00-23:00(last order 22:00)
Sun. 13:00-22:00(last order 21:00)
Closed No fixed holidays
Unscheduled holidays
Official website https://www.dd-holdings.jp/shops/nanairotemariuta/shinjyuku#/
Language support Menus are available with English and Japanese language only

Take a day-trip to Hokkaidō in Shinjuku with incredibly fresh sushi

At “Sushi and Robata Sushiyama Shinjuku,” you can enjoy the feeling of traveling to Hokkaido while staying in Shinjuku.

True to its theme of a “day trip to Hokkaidō,” the restaurant reflects the region’s ingredients and climate throughout its dishes, letting guests savor a travel-like experience through gourmet cuisine.

The secret lies in the fresh, direct-from-source ingredients used in the dishes.

Menus feature a wide variety of seasonal ingredients delivered from across Hokkaido, with the sushi in particular earning high praise for its quality.

The sushi made from fresh fish sourced from Hokkaido is consistently delicious, making it a must-order when visiting the restaurant.

Since the sushi selection changes with the seasons, you can discover new flavors every time you visit.

Among them, the freshness of the ikura (salmon roe) really stands out.

Each individual egg is firm, and the sensation of it popping in your mouth is irresistible.

With each bite, the rich umami and subtle sweetness gently unfold, and with each chew, the delicious flavor spreads across the palate.

If traveling is difficult but you want to fully enjoy the flavors of Hokkaido, spend some time at Sushi and Robata Sushiyama Shinjuku.

If you want a taste of “real Hokkaido,” why not begin with this sushi set?

Store name 寿司と炉端 すし山 新宿
Sushi and Robata Sushiyama Shinjuku
Address Seresa Youei Shinjuku Bldg. 6F, 1-16-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Reservations Accepted
Phone, official website, Tabelog, GURUNAVI, Hot Pepper Gourmet, Ozmall
Hours 11:30-15:00(last order food 14:00, drinks 14:30), 17:00-23:00(last order food 22:00, drinks 22:30)
Closed No fixed holidays
Unscheduled holidays
Official website https://suhiyama-shinjyuku.com/store/
Language support A mobile app for ordering with Japanese and English language only

In the bustling streets of Shinjuku, you’ll find sushi restaurants brimming with both a passion for flavor and a sense of playfulness.

From carefully selected ingredients to thoughtful interior design and unique serving styles, each spot has its own charm.

Here, dining is more than just a meal—it’s an experience full of delightful discoveries.

※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of September 2025.