“Tsunesushi,” a sushi restaurant in Asakusa with over 90 years of history, began as a modest food stall. Now run by three generations of the Uehara family, it draws in locals and international visitors alike for its remarkable flavors and welcoming atmosphere.
High-quality sushi at affordable prices
Hiroshi Uehara, the third-generation owner and sushi chef at Tsunesushi, serves traditional Edomae sushi (sushi made using freshly caught seafood from near Tokyo Bay)—a style deeply rooted in Tokyo’s history.
“特上にぎり,” Tokujō Nigiri 2,300 JPY (tax included)
When you visit Tsunesushi, the “Tokujō Nigiri” (deluxe nigiri platter) is a must-try, showcasing the restaurant’s exceptional craftsmanship. Each piece—from the glistening lean tuna to the delightfully textured ika (squid)—is a perfect bite of fresh, expertly prepared sushi.
Ika
The types of seafood used in the Tokujo Nigiri vary with the seasons, but the assortment always includes a balanced selection of red-fleshed fish like maguro (tuna), white-fleshed fish, gunkan-style sushi, and rolled sushi.
The platter offers a full course of Edomae sushi, presenting a harmonious variety of flavors.
Tekkamaki (tuna roll)
Among these, their anago (conger eel) stands out as an unforgettable highlight. Also known as ni-anago (simmered anago), it’s an essential Edomae sushi ingredient.
At Tsunesushi, the anago is tender, thick, and luxuriously soft, dissolving in your mouth with a sublime texture.
Anago
The simmered sauce brushed over the anago is perfectly balanced, rich but not overwhelming. Together with the vinegared rice, it creates a flavor combination that spreads delicately across the palate.
For tuna lovers: the irresistible “Maguro Nigiri”
Tuna is one of the most beloved ingredients in sushi, and it’s no surprise that many customers flock to Tsunesushi specifically for it.
Although it’s featured in the Tokujo Nigiri, those who crave even more maguro will find their answer in the “Maguro Nigiri” (tuna nigiri platter).
“まぐろにぎり,” Maguro Nigiri (tuna nigiri platter) 2,000 JPY (tax included)
Tsunesushi has a way of making each bite so captivating that you’ll find yourself coming back for more. The balance of sweetness and tartness in the rice, coupled with the tender tuna, creates a perfect harmony of flavors.
A platter with equal parts of akami (lean tuna) and toro (fatty tuna) is also available
The rice, seasoned with a blend of salt and a touch of sugar, incorporates akazu (red vinegar made with sake lees) for added umami. Paired with the tuna, it enhances the experience in every bite, offering a flavor that deepens with each moment of appreciation.
A neighborhood sushi spot where you can unwind
In addition to the Tokujo Nigiri and Maguro Nigiri, Tsunesushi allows customers to order individual pieces, letting you enjoy sushi at your own pace. You can reorder your favorites from the Tokujo Nigiri or ask Chef Uehara for his recommendations of the day.
Hiroshi Uehara, the third-generation owner of Tsunesushi
Unlike high-end sushi restaurants that primarily offer courses, Tsunesushi stands out for its flexibility and welcoming atmosphere, reflecting its role as a neighborhood sushi shop rooted in the community.
Despite this freedom, the prices remain as reasonable as conveyor belt sushi restaurants, making it an incredible value.
In Tokyo, where the sushi scene is often split between luxury establishments and conveyor belt chains, Tsunesushi fills a unique niche. The personality and warmth of Chef Uehara further elevate Tsunesushi into something truly special.
Given its location in Asakusa, a hub for tourists from around the globe, Chef Uehara is fluent in English and frequently serves international guests in their native language.
You can also ask him for guidance on how to enjoy sushi properly, making Tsunesushi a welcoming option for travelers.
Additionally, Tsunesushi has gained fame for being the model for a building featured in the anime Sarazanmai. Signed memorabilia from the production team adorns the walls, attracting anime fans from around the world.
Exterior of Tsunesushi
If you’re looking to enjoy sushi in a traditional Japanese atmosphere, Tsunesushi is the perfect choice. The warm service and relaxing ambiance ensure you’ll leave not just with a full stomach but a content heart.
No matter how much time passes, Tsunesushi remains an irreplaceable gem in Asakusa. Hopefully, it will continue to be a beloved landmark for years to come.
Information
| Store name | 常寿司 Tsunesushi |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-15-7 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Asakusa Station 4-minute walk from Exit 3
Asakusa Station 4-minute walk from Exit A1
|
| Phone number | 03-3844-9955 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone |
| Payment |
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| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | 11:30-15:00 (last order 14:30), 17:00-21:00（last order 20:30） |
| Closed | Monday |
| Seating | 30 seats 7 counter seats, 11 table seats, 12 tatami room seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | None |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of October 2024.
