Emblematic of Japanese cuisine, sushi has long been a popular gourmet option for international visitors to Japan.
These days, a new and innovative era of sushi is emerging in Japan, reshaping its traditional image.
One restaurant where you can get a taste for this “neo-sushi” is “Uogaku Mania Sushinjuku” (referred to hereafter as “Sushinjuku”), located in Shinjuku.
“マグロまみれ,” Smothered in Tuna 1,209 JPY (tax included)
Sushinjuku offers an array of imaginative culinary creations that elevate traditional sushi elements to new heights. Their entertaining presentations, especially in their seafood bowls, infuse an element of whimsy that delights customers.
Super-sized! A massive 1 kg tuna bowl that’s guaranteed to make your social media shine
One of the innovative dishes you can savor at Sushinjuku is the “Towering Tuna Bonanza Bowl.”
“そびえるマグロざんまい丼,” Towering Tuna Bonanza Bowl 2,178 JPY (tax included)
On a bed of rice mixed with pickled vegetables, you’ll find toppings of sliced sashimi of both bluefin tuna and albacore tuna, a thick-layered Japanese omelet, and seared “Torotaku Burg” (a hamburger steak that gets its name from being a mix of toro—fatty tuna and takuan—pickled daikon radish). It weighs a whopping 1 kg.
And to top it all off, there’s a fun surprise when you lift the yellow chicken decoration situated on top of the Torotaku Burg: It releases egg yolk, adding a playful element to the dish.
Because of the height of the bowl, it’s recommended to move the thick omelet and the Torotaku Burg to a separate plate before digging into this meal at Sushinjuku.
Their secret garlic-infused soy sauce has a delightfully thick consistency that pairs exceptionally well not only with the sashimi but also with the omelet and Torotaku Burger.
The light and fresh tuna sashimi takes on a punchy and impressive flavor when drizzled with the garlic-infused soy sauce.
The many game-changing aspects of neo-sushi
In addition to their rice bowls, Sushinjuku offers a variety of new-style sushi dishes that challenge its more traditional image.
Perfect for pairing with drinks, their specialty menu item “Smothered in Tuna” features thick rolls covered with a load of chopped tuna, including lean, medium-fatty, fatty tuna, and albacore tuna, making it a signature dish of the restaurant.
“マグロまみれ,” Smothered in Tuna 1,209 JPY (tax included)
At first, you can enjoy the chopped tuna as sashimi, savoring the different flavors of each cut of tuna. Then, when you eat it as a sushi roll at the end, you can experience two different tastes in one dish.
With its striking appearance and the variety of flavors from different tuna cuts, it’s a great value for the price.
In addition, the restaurant has three popular nigiri options: “Seared Shrimp with Uni Sauce,” “Drinkable Salmon,” and “Melting Butter Eel.”
The Seared Shrimp with Uni Sauce is known for its rich uni (sea urchin) sauce flavor, providing a truly luxurious taste experience.
The Drinkable Salmon, meanwhile, is a favorite due to its melt-in-your-mouth texture, and is ordered by over 90% of the customers visiting the restaurant
“炙り海老 雲丹ソース,” Seared Shrimp with Uni Sauce (left)”飲めるサーモン,” Drinkable Salmon (right) both two pieces for 384 JPY (tax included)
The secret behind the unique texture of the salmon is low-temperature cooking, although the precise cooking method is a closely guarded trade secret. You’ll just have to taste it to experience the surprising texture that can captivate anyone who tries it!
The Melting Butter Eel features a theatrical presentation where the staff generously drizzles freshly shaved butter right in front of you, making it not only delicious but visually entertaining as well.
As the seared eel’s heat melts the butter, it adds richness to the sweet sauce, creating a delightful flavor combination.
“とろける鰻バター,” Melting Butter Eel 1 piece 384 JPY (tax included)
Whip out your camera for the “Tuna Tartare Yukhoe”
Sushinjuku is also known for its creative and photogenic menu items that are perfect for social media.
The “Tuna Tartare Yukhoe,” which resembles an ice cream cone, is a visual delight that’ll have you wondering just what kind of dish it could be just from its appearance.
“マグロタレユッケ,” Tuna Tartare Yukhoe 769 JPY (tax included)
The way you eat it is also unique. First, you turn the Tuna Tartare Yukhoe upside down on the plate.
Then, when you lift the cone, you’ll discover an arrangement inside with sauce, mixed with green onions, and even egg yolk.
You just crush the cone with your hand, mix the yukhoe and yolk with a spoon, and you’re all set.
The spices like chili sprinkled on the yukhoe add flavor and a bit of kick, while the cone provides a crispy texture.
The appeal of Sushinjuku extends beyond just the food you eat; it also offers various creative ways for customers to engage and enjoy their dining experience.
The boat-shaped terrace seat catches the eyes of all who pass by
We’ve introduced many of their appealing dishes, but Sushinjuku’s dedication to their craft is also evident in the restaurant’s interior.
The terrace seats, in the shape of a boat, drew the attention of passersby during our visit to the restaurant, with many stopping to gaze at the innovative seating.
From spring to autumn, you can enjoy sushi and drinks while basking in the pleasant evening breeze.
Sushinjuku’s exterior
The interior of the restaurant evokes a fishing port atmosphere with tables, chairs, and lighting that resembles a coastal setting.
Neon signs decorate the walls, adding a stylish touch that’s worthy of being captured in photos.
Sushinjuku’s interior
When visiting Japan, it’s natural that many people make sushi a part of their sightseeing experience.
While casual conveyor belt sushi and high-end specialty restaurants are excellent options, Sushinjuku offers a truly unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
Information
| Store name | 魚学マニア スシンジュク Uogaku Mania Sushinjuku |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-2-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
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| Access |
Shinjuku-Sanchōme Station Short walk from Shinjuku-Sanchōme Station C4
Shinjuku Station（SJK） 8-minute walk from Shinjuku Station East Exit
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| Phone number | 03-3350-1112 |
| Reservations | Accepted Phone, Tabelog, PayPay Gourmet, LINE PLACE, Reserve with Google |
| Payment |
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| Service charge/Table charge | Service charge （including otōshi）329 JPY（tax included） |
| Hours | Mon-Thur. 15:00-1:00 Fri. 15:00-3:00 Sat. 12:00-3:00 Sun. & nat’l holidays 12:00-23:00 |
| Closed | No fixed holidays Unscheduled holidays |
| Seating | 42 seats 8 counter seats, 30 table seats, 4 terrace 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 2023.
