Ueno is a thriving area of Tokyo and popular with tourists.
“Tsukiji Uogashi Maguro Ichidai ecute Ueno” (hereinafter referred to as “Maguro Ichidai”) is a restaurant located right in Ueno Station. It offers sushi and bowls using tuna, making it a highly recommended place, especially for foreign visitors exploring Tokyo.
Enjoy all the popular cuts of tuna in one bowl!
The “Bluefin Tuna Donburi Bowl of Rice” available during lunchtime from 10:00 includes tuna’s ōtoro (fatty tuna), chūtoro (medium fatty tuna), akami (lean tuna), and negitoro (minced tuna with green onions) all in one bowl for you to enjoy.
“本まぐろ丼,” Bluefin Tuna Donburi Bowl of Rice 2,700 JPY (tax included)
The tuna used is the highest-grade bluefin tuna, considered the most luxurious among tuna varieties.
While the fatty richness of otoro can sometimes become overwhelming, the otoro at “Maguro Ichidai” achieves a perfect balance with a subtle sweetness and the right mix of lean and fatty meat.
This allows you to really savor the exquisite taste of high-quality bluefin Tuna.
The chutoro offers a deliciousness that rivals even the otoro, and boasts a smooth texture, as described by Steven from the Umami bites editorial team.
The balance of tenderness and rich flavor was truly excellent. The texture, in particular, left a very lasting impression!
The akami offers a resilient texture and a refreshing mouthfeel. You can really discern the distinct flavors and characteristics of each cut of tuna.
Enjoy a luxurious set with seven types of tuna sushi
It’s not just rice bowls at Maguro Ichidai, as you can also taste a variety of tuna sushi with the “Tuna Sushi Variety Platter.”
“まぐろづくし,” Tuna Sushi Variety Platter 2,400 JPY (tax included)
The contents of the platter include negitoro in a thin roll, gunkan-maki (battleship roll), otoro, chutoro, akami, marinated tuna, and seared tuna, totaling seven varieties. This dish is available to order from 3:00 PM.
Steven especially praised the otoro nigiri, describing it as his ideal sushi.
It melted in my mouth in an instant!
I think it’s the ideal otoro that travelers are looking for when visiting Japan! It was a truly luxurious experience.
Because Maguro Ichidai is so particular about tuna, not just otoro but other toppings are also excellent. Steven also recommends the akami, saying it’s perfect for enjoying the pure taste of tuna.
The akami has a firm and thick texture with a slight sweetness. For tuna lovers, it’s the perfect match.
The sushi toppings other than tuna are also exquisite!
Maguro Ichidai offers a rich variety of sushi, including uni (sea urchin) and salmon. You can order from one piece. The most popular sushi toppings among foreign visitors are said to be akami, steamed shrimp, uni, and salmon.
From left to right “赤身,” Akami 280 JPY, “生サーモン,” 280 JPY, “蒸し海老,” Steamed Shrimp 360 JPY, Uni 980 JPY (all tax included)
The uni in particular stands out with its creamy texture, and a freshness that lets you really savor its unique sweetness.
Anyone is sure to be amazed by the deliciousness of the uni at Maguro Ichidai.
The restaurant only has counter seating. This provides the delightful experience of watching the chefs skillfully prepare sushi right before your eyes.
Maguro Ichidai also offers a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, and many customers enjoy pairing their sushi with Japanese sake.
Maguro Ichidai is located inside JR Ueno Station, so if you’re not taking the train, you’ll need to purchase an entrance ticket at the station’s ticket machine.
Especially on weekends, the restaurant attracts a crowd of both train commuters and regular customers eager to enjoy the exquisite sushi and rice bowls offered by Maguro Ichidai. The line of people waiting to enter is a testament to the high quality of cuisine served here!
Information
| Store name | 築地魚河岸 まぐろ一代 エキュート上野店 Tsukiji Uogashi Maguro Ichidai ecute Ueno |
|---|---|
| Address | ecute Ueno 3F, 7-1-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Ueno Station（UEN） Within Ueno Station
|
| Phone number | 03-5826-5621 |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
|
| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | Mon-Fri. 7:00-22:00（last order 21:30） Sat-Sun. & nat’l holidays 7:00-21:00（last order 20:30） |
| Closed | No holidays excluding ecute Ueno holidays |
| Seating | 14 counter seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://shop.jr-cross.co.jp/eki/spot/detail?code=f4018 |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of January 2024.
