5 Recommended Sushi Restaurants in Harajuku
The OMAKASE editorial team, an official partner of the Michelin Guide, introduces top sushi restaurants in Harajuku, a popular area where modernity and tradition coexist.
Harajuku: Tokyo’s Trendy Hub for Youth Culture
Harajuku is an iconic neighborhood where modernity and tradition blend seamlessly. From the tranquil Meiji Shrine, a symbol of Japan’s spiritual roots, to the vibrant Takeshita Street, Harajuku offers a wide variety of exciting shopping and gourmet experiences. Takeshita Street, in particular, is lined with shops selling colorful fashion, oversized crepes, and quirky character goods, making it a popular spot among international tourists. It’s a lively area where visitors can immerse themselves in Japan’s trendy street fashion and playful kawaii culture. At the same time, the area is also seeing a growing number of restaurants serving authentic Japanese cuisine, including sushi. This unique fusion of modernity and tradition makes Harajuku a truly captivating destination that promises a memorable, culturally rich experience.
Sushi in the Harajuku Area
Harajuku is home to many restaurants serving traditional Japanese cuisine, including sushi, making it a popular destination for young people and tourists alike. Although traditional Japanese dining is often seen as formal or intimidating, Harajuku is characterized by its abundance of casual sushi spots. The area features a range of affordable options, such as kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) and budget-friendly sushi restaurants. Many of these places offer convenient features like touchscreen ordering, making them particularly welcoming for international visitors who don’t speak Japanese. Even so, the overall number of sushi restaurants in Harajuku is relatively limited, and upscale options are scarce. For a more diverse and elevated sushi experience, it’s worth exploring nearby neighborhoods like Shibuya or Ebisu. Shibuya is home to over 100 sushi restaurants, ranging from affordable kaiten-zushi spots to exquisite high-end restaurants. Ebisu, meanwhile, is known for its sophisticated atmosphere and hosts numerous Michelin-starred establishments, offering more formal and adult-oriented dining. For those seeking an authentic sushi experience, both Shibuya and Ebisu are highly recommended.
Recommended Sushi Restaurants in Harajuku
1. Aoyama Sakura An(青山さくら庵)
Aoyama Sakura An, located just a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station, delivers a refined, traditional sushi experience inspired by the iconic Japanese symbol of cherry blossoms (sakura). The interior features a stylish Japanese-modern design accented with natural wooden elements, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests can enjoy authentic Edo-style sushi, hand-formed one piece at a time by skilled chefs, alongside freshly made soba noodles. One of their standout features is the Kenbishi sake from Kobe, served straight from the barrel. Counter seating offers an immersive, up-close sushi experience, while table seating is also available for a more relaxed meal. Aoyama Sakura An is a place where you can savor both the flavors of Edo-style sushi and the essence of Japanese culture.
- Operation hours
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Regular holiday
- Wed, Sun
- Price range
-
Lunch JPY 1,000 - JPY 1,999
Dinner JPY 6,000 - JPY 7,999 - Address
- 1F New Art Building, 5-30-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Nearest station
- Shibuya Station
- Directions from station
- 5 minutes walk from Shibuya Station B1 exit. 526 meters from Meiji Jingumae.
- Payment methods
- Credit card, Electronic money, QR code
- Seats
- 23 Seats
2. Maguro Tonya Megumi (まぐろ問屋 恵み)
Maguro Tonya Megumi is a sushi restaurant specializing in tuna, located on the 5th floor of Tokyu Plaza, just a 3-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae Station. It offers a wide selection of sushi made with fresh seafood sourced from nearby coastal waters, including high-quality maguro (tuna) from Misaki Port in Kanagawa. Despite its casual, relaxed atmosphere, the sushi is meticulously prepared in-house by skilled chefs. Guests can enjoy premium cuts like hon-maguro (bluefin tuna) at surprisingly affordable prices. Tuna is one of the most beloved ingredients among international visitors, making this restaurant especially popular with tourists from abroad.
- Operation hours
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. - Regular holiday
- non-scheduled holiday
- Price range
-
Lunch JPY 3,000 - JPY 3,999
Dinner JPY 4,000 - JPY 4,999 - Address
- Tokyu Plaza Harakado 5F, 6-31-21 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Nearest station
- Meiji-Jingumae Station
- Directions from station
- Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Fukutoshin Line
3 minutes from exit 4 or 7 of Meiji-Jingumae Station 22 meters from Meiji Jingumae. - Payment methods
- Credit card, Electronic money, QR code
3. Edomae Sushi Aoyama Sanaka(江戸前寿司 青山さなか)
Edomae Sushi Aoyama Sanaka is a hidden gem just a 5-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae Station and 7 minutes from Omotesando Station. Tucked away in a discreet location, it can be tricky to find. But just look for the nearby vegetable shop as your landmark. This restaurant serves traditional Edo-style sushi crafted with carefully selected seasonal ingredients. It offers the unique opportunity to savor classic Edomae techniques, such as soy-marinated and kombu-cured fish. Foreign language menus are available, making it a popular choice among international visitors.
A rare fine-dining sushi spot in the Harajuku area, Aoyama Sanaka is especially popular at lunchtime, when guests can enjoy an exquisite sushi set for an affordable price of around ¥2,000.
- Operation hours
- Tue, Wed
11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
17:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Regular holiday
- Mon
- Price range
-
Lunch JPY 1,000 - JPY 1,999
Dinner JPY 15,000 - JPY 19,999 - Address
- Tokyu Plaza Harakado 5F, 6-31-21 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Nearest station
- Meiji Jingu Mae Station
- Seats
- 10 Seats
Kaiten Zushi Restaurants in Harajuku
4. Kura Zushi (くら寿司)
Kura Zushi is a popular conveyor belt sushi chain in Japan, serving a wide variety of sushi and desserts at affordable prices. With fun features like a user-friendly touchscreen ordering system and playful capsule toy machines (gacha-gacha), it makes for a relaxed, entertaining way for foreign tourists to enjoy sushi while experiencing Japan’s kaiten-zushi culture. Some branches also provide multilingual and Halal menus, while the contactless service system adds an extra layer of hygiene. The Harajuku branch particularly stands out with vibrant signage that reflects the area’s pop culture vibe. Inside, traditional Japanese elements like paper lanterns and ukiyo-e artwork create a warm and authentic atmosphere.
- Operation hours
- 11:00 a.m, - 23:00 p.m.
- Price range
-
Lunch JPY 1,000 - JPY 1,999
Dinner JPY 3,000 - JPY 3,999 - Address
- YM Square Harajuku 4F, 4-31-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Nearest station
- Meiji Jingumae
- Directions from station
- 113 meters from Meiji Jingumae.
- Payment methods
- Credit card, QR code
- Seats
- 245 Seats
5. Kaiten Zushi Misaki(回転寿司 みさき)
Kaiten Zushi Misaki is a conveyor belt sushi chain recognizable by a sign with the name “Misaki” and images of sushi. The restaurant is located on the basement level, just down the stairs next to the sign. Misaki sets itself apart by serving high-quality, ultra-fresh seafood and flavorful toppings (neta) that are a step above those typically found at standard kaiten-zushi chains. Weekly promotions and seasonal specials also reflect the restaurant’s thoughtful approach to combining quality and value. Misaki is a great spot to enjoy premium sushi at budget-friendly prices, perfect for international visitors seeking an authentic and welcoming conveyor belt sushi experience.
- Price range
- Lunch JPY 1,000 - JPY 1,999
- Address
- Ishikawa Building B1F, 1-8-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Nearest station
- Meiji Jingumae Station
- Directions from station
- 223 meters from Meiji Jingumae.
- Payment methods
- Credit card, Electronic money, QR code
Looking for a High-End Sushi Experience Near Harajuku?
If you're seeking a truly unforgettable sushi experience, consider exploring nearby areas such as Shibuya, Omotesando, or Aoyama, where you'll find even more exceptional high-end sushi restaurants. For more details, be sure to check out these separate guides on luxury sushi restaurants in areas near Harajuku.
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