Tabelog ratingAt Nihonbashi Kawaguchi (日本橋 川口), chef Toshikazu Kawaguchi presents a masterclass in traditional Edo-mae sushi, honed over 11 years of training under the celebrated Jiro Ono. The experience is an intimate one, served at a small counter, and follows a tightly staged omakase format: a sequence of exquisite tsumami (small appetizer dishes) gives way to a main flight of around 15 pieces of nigiri.
Guests consistently praise the flow of the meal and the quality of the ingredients, from top-grade Fujita tuna to generous portions of bafun uni. The chef’s work is precise and traditional, with standout pieces including hotate isobeyaki (grilled scallop with seaweed), awabi (abalone), and anago (sea eel). The rice, or shari, is prepared with white rice vinegar, giving it a crisp texture and a pointed acidity that some diners find sharp but most feel beautifully complements the fish. The meal often concludes with a signature tamago (egg roll) made in a classic Edo-era style. Note that the nigiri portions are generous; the chef is happy to make them smaller upon request.
This is a destination-level splurge, and reviewers find the price fair for the pedigree and craft. A lunch omakase was recently reported at around ¥24,200, with dinner at ¥33,000. Final bills including sake or wine pairings typically fall between ¥29,000 and ¥40,000 per person.
- Booking: Reservations are mandatory and should be made well in advance; walk-ins are not accepted. The entire course is served to all guests at once, so punctuality is essential.
- Getting There: The restaurant is on the ground floor of the SG Nihonbashi Honcho Building, a 3-minute walk from Shin-Nihonbashi Station.
- Seating: Seating is for 8 guests at a single counter.
- Language: English explanations are provided by the staff and the British okami (manageress).
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners, UnionPay), electronic money (including Suica), and QR code payments are all accepted.
- Age Restriction: Guests must be of middle school age or older.
- Dress Code: Please refrain from wearing strong fragrances such as perfume or cologne.
