Tabelog ratingSushi Matsuura (鮨 まつうら) is a small, highly regarded sushi counter in the quiet Shirokane district, helmed by a chef praised for his friendly and relaxed manner. Despite its unassuming location, it has earned multiple Tabelog awards and a loyal following for an omakase course defined by two signature moments: a hand-served negitoro (chopped tuna and scallion) roll to start, and a distinctive roll of an-kimo (monkfish liver) and kanpyo (dried gourd) paired with a sweet 'Time Machine' sake.
Guests consistently praise these unique creations, but also the fundamental quality and generosity of the meal. The neta (fish toppings) are noted for being unusually large and thick, served over carefully seasoned and tempered shari (sushi rice). Standouts often include various cuts of tuna like chūtoro and ōtoro, as well as uni (sea urchin), shako (mantis shrimp), and anago (sea eel). The seasonal appetizers, such as preparations of hotate (scallop) ovary or tachiuo (beltfish), are also frequently highlighted, as is the well-chosen sake list.
The main challenge is practical: securing a reservation is extremely difficult, with waits often stretching from months to a year. The restaurant is intimate, with only about eight seats at the counter. While reviewers find the standard omakase to be excellent value, the final bill can climb significantly with premium sake or additional items.
The omakase course is typically priced around ¥30,000–¥39,999. Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying approximately ¥30,000 to ¥34,000 for the base course, with final bills including drinks often landing between ¥37,000 and ¥38,400. One guest who ordered many extras reported a total of around ¥71,000. A bottle of sake seen in a review was priced at ¥2,300.
- Getting There: Sushi Matsuura is an 8-minute walk from Shirokane Takanawa Station.
- Reservations: Reservations are mandatory and extremely difficult to obtain. A 100% cancellation fee applies for same-day cancellations.
- Seating: There are 8 counter seats. The restaurant offers two dinner seatings (5:00 PM and 8:00 PM) and a lunch service on Saturdays.
- Children: Reservations with children are only accepted for private bookings of the entire restaurant.
- Payment: VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, and Diners cards are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: No private parking is available, but there are paid public parking lots nearby.
