Tachiguisushi Sushi Kawa

Came as part of my quest to try all the upmarket tachiguizushi restaurants in Tokyo (Akira, Tonari, Mikata, Bullpen, Onodera, etc. For clarity, some of these other places are priced higher, so I’ve adjusted my expectations accordingly 🙂). Had the 15pc Take course, but other than the tasty ni-kaki and lightly marinated shime saba, everything else just kinda blended together. Felt like I’d have preferred slightly fewer pieces of higher quality neta. The shari was also too lightly seasoned for my taste, I wish it was more sour. That said, the oomizogai that the couple beside me ordered looked fantastic, so maybe the higher quality neta only comes with the Matsu course, or the Goku add-on. I also think that chef’s pace for the full counter results in a slow pace that is fine for a sit-down restaurant, but a tad glacial for a tachigui concept. The pace was only perfect when there were only 3 customers left toward the end of lunch, lol. I think this place would be a lovely neighbourhood spot if you lived around here, but it’s pretty easy to get similar quality sushi in central Tokyo (e.g. Uogashi Yamaharu), so I probably wouldn’t return. Appreciate their unique positioning in this neighbourhood though.

This is what you call an experience. Don't do it cus you think you're getting a huge meal do it cus you wanna try amazing sushi prepared by a chef who's been doing this for 34 years. All the saki or beer you can drink and beautiful and great tasting sushi.

I had an incredible experience at Tachiguisushi Sushi Kawa. I went for the 15-piece omakase and ended up ordering a few extra pieces because everything was just that good. The sushi was incredibly fresh, beautifully prepared, and perfectly balanced. I also tried three different sake recommended by the chef, and each one complemented the sushi wonderfully. It’s a standing sushi bar, so the atmosphere is casual, but the quality rivals high-end places. A true hidden gem – I’d go back in a heartbeat.

A restaurant that has won the Michelin Bib Gourmand. The average Michelin star restaurant starts at around 50,000 yen per person, which is a stretch. This restaurant offers 15 pieces of sushi and unlimited drinks for 16,000 yen. Each piece was incredibly delicious, and the rice was really tasty. And what I liked even more was the recommendation for the drinks. Since they had a wide selection of sakes, if you tell them what style you want, they will recommend it, and they have a lot of sake that goes well with the sushi you were eating at the time. Among mid-level sushi restaurants, this is the best place I've been to recently. I definitely want to come back. If I had to find a flaw, it would be that it's a standing style, so your legs will hurt while traveling, and there's no Odori - but I had no regrets.

Amazing spot! Very friendly staff! The omakase menu was totally delicious with a great choice of sake, champagne, beer and wine included. The Sushi Master was very kind with good English! We can really recommend this place! 😊

Sushikawa is an authentic Edo-mae–style standing sushi bar, and its quality continues to be recognized, having received the Michelin Bib Gourmand again in 2025, following its award in 2024. This consistency speaks volumes about the restaurant’s dedication to its craft. In addition to counter service, Sushikawa also offers off-site catering (private sushi service), making it a popular choice for home parties and private gatherings — a testament to the trust and reputation it has built. There are three omakase courses to choose from, allowing guests to tailor the experience to their appetite and budget. The seafood is always fresh and seasonal, and each piece is carefully prepared right in front of you. This is a matter of personal preference, but the sushi rice, seasoned with a blend of red vinegar, is exceptionally well balanced. It’s neither too soft nor overly acidic, and it never overpowers the fish, instead enhancing the natural flavors of each piece. The kohada (gizzard shad) is particularly outstanding; the curing is perfectly judged, and for me, it’s better than what I’ve had at any other sushi restaurant. One of Sushikawa’s greatest strengths is its impressive selection of nihonshu (Japanese sake). No matter when you visit, the variety is abundant, with many seasonal bottles available. Wine is also available, though the focus is clearly on sake. For those who enjoy exploring different styles, a free-flow option adds excellent value. The chef is very friendly and approachable, and the atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious. The space is small but cozy, making it easy to enjoy high-quality sushi without feeling formal. Reservations are especially recommended, as the restaurant continues to attract both locals and international visitors. Overall, Sushikawa delivers exceptional balance in flavor, craftsmanship, and value. It’s a place you can return to again and again, confident that it will always be delicious.

I thought it was a good deal when I ordered the 15 pieces of sushi course for 6300 JPY but eventually, I was rather disappointed. Two reasons why: 1. Waiting time When you are standing while eating, you expect the meal to come quickly but it took the chef 4-5 minutes to make ONE sushi because the chef was the only one preparing the sushi for 11 people. The lunch took us at least 75 minutes to finish. 2. Quality of sushi Some of the sushi like squid were alright but the ishidai, maaji and some other sushi had either fishy smell or the texture of the rice was off. Overall, some sushi were not bad but the overall experience amd taste were subpar. The only nice thing about the restaurant was the interior.

Tachiguisushi Sushikawa in Tokyo's Sasazuka neighborhood offers a refreshing return to sushi's roots, embracing the traditional stand-up dining experience. Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2025, this intimate 10-seat counter spotlights Edo-style nigiri - the focus is solely on nigiri; no side dishes or appetizers to distract from the main event. The Chef curates a menu that changes daily, featuring seafood sourced from across Japan—think marinated mackerel from Kagoshima, fatty tuna from Nagasaki, and boiled conger eel from Miyagi. The ambiance is minimalist yet inviting, with a stylish white and wood interior that elevates the standing sushi bar concept. I saw that all foreigners are given the 15-piece course, inclusive of an all-you-can-drink alcohol package (Bottle Beer / Japanese Sake / Wine / Champagne). For those seeking an authentic, no-frills sushi experience that honors tradition without pretense, Tachiguisushi Sushikawa delivers exceptional value and craftsmanship in every bite. Reservations are recommended to secure a spot!