Have you ever heard of jukusei sushi?
Jukusei sushi is aged or matured sushi. It overturns the idea of fresh fish and instead tries to bring out the maximum possible flavour out of the fish through ageing. Just how does the flavour of aged sushi change from the other sushi I’ve eaten?
Today I visited Wadanoya, an aged sushi shop in Ebisu, Tokyo that receives direct deliveries from Kyushu.
The restaurant is located between Daikanyama Station and Ebisu Station, just a 5-minute walk from either. It’s located on the lower first floor of a building.
They offer both relaxing counter seats and horigotatsu, or sunken kotatsu seats. When there aren’t a lot of customers in I recommend eating at the counter where you can chat with the owner.
The meal I ate was a set course. The starter was sashimi which I had with white wine. This fish was caught in the Goto Islands.
Next up was tempura – Satsuma chicken and seasonal vegetables. The chicken was juicy with a light dressing. It’s eaten with salt and ponzu. The summer vegetables were okura and eggplant. These were also grown in Kyushu.
This was followed by horse-meat sashimi from Kumamoto served with hot Kabosu Kosho. Adding even just a little to the meat allows for enjoyment of a completely different flavour. The meat is soft, melts in your mouth and doesn’t smell.
Next was sea urchin from Nagasaki Prefecture topped with butter shoyu and fish offcuts. The butter shoyu gives the sea urchin and offcuts an extremely rich flavour. It was a luxurious dish with a hearty serving of fresh sea urchin.
And then the star of the show which I couldn’t wait for – aged sushi!
This fish is meichidai, or grey large-eye bream, which had been aged for one week. My first impression was “How rich!” It’s a little thick and has a deep flavour. Its good, rich taste fills your entire mouth.
I also ate other aged sushi too including mackerel and tuna. The mackerel I had was aged in the refrigerator for 3 days and the tuna one week. It might have been the first time I had ever eaten such thick, smooth tuna.
The owner said that each respective fish is aged for the right period under the right temperature conditions. They go to such lengths to create these rich flavours!
Having enjoyed my fill with a full belly the last item on the course was a large serving of dagoshiru soup. It contains lots of ingredients like chewy dango, carrots and greater burdock. It had a subtle and mild taste.
Wadanoya is a popular restaurant that originates from Osaka. It’s sure to end up popular in no time in Ebisu too. The restaurant is celebrating its opening until the end of October 2018 by serving their 28-item sushi course for ¥10,000 down from the regular price of ¥12,000.
Take advantage of this special price and try aged sushi for yourself.
Information
Wadanoya
Address: Echo Daikanyama B1F, 1-30-14 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya, Tokyo
TEL: 03-6427-8783
Access:
6-minutes on foot from Ebisu Station via JR Lines
4-minutes on foot from Daikanyama Station via Toyku Lines
Opening Hours: 18:00～24:00 Last Orders 23:30)
No Fixed Holidays.
Website: http://wadanoya-sushi.com/
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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Sushi is the probably the most famous Japanese food! Below are 5 sushi restaurants we highly recommend.
Roppongi “atelier Morimoto XEX”
“atelier Morimoto XEZ” is a combined restaurant produced by Masaharu Morimoto who works in foreign countries centering around the U.S. You can make an order until 3:00 AM and enjoy many kinds of dishes which are a mixture of Japanese style and Western style. “Edomaezushi” is the recommended dish. Why don’t you enjoy the dishes created by this top chef who is loved by people all over the world?
Detailed information：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/58797
■Information
atelier Morimoto XEX
Address: Roppongi Building, 7-21-19, Roppongi, Minatoku, Tokyo
Holiday: New Year’s Day
TEL：03-3479-0065
URL：http://www.xexgroup.jp/morimoto
※The counter with cast iron-pan can be used until 24:00 and the isolated room can be used by paying 20,000 yen.
Shinjuku “Sushizanmai”
“Sushizanmai” is a sushi chain restaurant. The price of one of the lunch menus “Maguroduke Donburi” is only 477 yen (tax not included)! Moreover, you can drink as much coffee as you like. The lunch menu noted previously is offered from 11:00 to 17:00 at Shinjuku Higashiguchi Store (only on weekdays.) The helping of rice can be chosen at will and the menu comes with miso soup. The menu is recommended for those of you who want to enjoy seafood at a low price!
Detailed information：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/34111
■Information
Sushizanmai Shinjuku Higashiguchi Store
Address: 3F Seno Building, 3rd street, 18-4, Shinjuku, Shinjukuku, Tokyo
Business hours: 24 hours, lunch time – 11:00 to 17:00
Holiday: no holiday
TEL：03-5357-7737
Shinjuku “Hokkaido Sushi Unimaru”
The branch store of “Hokkaido Unimaru” where you can enjoy sushi and dishes of sea urchin opened inside of “Odakyu Ace” at Shinjuku Station’s West Exit. The set “Uni Tabekurabe” (1,800 yen) offers three kinds of sea urchins; Murasaki Uni, Bafun Uni and Ensui Uni. Accordingly, you can compare the taste of these different sea urchins. This set menu is highly recommended. You can choose either “Shiro Shari (white rice)” using rice vinegar or “Aka Shari (red rice) using red vinegar.
Detailed information：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/40869
■Information
“Hokkaido Sushi Unimaru”
Address: 〒160-0023, West Exit Basement #1, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo (Odakyu Ace North Department)
Business hours: 8:00 to 23:00
Holiday: no holiday
TEL：0362790148
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Nishiazabu “SUSHI Gonpachi”
“Gonpachi” is a restaurant loved by both Japanese people and people from abroad and many people say, “You should take your guests from foreign countries to Gonpachi.” They offer sensitive Japanese cuisines and Edo-style sushi using fresh fish delivered in the morning. The taste of each ingredient is the same as that of famous old restaurants and it is superb. “Kyaki Set” where you can enjoy 10 kinds of sushi dishes for 3,000 yen is recommended.
Detailed information：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/27328
■Information
SUSHI Gonpachi Nishiazabu
Address: 3F, 1-13-11, Nishiazabu, Minatoku, Tokyo
Access: 10 minutes on foot from Nishiazabu’s intersection, Tokyo Metro Roppongi Station, Nogizaka Stataion, Hiroo Station, Omotesando Station.
Business hours: dinner – 17;00 to 26:00 (L.O. Food 25:00 / Drink 25:00)
TEL ： (03)5771-0180
Azabujuban “Yuma”
You should go to “Yuma,” a horse meat-specialized store if you want to eat unusual sushis. They offer horse meat dishes at a reasonable price (horse meat dishes are expensive in Tokyo). The recommended dish is “Otona Nigiri” which comes with four kinds of horse meat, 8 pairs of sushis (1,580 yen). Horse meat is known as being a healthy, nutritious food which many doctors in France recommend to their patients. Horse meat has a great effect on anti-aging and is recommended to people who want to lose weight. Why don’t you enjoy their healthy menus?
■Information
Baniku (horse meat) Specialized Restaurant Yuma Azabu Juban Store
Address: B1F, TAKADEN Building, 1-8-11, Azabu Juban, Minatoku, Tokyo
Business hours: Monday to Saturday: 17:00 to 23:30 （L.O.23:00）: Sun 15:00～22：30（L.O.22:00）
Holiday: no holiday
How did you like our introduction of recommended sushi shops in Tokyo? Let’s enjoy Japanese “sushi!”
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Traditional Japanese restaurant cuisine chain Gonpachi is opening its twelfth store, Gonpachi Nori-Temaki, in Harajuku on May 30. The restaurant is just a 2-minute walk from Harajuku Station along Omotesando and specialises in hand-rolled seaweed bites.
The restaurant aims to fuse modern designs with Japanese culture. In the centre of the restaurant is a 360° counter where they serve customers freshly rolled seaweed temaki. The price range starts from ¥200 for one temaki. There are also sets available on the menu.
The name 'Gonpachi' originates from Shirai Gonpachi, the protagonist of a famous kabuki play.
The seaweed at Gonpachi is kontobi seaweed from Maruyama Nori, a 160-year-old company who own a sushi shop with three Michelin stars. It has a fresh and natural taste as well as a light texture.
As well as regular vinegared sushi rice, you can also order 'cauliflower rice' which has reduced sugar. It's exceptionally nutritious and popular for its vitamin C and calcium content. The rice is an original Gonpachi creation.
There's a wide range of fillings to choose from, including Nagaimo Pollock Roe (Regular: ¥200 / Large: ¥350), Salmon Avocado (R: ¥300 / L: ¥480), Salmon Roe Soy Sauce Zuke (R: ¥450 / L: ¥600), Sea Urchin (R: ¥650 / L: ¥1,000), and more. The level of freshness in the line-up is exceptional across the board.
*All prices above are pre-tax.
Enjoy some delicious temaki sushi in Harajuku with friends and family!
■InformationGonpachi Nori-Temaki Harajuku
Address: Co-op Olympia 1F, 6-35-3 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening: May 30, 2018
Opening Hours: 11:00-22:00 (subject to change)
Access: 2-minutes on foot from Harajuku Station via JR Yamanote Line
Website: http://gonpachi.jp/
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Japanese model Yuri Sugunama, a.k.a “Yurippa,” is taking us on the third trip in her series series where she goes to personally experience Japanese culture and cultivate new hobbies. This time, she gets involved in a cooking lesson to make springtime temari sushi! Yurippa has always had an interest in homemade cooking but never really had the opportunity to challenge herself to it. So, how did she do...?
uki-uki cafe is located in Daikanyama which is just one stop from Shibuya on the Tōkyū Tōyoko Line. It's an easy place to get to just 5-minutes from the station tucked away in a quiet residential area. Upon opening the door to the café, you are greeted with a fresh space full of green plant life. You'll totally forget about the hustle and bustle of the city.
Teaching the lesson is uki-uki cafe's representative, Ayumi Kashiwabara. She's a food co-ordinator who promotes happy cooking that you'll unintentionally want to take a photo of. Not only does she serve food that makes your everyday dining table evermore buoyant, she also holds cooking lessons every now and then. "Call me Ayu-chan-sensei, okay?" she says with a pose. She's extremely friendly!
Today's challenge is making two items: 'temari sushi' and 'spring mizore soup.' First off, the temari sushi! You begin by mixing together 250g of rice with 25ml of vinegar, 15g of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This is then divided into 8 portions. Spread out some clingfilm and place ham in the middle. Then put one portion of rice on top and roll. Do this for all 8 portions. Roll the ham and rice into one and when taking the clingfilm off make sure that they stay together and don't separate.
Next is making plum lotus roots. Fill the holes of the lotus roots with bainiku plum. Use your finger to delicately press it all together. It's easy if you use a tube for this part. An excited Yurippa exclaimed, "This is the first time in my life I'm making food using bainiku plum!"
At this point, Ayu-chan-sensei added a small touch: "It'll look gorgeous if you do it like this." With just a little twist, she made it look even more fantastic by putting on thinly sliced lemon and sprinkling over some pepper. The two of them looked like they were having fun cooking next to each other.
Before dishing up the temari sushi, it's time to make the mizore soup. Add two teaspoons of Japanese dashi to 120ml of water and mix in one teaspoon of soy sauce, one teaspoon of sake, one teaspoon of mirin, and a little salt. Bring to the boil and just add some grated daikon. Daikon skin has nutritional value, so wash it thoroughly and rub dry.
Finally, add green beans into the mizore soup, put in wheat gluten, and... "All done!"
Yurippa's colourful temari sushi and mizore soup is complete and perfect for spring. Going out and adding seasonal a lunch mat, pair of chopsticks and tableware is fun too.
Yurippa was happy, commenting: "I can feel that food made by hand really is more delicious! It was easy and didn't take long, plus I like how exciting it looks. I want to invite my friends over to my house for a meal."Cooking lessons are held once in a while at uki-uki cafe where you can learn how to make food that'll make your ordinary days more fun. If you think a cooking lesson is a little too much to handle, then just pop in to the café for a kawaii meal. Coming face to face with the food at uki-uki cafe will surely make your day that much happier.
■Information
uki-uki cafe
Address: 88.DAIKANYAMA 3F, Daikanyamacho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:00-18:00 (Lunch Last Orders 16:00 / Last Orders 17:30)
Access: 5-minutes on foot from Daikanyama Station via the Tōkyū Tōyoko Line
Website: http://ayupichi.com/index.html
*Cooking classes are held at irregular periods. Please enquire beforehand if you are a visitor from overseas.Model: Yuri Suganuma @yurippa93
Yuri Sugunuma is a model with a high fashion sense that has been picked up by various magazines. She receives much love and support from girls of the same generation as her to whom she is known by her nickname “Yurippa.” She has a huge influence across her social media. Recently, she has stepped into other fields outside of modelling, such as appearing in TV shoots and in music videos. She is skilled in make-up and involved in the development of cosmetics.
Writer ＆ Photographer: Haruka YamamotoTranslator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
RELATED ENTRIES
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Sebastian Masuda to open SUSHIDELIC, a new sushi restaurant in Soho, New York City. The location will open on June 28, 2023.
“King of Kawaii” Sebastian Masuda, creator of Harajuku’s “KAWAII MONSTER CAFE,” loved by celebrities around the world, has created a new restaurant concept in New York City
Sebastian Masuda is a multi-disciplinary artist whose unique sense of color transcends the boundaries of art, fashion, and entertainment. His restaurant “KAWAII MONSTER CAFE” opened in Harajuku in August 2015 and quickly became a popular spot in Tokyo, frequented by celebrities from around the world, including BLACK PINK’s Jenny, Katy Perry, and Ariana Grande. His next project will take place in New York City, where he is currently based. The restaurant will offer a completely new perspective on sushi, the most popular Japanese food in the U.S. and an integral part of the American lifestyle.Enjoy an Immersive Kawaii Experience
The new location is meant to be an “immersive Kawaii experience.” Once you step into the restaurant, you’ll find yourself in a psychedelic and one-of-a-kind space that will make you feel as if you’ve wandered into another world. Guest will be guided by employees clad in colorful custom-made costumes, and three rotating cats will be suspended by the ceiling, rotating to reveal a secret image. Guests sitting at the counter will enjoy a pink custom-made conveyor belt, a.k.a a sushi lane.The restaurant will offer artist Sebastian Masuda “Immersive Kawaii Experiences” that go beyond THE DINING EXPERIENCE.Featuring a Menu Developed by Japanese Chefs and Supported by AUTEC, Inc.
Chef Hiroki Abe and Sebastian Masuda collaborated to create an unforgettable menu, fully supported by AUTEC. After moving to the United States in 2001, Abe worked as an executive chef at EN Japanese Brasserie in NYC. He now works as a private chef at corporate events and parties around the U.S. On the technical side, AUTEC, which boasts the number one share of the automatic sushi machine market in North America, is backing up the venture. The sushi is sure to be as tasty as it is kawaii!Featuring Restaurant Music by RAM RIDER, the Music Producer Behind the Score at KMC
The in-store background music is essential when cultivating an immersive experience. Music producer RAM RIDER, who created the music for KAWAII MONSTER CAFE, has written an incredible 70-minute ambient track for SUSHIDELIC. Guests can look forward to losing themselves in the adorable ambiance.Tons of New Yorkers Visit During Pre-Opening, SUSHIDELIC Trends on Social Media
During SUSHIDELIC’s limited pre-opening, scores of New York-based celebrities and influencers visited the shop. The unparalleled ambiance, food presentation, and experience have quickly become a hot topic on social media!Opening in SoHo, the Trendiest Neighborhood in New York City
SUSHIDELIC is scheduled to open at 177 Lafayette St. in the heart of the SoHo area, where the latest fashions and trends are born and where many fashion brands have opened their flagship stores.We will keep you updated with the latest information as it becomes available. Please look forward to the chemistry between “Sushi” and “Kawaii,” two of Japan’s proudest exports.
Sebastian Masuda
Information
Shop Overview
Name: SUSHIDELIC
Opening: June 28, 2023
Address: 177 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013Website: https://www.sushidelic.netInstagram: @sushidelic.nyc -
In Saiki City, located in the southernmost part of Oita Prefecture, visitors will find a unique project. For a limited time, guests can enjoy a sushi-netarium, where sushi–not stars–will be featured in the sky. Saiki City, where the event takes place, is a treasure trove of seafood thanks to the Bungo Channel and boasts the largest catch in Oita Prefecture. It’s also known as Oita's premier sushi destination, with more than 350 varieties of ocean delicacies to enjoy each year. Saiki Sushi, made from fresh local fish, is known for its firm texture and for having just the right amount of fat. To promote this tasty dish throughout Japan, the interactive sushi-netarium promotion was created!
A Planetarium Experience Featuring Soothing Music and a Sky Filled with Sushi The sushi-netarium is said to have a relaxing effect comparable to that of Beppu Onsen, the most famous tourist attraction in Oita. Those taking part will be able to see not only a sky filled with sushi, but a sushi meteor shower and the Gari Borealis. As you watch, it might become impossible not to crave sushi! Visitors will be able to take part in this special viewing at certain locations in Beppu City and at Oita Airport from September 22 until November 30. In a public announcement, the city invited guests to eat plenty of tasty local food and soak in the Beppu Onsen before enjoying the sushi-netarium to wrap up a wonderful day. The Beautiful ‘Sushi Projector’ Check out these impressive projectors made exclusively for the sushi-netarium! These original sushi projectors in the shape of Saiki sushi are the only five such projectors in the world and come in the shapes of tuna, yellowtail, octopus, egg, and shrimp. Come enjoy this strange sushi-centric activity in the south of Japan! Participating facilities are listed on the website below. Information
Saiki City presents Sushi-netarium
Running: September 22 – November 30, 2022
Venue: Accommodations in Beppu City, Footbath Space at Oita Airport
Target Space: Accommodations listed below, Oita Airport Footbath Space
Details: https://www.visit-saiki.jp/topics/detail/eb9def81-fb90-40ae-9b5a-10c8d6c94b32
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TOOTH TOOTH TOKYO, a French bistro located in Ebisu, will offer three unique parfaits perfect for adult palates starting June 1, 2022 for a limited time. These three sweet treats are perfect for an after-meal snack or a reward for a hard day’s work. As delicious as they may be, they’re also delightful to look at, each made with care and filled with seasonal fruits. An evening at TOOTH TOOTH TOKYO will be a luxurious and colorful experience this summer.
White Peach Fromage Parfait with Honey Tuile: ¥2,000 (Tax Included) The melt-in-your-mouth parfait includes sweet peach covered with Earl Grey tea leaves, homemade apricot pound cake, lemon mousse, and a crispy honey tuile for a touch of luxury. Parfait Exotica ~Mango Quenelle and Coconut Blancmange & Pistachio: ¥1,900 (Tax Included) This mango treat with a dollop of coconut blancmange is made extra delicious with a pairing of pistachio ice cream. Dried pineapple and lotus flowers garnish this mature summer dessert. Enjoy the rum-soaked dried fruits! Caramelized Figs & Red Wine Spiced Chocolat: ¥1,600 (Tax Included) Juicy caramelized figs doused with spiced sangria make up the heart of this dish. The Belgian chocolate ice cream is served with a light cheese tuile, an accent with just the right amount of texture and saltiness. Information
TOOTH TOOTH TOKYO
Venue: Tre di Casa Ebisu 1F/B1 (3-17-12 Higashi Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Hours:Monday-Thursday, Saturday: Lunch 11:30-15:00 / Cafe & Dinner 15:00-23:30 (Last Order at 22:30)
Sunday: Lunch 11:30-15:00 / Cafe & Dinner 15:00-23:00 (Last Order at 22:00)
Friday: Lunch 11:30-15:00 / Cafe & Dinner 15:00-28:00 (Last Order 23:30)
*Closed from 15:00-16:00Official Site: http://www.toothtooth.com/restaurant/tooth-tokyo/
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Cafe Accueil Ebisu is currently offering a limited Sakura-themed menu featuring pancakes, afternoon tea, and drinks until April 10, 2022. Sakura & Strawberry Pancakes
Sakura Afternoon Tea Special Latte with Cherry Blossoms The seasonal menu includes Sakura & Strawberry Pancakes with pale pink and strawberry red accents, and savory items such as a croissant with cherry cheese cream. Guests can also enjoy Sakura Afternoon Tea, a colorful 12-item menu featuring cherry and strawberry delights. Come enjoy the coming of spring at this gorgeous Tokyo cafe! Information
Cafe Accueil Ebisu Sakura Season Special Menu
Available until April 10, 2022
Address: 2-10-10 Ebisunishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00-22:00 (Last Order at 21:00)
Official Site: http://accueil.co.jp/ebisu/
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High casual brand PAGEBOY has begun selling limited-edition collaboration items with sushi chain Hamazushi at stores nationwide, the official web store, and ZOZOTOWN. An original novelty box will be gifted to customers buying collab items while supplies last!
Lineup
Long Sleeve T-ShirtShort-Sleeve T-Shirt
Short-Sleeve Patterned T-Shirt
Bucket Hat Socks
Plates
Fans of the popular sushi chain can grab a shirt featuring Hamazushi's unique wave pattern motifs. Unisex brand PAGEBOYLIM also announced a simultaneous collaboration, with a long-sleeve T-shirt perfect for the guys out there. Information
PAGEBOY x Hamazushi
Release Date: March 3, 2022
Where to Buy:
PAGEBOY Locations Nationwide: https://www.dot-st.com/pageboy/info/CSfStoreListPage.jsp
Official Online Store: https://www.dot-st.com/pageboy/
ZOZOTOWN: https://zozo.jp/shop/pageboy/
Official Site: https://www.dot-st.com/cp/pageboy/hama-sushi -
A new restaurant by the name of Kimura Don is set to open inside Shinjuku Takashimaya's Restaurant Square on July 20, 2021. Kimura Don is a new donburi restaurant produced by Koji Kimura, a chef whose popular sushi bar Sushi Kimura, located in Futakotamagawa, has held two Michelin stars since 2013. His new eatery continues the traditions and techniques honed at Sushi Kimura while spinning innovation into new donburi rice bowl dishes conceived from the many ideas Kimura has conceived over the years. The donburi to be served recreates that perfect balance between vinegared rice and toppings which Kimura mastered at his sushi bar. Customers can enjoy a range of additions including donburi classics such as meat and fish as well as seasonal ingredients. The restaurant also uses locally grown and reared produce and ingredients that's also environmentally-friendly from Tokyo such as Kinuhari rice from Hachiojo and Akigawagyu beef. This will help to foster a relationship between local farmers and consumers.
Lunchtime Dishes | ¥3,500 Each | Serving Times: 11:00-17:00 (Last Orders 16:00)Pick from five different donburi bowls such as tuna, pilchard, and roast beef. Each season will also has its own exclusive dish made with seasonal ingredients. There's also a special option to order a set of two smaller versions of the dishes too for ¥3,800. Evening Courses | From ¥12,000 | Serving Times: 17:00-23:00 (Last Orders 22:00)The evening course line-up is also made up of five different bowls as well as seven seasonal snacks. Koji Kimura | Comment
"I've been set up in Futakotamagawa for 16 years. I studied how to prepare sushi rice for many years, since it serves as the foundation, so that I could create unique sushi. I have made sushi rice that's unique and draws a line under other restaurants, rice which when combined with toppings explodes with umami flavour. I use this same sushi rice as the basis for lots of innovative donburi dishes, and I'd love for people to enjoy a taste at the first place in Japan to do this."Information
Kimura Don
Opening Date: July 20, 2021
Location: Takashimaya Times Square (Floor 14F)
Address: 5-24-2 Setagaya, Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Official Website: https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/shinjuku/timessquare/