Mention the words “seafood” and “Japan”, and Tsukiji Fish Market 築地市場 comes to mind. Indeed, the world’s biggest wholesale fish and seafood market is host to a gamut of fresh catches, and more importantly – sushi restaurants.

There are a couple of options when it comes to having sushi at this time honoured market. Sushi Dai 寿司大 and Daiwa Sushi 大和寿司  are two massively popular choices, thanks to the dozens of recommendations on TripAdvisor. But if you don’t want to burn the better part of your day queueing for three to four hours minimum, you can also check out Ryu Sushi 竜寿司 – or Ryuzushi as it’s known among the locals.

Read my other Tokyo posts:

• Discovering Izu Peninsula 
• Luke’s Lobster @ Harajuku/Omotesando
• Eating Your Way Around Harajuku
• Book and Bed Hostel @ Ikebukuro
• How to buy Ghibli Museum tickets outside Japan

The 12-14 seater restaurant has been operating in Tsukiji’s Outer Market since its opening in 1959. Walking in, the first thing we noticed was the lack of chopsticks; it’s all about using your hands at Ryu Sushi.

Price wise, it’s best to go for a 7-piece set, as individual pieces can rake up to ¥500 each. There are 2 available: Kiku (¥2,500) and Ran (¥3,500).

As I wanted to pace my spending (I visited Tsukiji on the second day of my trip), I went for the Ran set, which included toro, white fish, squid, ark shell, horse mackerel, prawn, sea eel, and cucumber roll.

The squid and ark shell were incredibly fresh, and the toro melted the second it entered my mouth. I also liked the sweet notes from the sauce that the chef doused the sea eel with.

While my breakfast at Ryu Sushi wasn’t particularly mind blowing, I did appreciate the orderly, yet serene atmosphere that permeated the restaurant. As the morning progressed, more customers, mostly tourists and businessmen, strolled in for a taste of Ryu Sushi’s offerings.

For those who are deliberating on whether to make the trip down to the current Tsukiji Market, I say go while you still have the chance! Although its initial move was delayed due to unexpected issues at the proposed new site, rumour has it that it will take place in May 2018.

(Accurate as of June 2017) 

Address: 〒104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo 築地 5-2-1
Nearest train station: Tsukiji Shijo Station (Exit A1) 
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 6.30am – 2pm
Closed on Sunday, Public Holidays and Market Holidays (see here)
Contact: +81 03-3541-9517

 Facebook/ TripAdvisor/ Tabelog
Menu

Prices: 
Kiku: ¥2,500
Ran: ¥3,500
Omakase: ¥4,500

chueonit.