Experience the Taste and Spirit of Edomae Sushi. How to Enjoy Sushi the Tokyo Way

Many visitors come to Tokyo dreaming of authentic Edomae sushi―Tokyo’s original sushi style, born in the Edo era and refined for life in the city.
Yet once inside a sushi restaurant, the variety of choices, ordering customs, and even how to eat what’s placed in front of you can feel surprisingly mysterious.

This guide takes you beyond “what to order” and into the rhythm of the sushi counter itself―from small, thoughtful details to the subtle exchange between chef and guest. With a little insight, your sushi experience in Tokyo becomes not just delicious, but deeply satisfying.

Your First Step into Edomae Sushi

Edomae sushi was created as a fast, complete bite for the busy townspeople of old Tokyo. Each piece is crafted to stand on its own, requiring no adjustments at the table.

To achieve that balance, the sushi chef fine-tunes everything in an instant: the temperature of the vinegared rice, the thickness of the fish, the amount of wasabi. What arrives in front of you reflects both refined technique and quiet care.

Because of this, sushi has a traditional way of being enjoyed. Nothing complicated―just a few gentle considerations that deepen both flavor and moment. Keeping them in mind can make your encounter with sushi in Tokyo even more memorable.

Classic Edomae toppings include tuna, tamagoyaki (a lightly sweet Japanese omelet), kohada―silver-skinned gizzard shad prized for its clean, briny flavor―and anago (tender sea eel). Tuna like the one shown here is often served as zuke―lightly marinated in soy sauce―one of Edomae sushi’s signature techniques.

Let Aroma and Gesture Elevate the Flavor

There’s no formal dress code at sushi restaurants, but many guests choose clothing that suits the calm atmosphere of the space. Clean, neat attire fits naturally, while very casual outfits like shorts or flip-flops may come across as slightly out of place.

Scent also plays an important role. Strong perfumes, fabric softeners, or hair products can easily overpower sushi’s delicate aroma.　In Japanese cuisine, fragrance is closely tied to flavor, so keeping scents subtle helps everyone appreciate the food as intended.

The calm atmosphere of the restaurant is best matched by simple, understated attire.

Tokyo sushi counters are relaxed, intimate spaces designed to help you slow down and settle into the moment. From the moment you enter, the staff gently guide the flow, showing you to your seat with ease. You’ll be offered a warm towel to refresh your hands―an easy, familiar gesture that lets you relax comfortably. 

When greeted with “Irasshaimase” (welcome), a soft nod or smile is more than enough. At the counter, watching the chef work in focused quiet is part of the pleasure―and reflects a Japanese aesthetic sense and set of values.

At the counter, you can watch the sushi chef work right in front of you.

How to Enjoy Sushi the Tokyo Way

A few simple tips can add another layer of enjoyment to your sushi experience.

Ordering can feel intimidating, but there are no strict rules. Order what appeals to you, at your own pace. You can ask the chef directly, or simply say, “What do you recommend today?” Choosing omakase―the chef’s selection―is also a wonderful option.

If you’re unsure about sequence, you might begin with lighter flavors and move toward richer ones later. This gentle progression allows the full range of tastes to reveal itself.

Sushi is often at its best just after it’s served. Enjoying each piece while it’s fresh allows you to fully appreciate its texture, temperature, and balance.

If you’re seated at the counter, where the chef serves each piece directly, simply take the sushi as it’s presented―many pieces are already seasoned with soy sauce (zuke), a signature preparation method of Edomae sushi in which fish—most commonly tuna—is lightly marinated. 

At table seating, if you use soy sauce, lightly touch it to the fish rather than the rice to maintain the intended balance.

Each piece of sushi is prepared as a complete composition. The wasabi is carefully adjusted for each topping. If you prefer less―or none at all―feel free to let the chef know in advance.

Eating sushi with your hands is perfectly acceptable―and often preferred. The warmth of the rice and its delicate shape are easier to appreciate this way. Lift the piece gently, fish side down, and let it touch your tongue first to take in its aroma and umami (savory depth).

Sushi is designed to be enjoyed in a single bite. If a piece feels too large, you can ask for smaller rice portions ahead of time.

For groups, many sushi restaurants also offer table seating or private tatami-mat rooms.

Pickled ginger (gari) is served as a palate cleanser. A small bite between pieces refreshes your mouth and prepares you for the next flavor. If you need more, the staff will happily refill it.

With a little awareness of these details, the chef’s intention begins to emerge naturally in every bite.

At most sushi restaurants, ginger and green tea are complimentary.

A Rhythm Shared by Chef and Guest

Sushi comes to life through the shared rhythm between chef and guest. When timing and attention naturally align, each piece reveals its best expression. Taking each piece soon after it’s served helps the chef gauge your pace, while a brief “excuse me” before ordering allows the flow to continue smoothly. In this way, the chef adjusts what to make and when to serve it, responding quietly to how you eat.

Conversation is welcome, and so is quiet appreciation. In sushi culture, moments of silence can be just as meaningful. Sharing a simple “delicious” or a brief comment is always appreciated, while long stretches of quiet are simply another way of showing enjoyment and respect.

At many higher-end sushi restaurants in Tokyo, omakase —meaning “chef’s choice”— is the usual choice. Leaving the selection to the chef allows you to encounter seasonal ingredients at their peak, served in a thoughtful sequence. If you have dislikes or allergies, mentioning them early is always helpful. While requests during the meal are sometimes possible, many guests choose to follow the flow as it unfolds.

You’re invited to relax, settle in, and let the experience take its course.

At the counter, sushi is served one piece at a time, freshly made.

Savor the Aftertaste, Even as You Leave

When finished, placing your chopsticks neatly together brings the meal to a gentle close. Leaving your space tidy is simply part of dining beautifully.

Service charges are included, so tipping isn’t expected. Instead, a sincere “Gochisōsama deshita” (“Thank you for the wonderful meal”) is warmly appreciated. Simple words like “Delicious” or “Thank you for your care” are always welcome.

As you leave, a calm, unhurried farewell adds to the lingering aftertaste—taking a moment to thank the staff, gathering your belongings without rush, and exiting with a gentle nod or smile. Leaving in this composed, unhurried way reflects a Japanese aesthetic value, and the grace of stepping away smoothly becomes a pleasant memory for both you and the restaurant.

Like most restaurants in Tokyo, sushi restaurants do not require tipping. A heartfelt “thank you” is enough.

Discover Sushi Culture in Tokyo

As the birthplace of nigiri sushi, Tokyo stands at the heart of global sushi culture. From centuries-old establishments to innovative modern counters and casual conveyor-belt sushi, the city offers countless ways to explore.

What unites them all is a shared respect―for ingredients, craftsmanship, and the people behind them. Learning how to enjoy sushi isn’t about memorizing rules; it’s about sensing Tokyo’s refined food culture through all five senses.

In a single piece of sushi, nature, history, and human care come together.
Eating sushi in Tokyo means tasting both flavor and culture. Let your own unforgettable sushi story begin here.

Compared with traditional sushi restaurants, conveyor-belt sushi can be enjoyed more casually, without worrying too much about etiquette.

With expert review by Emi Sunai
Founder and Director, EMI SUNAI School of Etiquette Offers lessons in etiquette, graceful behavior, conversation skills, social etiquette, table manners, and party protocol.