Sushiden

On the 1th basement floor of Matsuya Ginza, conveniently situated for a break between shopping, sits the intimate counter of Sushiden. With roughly 6 to 7 seats, the setting is compact, but the dining experience follows true Edomae sushi tradition: no small soy sauce plates are placed on the counter, as the chef finishes every piece individually with a brush of nikiri soy sauce. Despite the lively buzz of the department store food hall, a composed atmosphere prevails as you watch the chef work and enjoy each nigiri served at a steady, rhythmic pace.

The cornerstone of the meal is the nigiri sets, available as lunch specials or standard combinations crafted with an appealing progression. Assortments such as Suzuran or Namiki guide diners smoothly from lean red tuna to silky medium-fatty chutoro, alongside gently simmered anago, red sea bream, and yellowtail plated piece by piece right before your eyes. Lunch nigiri sets often come with a bowl of soup and chawanmushi savory egg custard, making for a neat, satisfying set without unnecessary lingering.

If you still have room after finishing a set, ordering a few individual pieces from the wall or chalkboard specials is one of the distinct pleasures of sitting at this counter. The selection features a broad variety of seafood, including kisu kombujime (cured sillago), kinmedai (splendid alfonsino), lightly torched kamasu with an aromatic skin, tairagai penshell clam, fresh sea urchin, and botan shrimp. Beer and sake are also available, making it easy to unwind quietly over a drink with seasonal sushi as an accompaniment.

Because the counter does not take seat reservations, arriving right when it opens or during the slower mid-afternoon hours makes it easier to find an open spot without waiting. In addition to dining in, colourful barasushi boxes and packed assortments are available for takeout, handy for times when you want to enjoy Sushiden's sushi at home.