Sashimi

Sashimi, in its very essence, seems like a simple dish to prepare. It is, after all, a mere slice of raw seafood or meat. However, there is much complexity involved in its preparation.

The perfect sashimi starts with the freshest ingredient and followed closely by the delicate manner it is sliced. Simple as it sounds, only the highly trained sashimi chefs – or itamae – can serve the most excellent sashimi.

A good piece of sashimi can be eaten on its own but you can choose to smear it with a bit of wasabi and dip it in soy sauce. To enjoy the freshness of your sashimi, inhale its aroma before you take it all in.

Here are the best places to have sashimi in Tokyo.

• ISARI JUHACHIBAN | Shibuya
  For the perfect pairing of Japanese beer and sashimi
  What to order: Osashimi Teishoku, Maguro Don, Zeitaku Gozen
  Price range: 500 to 1,000 Yen ($4.57 to $9.14)
  When: 11:30 – 14:00, 17:00 – 0:00 Weekdays; 17:00 – 24:00 Weekends
  Where: 2F 2-6-12 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo
• TAKAMARU SENGYOTEN | Shinjuku
  For possibly the thickest slices of sashimi you’ll ever have
  What to order: Otoro, Uni, Salmon Roe
  Price range: 3,000 to 4,000 Yen ($27.43 to $36.57)
  When: 12:00 – 13:30; 16:00 – 23:30 Daily
  Where: 7-15-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo
• UOSHO GINPEI | Ginza
  For stunningly beautiful sashimi preparations
  What to order: Sea Bream Rice, Tempura, Salmon
  Price range: 10,000 to 14,000 Yen ($91.14 to $128)
  When: 11:30 – 14:00; 17:00 – 23:00 Daily except Sundays
  Where: 5F 7-6-10 Ginza Chuo, Tokyo