Hashiguchi — Restaurant in Tokyo

Imagine this. You get off at the subway station or dropped off by a taxi, and you’re expecting to be greeted with an obvious storefront. But as you double check on Google Maps you realize you’re looking at a modest door and sign just a short stair climb away. The restaurant is tucked into an unassuming apartment building, and this itself should send a clear and comforting message to you.

You walk inside to the clean and charmingly sparse hallway and are greeted by the always-smiling hostess. She takes your jackets and welcomes you inside. She then guides you to a small and tranquil room that seats only 8, and you take your seat before the sushi chef who is already in the midst of entertaining and feeding the guests before you. But he is aware of your presence and you feel it.

You watch as he makes the nigiri and you see him close his eyes as he brings the fish to the rice, and you realize this is not a performance, but a grounding and meditative process.

The chef kindly asks you of your preferences, and before you know it you’re navigating what may very well be the best sushi in the world. Everything from the fish, to the rice, the pickled vegetables and even the curated selection of alcohol feels perfectly paired. You feel like you’re in the hands of someone you can trust, and not only do you relax, but the process becomes almost meditative for you too as you let the sushi and the surroundings envelop you.

You are not expected to know all the rules, but instead you are guided and made comfortable. This chef does not stare you down, but he smiles at you, maybe even laughs with some of the other guests, and you feel as though you’re a visitor to a kind and attentive host.

It is an experience you will never forget if you allow yourself to experience it. And yes, it comes at a cost, but perhaps for a special event, a once-in-a-lifetime trip, it is exactly what you’re looking for. You will never be rushed out, and the chef - after he’s served the courses planned - will ask you if you’re still hungry.

You should say yes. From there he will let you choose any of the fish you’d like to revisit. His English is broken, so it may take a hand gesture to the fish of choice, but the moment you share what you wish to re-experience you see the chef’s eyes light up. You get a sense that this is something he truly enjoys, and making you happy gives him the greatest pleasure and thrill.

You will most likely need a reservation months in advance, so plan long before you lift off and you won’t regret a...

Decent space, easy to find while following google map. Pretty friendly chef, with a even friendlier assistant. Whom i guess should be his wife. The meal started off pretty well; sashimi with seaweed and greens(don't know the name), followed by some sides of otoro, sardines, squid, clams, grilled scallops and mackerels. Then comes the nigiri. It's fascinating to see the craft of the famous sinking sushi. The disappointment hits when you realise all the fishes for the nigiri are same as the starters.. only about 2-3 nigiris were 'new' Maybe bad catch of the day, I won't know. Long story short, had food poisoning symptoms 40 mins later together with my spouse. Only meal of day before Hashiguchi was at Ramen Hachigou at 1.30pm so...ya..... Overall, fish didn't feel THAT fresh as compared to i.e. Sushi Daiwa. Maybe i was just paying to watch the...

Absolute class omakaze! Probably the best sushi experience in my life so far! There was not a single serving I disliked, everything was just perfect and delicious. The sea urchin was exceptionally outstanding, not to mention the Sake! Regardless of the limited English, all servings were sufficiently explained. Mr. Hashiguchi-san and his wife are the sweetest couple, full of joy and passion for their beautiful little place. Lots of smiles and jokes along the journey. Another plus is the lack of photos and mobile use, which gives a peaceful atmosphere and a whole other focus on the food and not least tastings. They get my warmest recommendations, and I’m already looking forward to visiting...