Hinatomaru Kaminarimon Yanagi Koji

For sushi near Kaminarimon in Asakusa, the variety of hon-maguro—bluefin tuna—cuts is a natural place to start. At Hinatomaru Kaminarimon Yanagi-koji, the hon-maguro three-piece selection brings together otoro, chutoro and akami. The five-piece tasting adds marinated tuna and the rarer head meat, giving the restaurant’s signature offering a distinctive presence. In one platter, the range runs from toro, with its rich, sweet-tasting fat, to the firmer akami and the distinctive texture of head meat.

Even after a generous taste of tuna, choosing what to try next is part of the appeal. A three-piece white-fish selection or live-shellfish selection, featuring the chef’s recommendations, offers a fresher change of pace. Individual choices include kohada, raw mackerel and kinmedai, as well as seasonal-feeling options such as live tsubugai and live scallop. There is also a wide range at different price points, from more affordable nakaochi gunkan and egg nigiri to premium uni and a plump whole anago.

Counter seating is central to the space, making it a natural setting to sip beer or sake while the chef shapes nigiri in front of you. Whether for a substantial lunch, dinner after a walk around Asakusa or a takeaway order, this is an easygoing sushi spot near Kaminarimon.