Uogashi Nihon-Ichi Shinjuku Review: Best Cheap Sushi
Looking for incredible, budget-friendly sushi in Tokyo? Read our review of Uogashi Nihon-Ichi, Shinjuku's top standing sushi bar with high-end taste.
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Looking for incredible, budget-friendly sushi in Tokyo? Read our review of Uogashi Nihon-Ichi, Shinjuku's top standing sushi bar with high-end taste.
When traveling to Tokyo, there are two culinary staples you absolute cannot skip:
sushi and ramen.
During my recent trip, I discovered a hidden gem in Shinjuku called
Uogashi Nihon-Ichi. It offers budget-friendly prices
with a taste profile that rivals high-end, expensive sushi spots.
I actually ended up eating here twice during my stay!
Here is my honest, self-funded review of this incredible Tokyo sushi spot.
1. Uogashi Nihon-Ichi Shinjuku
📍 Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (Nishi-Shinjuku)
1F Kawase Bldg, 1-12-12 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023
🍣 Standing Sushi Bar
Hours: Mon - Fri 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Google Rating: 4.5 (Over 2,225 reviews)
Located just a 1-minute walk from Shinjuku Station (Exit 8),
this spot is highly popular with both locals and Western travelers.
If you visit during peak dinner hours, expect a short wait.
To beat the crowd, I highly recommend arriving
before 7:00 PM, right before local office workers head out.
I’ve been to Tokyo several times and tried countless sushi joints,
but the savory aroma of seasoned sushi rice that hits you
the moment you open the door here is unmatched.
You can feel the local culinary expertise even while waiting in line! 😯
Uogashi Nihon-Ichi is a traditional standing sushi bar (Tachi-gui).
While you might expect quick turnarounds because there are no seats,
the sheer variety, incredible quality, and cheap prices keep people ordering.
Because of this, customers tend to linger and enjoy multiple rounds.
I personally ended up standing and eating for almost an hour! 😂
2. The Menu & Ordering
The menu features clear photos and English descriptions,
making ordering a breeze. It’s the perfect setup to try
a wide variety of different nigiri without breaking the bank.
The portions served match the pictures exactly, so order with confidence!
You place your order directly with the chef standing right in front of you.
3. The Sushi Experience
✔ Instead of standard plates, they serve the sushi on a fresh bamboo leaf.
This unique touch sets it apart from other Shinjuku spots
and makes the entire dining experience feel incredibly authentic.
Pickled ginger is provided automatically, but you will need to
specifically ask the chef if you want extra wasabi or hot green tea.
The sushi is handmade to order right before your eyes.
When the shop is busy, orders can stack up quickly.
Pro Tip: Order 4 to 5 pieces at a time so you always have
a steady flow of fresh sushi coming your way! 👍
I always like to start my meal with Tamago (sweet egg omelet) sushi
before moving on to richer, oilier fish.
At just 150 JPY (about $1.00 USD), the Tamago was exceptionally soft, fluffy,
and perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of rice.
The Aburi (seared) Shrimp with Mayo was a standout.
The smoky flame-seared aroma combined with the rich, savory mayo
was absolutely incredible. I ordered this one 3 or 4 times!
I wanted to see if all their seared options were as good,
so I tried the Aburi Salmon with Mayo next.
While it was still tasty, the fatty profile of the salmon paired with
mayonnaise felt a bit too heavy compared to the shrimp.
One item you absolutely must order is the Engawa (Halibut Fin).
It's a rare find in mid-range budget sushi bars.
At just 360 JPY (about $2.30 USD) for 2 pieces, it's an absolute steal.
The texture is buttery and literally melts in your mouth! ✨
While beer is a classic pairing, I highly recommend their hot green tea.
While miso soup costs 150 to 200 JPY (about $1.00 to $1.30 USD),
the hot green tea is completely free and cuts through the rich fish beautifully!
Even premium cuts like Toro (fatty tuna) are only 380 JPY (about $2.40 USD).
I ordered salmon, halibut, scallops, eel, and seared varieties until I was completely stuffed.
The final bill? Only around $20 USD per person!
It is incredibly hard to find this level of quality at this price point anywhere else in Tokyo.
On my second visit, I ordered just as heavily, and the bill came out to the exact same
budget-friendly range of around $20 USD. 🍣
If you want premium-quality, freshly made sushi without the high-end price tag,
make sure to pin Uogashi Nihon-Ichi on your Tokyo map!
It is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays, until 10:00 PM on Saturdays, and until 9:30 PM on Sundays. Wait times can occur during dinner, so it is recommended to visit before 7:00 PM, before office workers finish their shifts.
This is a standing sushi bar with no chairs. You can check the menu, which includes Korean and pictures, and then order your sushi directly from the chef in front of you.
Green tea is provided for free, but you must request it separately from the chef or staff. Miso soup is not free and must be ordered separately, costing between 150 and 200 yen.
Even if you eat your fill of various sushi such as fatty tuna, flounder fin, and eel, it will only cost around ~$19 per person. The prices are very affordable, ranging from 150 yen for egg sushi to 380 yen for fatty tuna.
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