Sushi Kimura

The Nihonbashi area was a prosperous castle town during the Edo period and today remains a commercial and cultural powerhouse where historical and modern architecture meet. Sushi Kimura is located in Nihonbashi’s Nihonbashikakigara-cho neighborhood and has been renowned for delicious sushi since its opening. Owner Koji Kimura trained with sushi artisans at a famous Tokyo restaurant from the age of 18. Aged 25, he went to work at that restaurant’s New York branch, overseeing operations and serving authentic Edomae-style sushi there for 15 years. He returned to Japan in 2015 and opened Sushi Kimura in 2018.

Sushi Kimura is on the first floor of a residential building, with a bamboo fence that makes the entrance easy to spot. Open the sliding door, and you’ll notice stepping stones set in an earthen floor, creating an atmosphere not unlike a Japanese teahouse. At the end of this stone path is the restaurant, with ten seats at a counter made of Japanese cypress wood, and the owner and his wife welcoming you with warm smiles. Take a seat and savor your anticipation as you wait for a delicious dining experience to begin.

The menu consists of a single omakase course that intersperses nigiri sushi with other bites. The sushi features seasonal fish from all around Japan, each prepared with care to fully bring out the delicious flavors. The sushi rice is made using only salt and the distinctive red vinegar of Edomae-style sushi, with each piece of sushi highlighting Sushi Kimura’s famed perfect balance of flavors. Chef Kimura’s culinary philosophy emphasizes unity of rice and topping, as well as exquisitely lingering flavors. The nigiri sushi pieces are fastidiously prepared to ensure rice with an airy texture that almost seems to melt in the mouth. They are served at an optimal temperature, guaranteeing that rice and toppings perfectly balance and combine.

In between the sushi, other course dishes focus on the delicious flavors of Japan’s four seasons. Some are prepared in a simple fashion to highlight natural flavors, while others are made slowly and carefully to bring out the depth of flavor. Sake, wine, and champagne are also on hand to elevate the Sushi Kimura dining experience.

The restaurant is located approximately 1.7 kilometers from Tokyo Station. Nearby, the Suitengu Shrine is associated with prayers for safe childbirth and fertility, and attracts large numbers of overseas visitors. You may wish to combine a meal at Sushi Kimura with a visit to the shrine.

Thanks to his time working overseas, Chef Kimura can provide detailed explanations about course dishes in English. Your experience dining at Sushi Kimura, with its traditional Edomae-style sushi served in a charming Japanese atmosphere of warm hospitality, is sure to become a cherished memory.