After a long travel day, we finally checked into our hotel, Gracery Shinjuku, right in the middle of Tokyo’s busiest district. While scrolling through Reddit, we came across a tip about a highly rated sushi spot located right under the hotel: Itamae Sushi Shinjuku. Even though it was already late, curiosity and hunger got the better of us. We decided to give it a try, and it turned out to be one of the best surprises of our Tokyo stay.
Shinjuku, Tokyo: chaos, color, and culinary surprises
If Tokyo is the city that never sleeps, Shinjuku is its restless heart. It’s wild, colorful, and full of energy with neon lights, crowded streets, karaoke bars, and endless restaurants. When we walked around at 8:45 PM, the streets were overflowing with people. Locals were heading out after work, tourists were exploring, and girls in vibrant cosplay outfits added to the electric atmosphere. Amid this chaos, we found a calm and welcoming spot: Itamae Sushi. You might expect restaurants in this nightlife area to be overpriced or touristy, but this one was refreshingly different.
Sushi made with love, skill, and precision
Inside, we were seated right away. The restaurant felt peaceful, a perfect contrast to the noise outside. We ordered a sushi platter with tuna and salmon along with a special rice paper roll filled with vegetables and fresh tuna. Every bite was perfect. The fish was incredibly fresh, the rice was seasoned just right, and the textures were beautifully balanced. The tuna literally melted in our mouths, and the rice paper roll was light, delicate, and full of flavor.
What impressed us most was the attention to detail. The sushi chefs clearly take pride in their work. Each piece looked like a tiny work of art—simple, elegant, and bursting with flavor. No heavy sauces or overpowering wasabi, just pure, clean taste. It felt almost surreal to enjoy such high-quality sushi right below our hotel, in one of Tokyo’s liveliest neighborhoods.
Friendly service that makes you feel at home
The service was just as impressive. Our waitress greeted us with a warm smile, helped us with the menu, and made us feel completely at ease. Even though it was late, she took her time and never made us feel rushed. That combination of friendliness and calm efficiency is what makes dining in Japan so special, and it made our experience even better.
Who should visit Itamae Sushi Shinjuku?
Itamae Sushi Shinjuku is perfect for travelers staying nearby who want great sushi within walking distance, foodies searching for authentic flavors, couples or solo travelers looking for a relaxed meal, and business visitors wanting something delicious after a long day. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick dinner or a calm evening meal, this place is an excellent choice. Its location under Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (famous for the Godzilla head on top of the roof) and close to Shinjuku Station makes it extra convenient.
Practical information
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (Ground floor)
1 Chome-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
https://itamae.co.jp/en/
Our rating:
Itamae Sushi Shinjuku is a real hidden gem offering delicious, fresh sushi and wonderful service in the middle of Tokyo’s busiest nightlife district. Authentic, friendly, and far from being a tourist trap.








