Sushi Ito Ichiro

With over 27 years of operation in the highly competitive “sushi battleground” of Akasaka, Sushi Ito Ichiro has more than made a name for itself in the Tokyo sushi scene. Fresh fish from local markets are treated with care and attention, the counter gives guests an up-close view of the masters in action. However, the chefs at Ichiro manage to differentiate themselves not only with a prime location in the Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu, but also with their selection and handling of ingredients. Serving as the literal base of the meal, Kinuhikari rice imported from Shiga Prefecture features a delicate lightness that barely supports the weight of generous toppings, shaped so expertly so as to contain miniscule air pockets to enhance the sense of lightness and fluffiness when bitten into. While many sushi restaurants make claims of seasonality for their ingredients, Ichiro defines it in practical terms. Every menu lasts roughly a week, inspired by the extremely short harvest periods of bamboo shoots and the prime period in which they should be eaten. With nearly 52 potential menus to look forward to, repeat visitors are more than welcome.