Sushi Sasaya

Stepping through the noren curtain at dusk reveals the easygoing, welcoming atmosphere of an unpretentious neighborhood sushi spot. Set in Waseda-Tsurumakicho, Sushi Sasaya (鮨 笹屋) serves chef-crafted sushi and thoughtful drinking snacks without any stiffness. Orders are placed using digital tablets, making it straightforward to request sushi without wasabi or track the bill, which keeps the experience stress-free even for first-time visitors.

Dashi-Infused Dishes and Curated Sake

When perusing the menu, it is hard not to linger over the small plates that showcase seasonal selections and careful prep work. A popular favorite is the daikon tatsuta-age—radish simmered slowly in dashi before being crisply deep-fried, releasing a rich wash of broth with each bite. Traditional touches like the marinated tuna appetizer (zuke maguro no otsumami) and the generous whole-eel simmered conger (marugoto ippon: ni-anago no otsumami) pair naturally with a drink. The sake lineup complements these dishes with bottles like Hidakami Yasuke Junmai Ginjo, prized for its refreshing aroma that highlights seafood, and Gozenshu 9 Bodaimoto Junmai, brewed with ancient traditional methods.

Nigiri for Any Occasion and a Relaxed Space

For the main sushi course, options adapt to any appetite and budget, spanning an affordable standard set (nami-nigiri) made from daily market catches to a deluxe platter (toku-jo nigiri) featuring fatty tuna and sea urchin. Seating includes counter spots where diners can watch the sushi chefs at work, alongside tables and private rooms well-suited for everything from a solitary evening drink to family gatherings. Dinner hours can fill up quickly, making advance reservations a sensible idea when planning a visit.