Hyperlocal Tokyo

A sushi restaurant in Asakusa, Tokyo. "Bentenyama Mika Sushi" The restaurant has a clean and calming atmosphere. The chef is friendly and has a clear and concise way of speaking, which is very likable. This sushi restaurant has been around for over 100 years, making it a true institution. They have English menus for foreign visitors, which are easy to understand thanks to the accompanying photos. The food was delicious. Thank you for the meal.

This was a reservation visit. It was my wife's first time visiting. I ordered the "Hitodama" course while my wife had the "Mikaiko" course. The "Hitodama" comes with a small pickled fish bowl. The "Mikaiko" is just sushi, but it's perfect for my wife who loves to eat a lot of sushi. The sushi at Bentenyama is truly one of a kind. The moment you put it in your mouth, a wave of happiness washes over you, leaving a lasting memory of its deliciousness. It never changes. Ah, it's still so delicious. The fifth generation chef is so passionate about his craft. We won't let him retire anytime soon. It's hard to come here at night, but I'll definitely request him by name when I do. (laughs) See you soon. Thank you for the delicious meal.

I visited for lunch on a weekday. It was a sudden visit, but the proprietress was very kind and accommodating. The chef and the staff were also very friendly and helpful. I ordered the "おまかせ" (Omakase) course. The dishes, such as the seaweed condiment and the tuna and tuna leek soup, were delicious. The sushi was all delicious, but the taste was like a typical sushi restaurant in town. I ordered a few beers and some extra snacks, and it came out to about 20,000 yen per person. In my opinion, for that price, I would have expected a little more satisfaction.

I had visited this place once about 10 years ago, and this was my first visit since moving to Asakusa. I had a sudden craving for sushi, so I called on a Saturday afternoon, not expecting much. To my surprise, they were able to accommodate me. The staff was very friendly and welcoming, which heightened my anticipation. I must have called at the right time, as the first round of customers were just leaving, and despite making a last-minute reservation, I was able to secure a seat at the counter. For the menu, I opted for the "Akari" omakase course, which is their signature offering. First, I was served three appetizers: - Homemade nori佃煮 (tsukudani, a type of seasoned seaweed) and marinated tuna - 葱鮪汁 (negi-maguro-jiru, a soup with tuna and scallions), a seasonal specialty - Squid and red clam muscle nuta (a type of Japanese vinegar-based dressing) The sashimi was bonito. It was high-quality returning bonito, with a rich texture and a very clean flavor. The nigiri sushi consisted of 12 pieces and a maki roll: - Sea bream - Flounder - Tuna akami (lean tuna) - Tuna akami - Hokkigai (a type of clam) - Kohada (gizzard shad) - Aji (horse mackerel) - Kuruma ebi (Japanese tiger prawn) - Surumeika (squid) - Anago (conger eel) - Tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) - Maki roll with dried gourd and chutoro (medium fatty tuna) The white fish was aged in kombu (kelp) to perfection. The shellfish was incredibly fresh and high-quality. The kohada was perfectly seasoned, with a mild flavor. Every piece of fish was meticulously prepared, showcasing the essence of honest Edomae sushi. One of my favorite aspects of Edomae sushi, the oboro (a type of fish paste), was particularly noteworthy. It was subtly incorporated into the kuruma ebi and tamagoyaki, and the combination of the tamagoyaki and oboro was truly exceptional. The moment I tasted it, I exclaimed, "Wow, this is delicious!" (laughs). Overall, both the fish and the rice were slightly larger than usual, reflecting the traditional style of Edomae sushi. They offer a selection of seasonal sake, and this time I chose the "Shinkame" from Saitama. I'm a big fan of this sake, and its subtle sherry-like oxidation notes paired beautifully with the rice vinegar aroma. Bentenyama Mika, a renowned Edomae sushi restaurant with a national reputation, is a must-visit when exploring Asakusa. I highly recommend making a reservation. Thank you for the delicious meal!

17 Kan: Sake, Beer - ¥14,000 I visited 17 Kan, a renowned sushi restaurant in Asakusa, known for its Edomae sushi lineage. While it's a top-tier establishment, it has a welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere, more akin to a popular sushi joint than a high-end one. The friendly chef generously serves two pieces at a time. The anago (conger eel) was particularly delicious. It wasn't the usual soft and tender texture, but rather had a springy, chewy bite. The white-grilled anago with a sweet soy glaze was a delightful experience. The marinated bonito was another highlight, offering a deep, complex flavor that was distinctly different from ordinary tuna. Surprisingly, the shrimp was marinated in sweet vinegar, retaining its texture while adding a tangy sweetness. The restaurant is unpretentious and approachable, yet maintains a high level of quality. It's a sushi place where you can relax and enjoy yourself without feeling out of place. I will definitely return.