Sushi & Seafood · Ginza

Ginza Kyubey 銀座 久兵衛

Ginza's most famous sushi name since 1935, where the gunkan (battleship) roll is said to have been invented. Polished, foreigner-friendly, multi-floor counters and easy to book.

About

Founded in 1935 by Hisaji Imada, Kyubey turned sushi into a Ginza dining institution: novelists and politicians came here, and the shop is credited with creating gunkan-maki, the nori-wrapped 'battleship' that lets loose toppings like uni and ikura sit on rice. Today it is a large operation with several counters across its main building and annex, which makes it one of the few top-name Ginza sushi houses a first-time visitor can actually book. Expect impeccable, slightly formal service, English menus, classic Edomae nigiri (try the uni gunkan and the kohada) and a broad price range from lunch sets to full dinner omakase.

Highlights

• Birthplace of the gunkan-maki 'battleship' roll
• Several counters, so reservations are realistic even at short notice
• Uni and ikura gunkan, kohada and toro as house classics
• English-speaking staff and menus
• Lunch sets a gentler entry point to a legendary name

Tips

• Book 1-4 weeks ahead by phone or via your hotel concierge; lunch is easiest
• Ask for the main counter on the ground floor for the most atmosphere
• Smart casual: no shorts, no strong perfume at the counter
• Lunch omakase gives the full experience at roughly half the dinner price

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Shiseido GalleryArt & Exhibits · 60 m away
• Hakuhinkan Toy ParkUnique Store · 70 m away
• Sushi YoshitakeSushi & Seafood · 80 m away
• Tsubakiya Coffee Ginza HontenCafé & Sweets · 80 m away
• Toyoiwa Inari ShrineShrine · 90 m away
• Ginza Music BarBars & Nightlife · 100 m away
• Café de l'AmbreCafé & Sweets · 110 m away
• Sushi AraiSushi & Seafood · 140 m away