Oku Akasaka Sushi Tanji
Akasaka
Dinner
8 counter seats・No private rooms・An authentic tea room
Chef
Takada Tatsuo
The Beginning
My perspective was shaped during my travels abroad. Seeing Japanese cuisine from a distance allowed me to rediscover its spirit—its quiet discipline, its depth—and I found myself drawn to it all over again. That realization became my starting point.
Nowhere else in the world do you find the traditions of sushi and chanoyu—the Japanese tea ceremony—each so refined, so deeply rooted in culture. I wanted to bring these two art forms together within a single space, and to do so at the highest level.
The ingredients we use are nurtured by the rich natural landscapes of Kyushu, while the tea is prepared in a serene setting inspired by the traditional tea room, where beauty is found in stillness and restraint. Here in Ok-Akasaka, I seek to weave these elements—Japan’s culinary artistry and its spatial aesthetics—into a single, unfolding story.
The Chef’s Journey
During my travels abroad, I came to rediscover the profound spirit of Japanese cuisine, and it was then that I chose to devote myself to the path of sushi.
I began by studying the very essence of ingredients within the food industry, before refining my craft at a renowned sushi establishment in Shibuya, Tokyo. Through years of experience and continual experimentation, I have pursued an aging technique that draws out the fish’s umami to its fullest expression.
From this journey emerged my own distinctive style—one that brings together two of Japan’s most refined traditions: sushi and chanoyu, the art of the tea ceremony.
Philosophy of Taste
At our restaurant, we bypass the conventional channels of Tokyo’s central markets, selecting only the finest seafood delivered directly from Kyushu in southern Japan—an area long celebrated as a treasure trove of exceptional produce.
Each fish is treated at its source using a meticulous technique known as ikejime—a method that preserves cellular integrity and halts deterioration at its earliest stage. It is then carefully aged under precise temperature control, allowing its amino acids to develop fully and its umami to reach a remarkable depth.
To complement each piece, we prepare our own house-made soy sauces and vinegars, tailored to the character of the fish. Guests are invited to explore an exceptional pairing experience with over thirty rare selections of sake, alongside a curated list of fine wines, each chosen to elevate the dialogue between flavor and aroma.
Beyond the Kitchen
I maintain a close, personal relationship with trusted fish specialists in Kagoshima, Kyushu, working directly with them to pursue the finest possible ingredients at all times.
My dedication extends beyond cuisine alone. I have immersed myself in traditional crafts and the art of chado—the Japanese way of tea—and that knowledge, along with my passion, is reflected in every detail of the space at Awashi. Each element has been carefully considered, so that the experience resonates not only on the palate, but throughout the entire setting.
Design and Ambience
Stepping away from the bustle of the city, you will find that our restaurant houses something exceedingly rare for a sushi establishment: an authentic tea room.
Passing through the nijiriguchi—a small, humble entrance traditionally designed to symbolize humility and equality—you enter a world of quiet stillness, far removed from the everyday. There, surrounded by a sense of calm, you can experience Japanese culture with all five senses, including the gentle warmth of Karatsu ware—handcrafted ceramics from Saga Prefecture, known for their understated beauty and tactile elegance.
Future Vision
Sushi, one of Japan’s most iconic culinary traditions, and matcha, a symbol of its spiritual culture—by bringing these two together, I aspire to offer a singular experience to discerning guests around the world, from San Francisco to the Middle East and beyond.
Transcending borders, my aim is to share the true essence of Japanese culture on a global stage, continuing to present it with both authenticity and quiet refinement.
To Our Guests
The deep, matured umami of ingredients delivered directly from Kyushu, paired with authentic matcha prepared by a trained tea master—this is a rare indulgence found only here.
Each morning, our artisans craft seasonal wagashi—traditional Japanese confections designed to complement the tea—offering a moment of quiet repose and reflection.
Whether visiting from abroad or from within Japan, we welcome every guest with the highest standard of omotenashi—Japan’s refined art of wholehearted hospitality.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
The Art of Aging, Sourced at Origin: The Pinnacle of Umami
By sourcing seafood directly from Kyushu—bypassing Tokyo’s Toyosu Market—each selection is meticulously aged for several days to several weeks using a proprietary technique. This process draws out an extraordinary depth of umami, achieving a rare harmony where pristine freshness and the richness of maturation coexist. The result is a style of sushi that is truly one of a kind, found nowhere else.
From Gastronomy to Stillness: A Rare Two-Part Experience
After savoring sushi at the lively counter, guests are invited to transition into a serene, authentic tea room within the restaurant. Here, a tea master prepares matcha accompanied by house-made seasonal sweets, offering a moment of calm and reflection. Such a seamless pairing of a vibrant sushi experience with a deeply tranquil tea ceremony setting is exceptionally rare, even within Japan—making this a truly singular journey.
A Lasting Memory Shaped by Japanese Aesthetics
The traditional tea room, designed with a “nijiriguchi”—a small प्रवेश traditionally symbolizing humility and equality—offers not only a place of quiet beauty but also a memorable setting for photography. In this space, removed from the rhythm of the city, guests can immerse themselves in the refined aesthetics of Japan, creating a lasting highlight of their journey.
Restaurant Information
Location
7-minute walk from Exit 7 of Akasaka Station (Chiyoda Line)
Telephone
+81-50-1720-2281
Hours
16:00 – 23:30
Closed
Irregular holidays
Payment
Method: Table service
Cards: VISA / MasterCard / JCB / American Express / Diners Club
QR Payments: PayPay / Rakuten Pay / d Payment / au PAY
Service Charge: None
Cover Charge: None
Dress Code
To preserve the delicate aromas of sushi for all guests, we kindly ask that you refrain from wearing perfume.
Seating
8 seats
Private bookings available for groups of 6 to 10 guests
Smoking Policy
Non-smoking throughout
Children
Not permitted
Children are welcome for private bookings, with no age restrictions
Pets
Not permitted
Parking
No on-site parking
Please use nearby parking facilities
Choose Your Experience
Please note that the menu may change to reflect the freshest seasonal ingredients available.
Reservations made through Japan Vision Dining include a personal request to the chef for seating that offers a close view of the craft, subject to availability.
Dinner ”Aged Sushi Omakase & Tea Ceremony Matcha”
JPY 24,200 (tax and service charge included)
A classic full-course experience centered on expertly aged sushi, crafted from the finest ingredients sourced from Kyushu and refined through a proprietary technique that draws out their deepest umami.
Following the meal, guests are guided to an authentic tea room, where a tea master prepares freshly whisked matcha, accompanied by house-made seasonal wagashi—an invitation to experience the essence of Japanese tradition through all five senses.
Dinner ”Premium Aged Sushi Omakase & Tea Ceremony Matcha”
JPY 33,000 (tax and service charge included)
An ultimate omakase experience, featuring the finest selections delivered directly from Kyushu, each meticulously aged using a proprietary technique to concentrate and elevate their umami to its fullest expression. Every piece is served at its precise moment of perfection, allowing you to enjoy each ingredient at its absolute peak.
The experience concludes with freshly whisked matcha, prepared by a tea master, accompanied by house-made seasonal wagashi—an invitation to immerse yourself in the refined beauty of Japanese tradition.
Dinner ”Spiny Lobster & Aged Sushi Omakase with Tea Ceremony Matcha”
JPY 41,800 (tax and service charge included)
An extraordinary expression of luxury: each guest is served a whole live Japanese spiny lobster exceeding 500 grams, alongside exceptional sushi crafted from Kyushu-sourced fish, meticulously aged using a proprietary technique to unlock its deepest umami.
The experience concludes in a serene tea room, far removed from the bustle of the city, where a tea master prepares freshly whisked matcha, accompanied by house-made seasonal wagashi—an invitation to unwind in the quiet elegance of Japanese tradition.
Japan Vision Dining
A Private Experience, Tailored to You.
An entire restaurant, opened solely for you.
Engage directly with a master chef as each dish reveals the depth of Japanese cuisine.
A level of intimacy and access rarely available to the public.
Discover the story behind the master.