Welcome to ‘Hirunomi Queen’!
A Special Morning at Tsukiji Begins
“The crisp air of the year-end morning in Tsukiji sets the perfect mood. Today, it’s not just about ‘day drinking’ but rather ‘morning drinking’!”
As the crowds in the outer Tsukiji market started to stir, my husband and I wandered into a newly opened sushi spot, Tsukiji Suzutomi Sushi-Tomi. It was just past 9 AM, and to our delight, they were open. A golden opportunity for a morning drink!
A Spacious Counter & a Toast to Tsukiji Mornings
Stepping inside, we found the restaurant bright, clean, and spacious.
“Can we order à la carte?” I asked. The sushi chef smiled warmly and replied, “Of course!”
That was all the encouragement we needed. The switch flipped—we were officially in drinking mode!
We kicked things off with a beer and a highball, toasting to the beginning of a luxurious Tsukiji morning. There’s nothing quite like that first sip of the day in such a legendary location!
The Impact of Sushi-Tomi’s Signature Roll
Our first order was the famous ‘Sushi-Tomi Roll’ (half-size).
“Whoa! Look at all that tuna!”
The roll was packed with generous cuts of hon-maguro (bluefin tuna)—a mix of lean, medium-fatty, fatty tuna, and minced toro. One glance at the cross-section, and we knew we were in for something special.
One bite, and I couldn’t help but exclaim, “This tuna is amazing!”
The rich umami of the maguro filled my mouth, delivering an unbeatable feeling of bliss. The fact that we could enjoy such premium cuts of tuna so early in the day felt like an incredible luxury.
“This calls for sake, of course!”
We paired the hon-maguro roll with chilled sake, taking our time to savor the combination. Pure happiness.
Exploring Nigiri, One Bite at a Time
Next, we switched to ordering nigiri piece by piece, enjoying the art of sushi with drinks in hand.
- Hon-Maguro Akami (Lean Bluefin Tuna) A beautifully vibrant red cut. With every bite, the deep umami of the tuna unfolded. “Starting the day with this? Absolute satisfaction!”
- Aji (Horse Mackerel) Thick and rich in fat, topped with ginger for the perfect balance. “This is the true taste of Tsukiji!”
- Maguro Zuke (Marinated Tuna) The chef marinated the fresh hon-maguro right in front of us. “This is a must-try!” The deep, intensified flavor of the zuke-style tuna was sensational.
- Shime-Saba (Marinated Mackerel) “Perfectly marinated!” The balance of acidity and mackerel umami was spot on.
- Kinmedai (Golden Eye Snapper) Rich in fat yet retaining its distinct kinmedai flavor. The slightly firm texture made it irresistibly good.
- Ikura (Salmon Roe) “The dashi seasoning enhances the ikura’s natural umami.” The popping texture was delightful—an ideal way to wrap up our morning drinks.
A Warm Ending with Miso Soup & The Bill
To finish, we ordered a steaming bowl of miso soup.
“So comforting…” The warmth spread through my body, easing the effects of our indulgence.
The total cost for two people? 9,780 yen. Given the high-quality ingredients and generous portions, it was an excellent deal for a Tsukiji morning sushi experience.
A Growing Line Outside
By the time we stepped out around 11 AM, a long line had already formed outside Sushi-Tomi.
“Good thing we came early!”
Morning drinking in Tsukiji is truly a privilege for early risers.
Why You Should Visit Sushi-Tomi in Tsukiji
✅ Morning drinks & sushi experience in Tsukiji Outer Market ✅ Must-try ‘Sushi-Tomi Roll’ loaded with premium bluefin tuna ✅ Enjoy à la carte nigiri with fresh seasonal seafood ✅ Opens from around 9 AM (though official hours say 10:30 AM; holiday hours may vary!)
If you’re looking to drink and dine in Tsukiji before lunch, this is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss.
“How about treating yourself to a luxurious morning drink in Tsukiji?”
Restaurant Information
📍 Tsukiji Suzutomi Sushi Tomi 📍 Location: Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo, Japan 📍 Hours: Open from morning to early afternoon (exact hours may vary) 📍 Specialty: Fresh bluefin tuna rolls & premium nigiri sushi 📍 Tip: Arrive early to avoid the lines and enjoy a relaxed morning drink!