Can’t-Wait to Check Out: Tobusakana in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo

Ever since our friends came back raving about this place called Tobusakana in Tokyo’s Shimokitazawa district, it’s shot straight to the top of our “must-visit” list. They couldn’t stop talking about the standout dishes, the incredible freshness of the ingredients, and the prices that don’t make your wallet weep – a rare find in Tokyo’s dining scene. With Shimokitazawa just a 10-minute train ride from Shinjuku, the anticipation’s been building up for our upcoming summer trip.

Tobusakana isn’t your run-of-the-mill spot; it’s a labor of love by a guy who grew up in a fishmonger’s family, aiming to share his passion for seafood with everyone who walks through his door. This place first opened its doors back in ’96 in a cozy corner of Shimokitazawa, and despite moving around a bit, it’s been keeping the locals happy for over 25 years. They even had a grand reopening in November 2020, right back where they started, which felt like a homecoming.

The vibe of Tobusakana is all about keeping it real with what they serve. From fish and veggies that they pick up fresh every morning from Toyosu Market to their careful choice of sake and even the dishware, everything screams attention to detail. They’re big on this method of grilling fish with Binchotan charcoal and sun-dried salt that just locks in the ocean flavor. Plus, they’re all about the seasons, rotating their veggie selections to keep things fresh and exciting. Whether it’s their sashimi, clam sashimi, or the oysters they offer all year round, freshness is their middle name.

And the sake? They’re not just jumping on whatever’s trendy. They pick sakes that they truly love, aiming to give you a taste that’s both authentic and enjoyable. Must-tries include their “Battera Sushi” and this unique dish where they cook a whole sea bream in sake, letting you get the best of both worlds with the fish and the drink.

Now, about Shimokitazawa, or Shimokita as the locals call it. This place is like the cooler, laid-back cousin of Tokyo you wish you had known about sooner. It’s got this old Tokyo charm with all the modern twists – think narrow streets filled with murals, vintage shops, cool cafes, and live music spots. Even with some redevelopment controversies, Shimokita has managed to keep its soul intact, making it the perfect neighborhood for a spot like Tobusakana.

Since the Odakyu Line got some underground upgrades in 2013, the area’s become even easier to navigate, without losing its quirky charm. This improvement has helped ease the notorious rush-hour squeeze and opened the door for some neat changes around the station area.