If you're after top-notch sushi without the high price tag and are willing to skip the chairs and warm towelettes, head to Tachiguizushi Akira. This stand-and-eat sushi spot, known in Japanese as tachigui, caters to those looking for a quick bite between appointments or a snack with a drink without waiting for a table.
Taciguizushi Akira, a sister establishment of the introduction-only Sushi Shoryu, offers a twist on the concept, allowing diners to enjoy high-end sushi without needing a special connection or spending a fortune. While the setup is modest, the sushi is exceptional. The uni rolls (from ¥1,100) are piled so high with creamy sea urchin that they seem on the verge of tipping over, while the aburi nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch, ¥1,540) is seared so delicately that it practically glistens on the serving counter.
With pieces like honmaguro (bluefin tuna) nigiri starting at ¥440, a satisfying meal typically costs between ¥6,000 and ¥8,000 per person, though this is still a fraction of what you'd pay for comparable quality at a seated sushi restaurant. Just be prepared to arrive early – the absence of seating hasn't kept Tokyo's dedicated sushi lovers from lining up well before opening.