Tokyo's newest gem, Senkyaku Banrai, unveiled to the public on February 1, 2024. This aptly named destination, translating to "a place where thousands gather," lives up to its moniker with bustling crowds that embody its spirit of joyful congregation.
What secrets does Senkyaku Banrai hold, and what experiences await inside its walls? Join us as we explore this exciting locale.
- Getting There
- Adjacent to Toyosu Fish Market
- Senkyaku Banrai
- First Floor
- Second Floor
- Fresh Sushi at Tsukiji Kagura Sushi
- Senbei at Edo Fukagawaya
- Unagi Meigetsugawa
- Onigiri and Fresh Grilled Fish at Echigoya Sukegoro
- Tuna on a Skewer at Soma Suisan
- Ice Cream at Fukura Suzume
- Oh! Huggy! for Sweet Treats
- Third Floor: Food Court
- Shockingly Expensive Dishes
- Reasonably-Priced Options
- Details
Getting There
The closest station is Shijo-mae Station on the Yurikamome Line. If you are using the Yamanote Line, then get off at Shimbashi Station and switch to the Yurikamome Line. Make sure to check out the easiest route for you using Google map.
As soon as you step off the station at Shijo-mae, Senkyaku Banrai (千客万来) greets you with an instantly captivating sight. A collection of structures, their designs harking back to the Edo period, stands majestically spread over a vast area. These architectural marvels are so striking and picturesque that they compel every passerby to pause for a moment and capture their beauty in photographs.
Adjacent to Toyosu Fish Market
Glancing to your left, you'll spot the Toyosu Fish Market, the successor to the legendary Tsukiji Market. While a number of vendors made the move to Toyosu, Tsukiji still thrives with its own collection of shops.
The proximity of Senkyaku Banrai to this market guarantees an unparalleled opportunity to indulge in the freshest seafood, straight from the day's catch.
Senkyaku Banrai
Senkyaku Banrai (千客万来) spans across three floors, each brimming with shops that transport you back to the Edo period.
The first floor serves as a culinary gateway, featuring restaurants that specialize in seafood, seafood ramen, and a variety of other Japanese delicacies.
Ascend to the second floor and you'll find yourself amidst an Edo-era ambiance, with more restaurants and food shops, alongside a market alley. Notably, there's a complimentary foot bath.
The third floor houses a food court where you can freely enjoy your purchases in a designated dining area, complete with a viewpoint offering panoramic views.
Let's embark on a floor-by-floor exploration to uncover the unique offerings of each level.
First Floor
The ground level of Senkyaku Banrai has a quintessentially Japanese ambiance, positioned beside the main thoroughfare. Here, traditional wooden architecture blends seamlessly with flags adorned in Japanese motifs, creating a scene so picturesque that visitors are instinctively drawn to capture the moment on camera. This floor is predominantly occupied by seafood restaurants, offering delicacies like sushi and sashimi, prepared with the freshest catch from the nearby Toyosu Market.
The eateries line the street, echoing the bustling energy of Toyosu itself. To ensure a taste of this unparalleled freshness, an early visit is advised; like the market, many of these establishments close by the afternoon. For those eager to indulge in the finest seafood Tokyo has to offer, a morning visit comes highly recommended.
Second Floor
The second floor of Senkyaku Banrai truly stands as the heart of this Edo-period inspired facility. Directly accessible from the train station, its entrance gate, reminiscent of a village from the Edo era, has become a favorite photo spot for both locals and international visitors alike.
Lining this passage are shops offering both quick bites and sit-down meals. The diversity and authenticity of the offerings mean that queues are a common sight. Whether you're in the mood for a snack to munch on as you explore or a full meal to savor in a restaurant setting, this floor caters to all preferences with a myriad of options.
Given the abundance of enticing shops, it's a challenge to highlight just a few, but we will point out some standout options that are worth your attention.
Fresh Sushi at Tsukiji Kagura Sushi
Tsukiji Kagura Sushi is positioned right at the entrance of the second floor. Famed for its lengthy queues, it is a testament to its popularity and the quality of its offerings. Utilizing the freshest seafood, reminiscent of its origins at the renowned Tsukiji Fish Market, Kagura Sushi promises an authentic sushi experience. The consistent queue of eager patrons speaks volumes about the restaurant's reputation, all at a reasonable price point. If you're looking to indulge in exquisite sushi upon your arrival, Tsukiji Kagura Sushi is highly recommended.
Senbei at Edo Fukagawaya
Edo Fukagawaya is a must-visit for snack enthusiasts, offering a unique take on traditional senbei. Among its highlights are the "Fukagawa croquette," a delectable creation inspired by the local Fukagawa Meshi, crafted from a blend of potatoes and sweet potatoes with a savory clam filling. Another crowd-pleaser is the Toyosu Seafood Crackers, offering a delightful crunch and the fresh scent of the sea, featuring pressed and baked octopus, shrimp, and scallops. For those wishing to linger, the store's interior includes a comfortable dine-in area complemented by an exclusive menu and a selection of drinks perfectly paired with snacks.
Unagi Meigetsugawa
Unagi Meigetsugawa offers a culinary experience that often surprises foreigners and becomes a must-try dish upon visiting Japan: eel served over rice. Its appeal lies not only in the novelty but also in its cooked nature, making it an accessible and delightful choice for a wide audience.
The menu at this unagi restaurant keeps things straightforward, allowing diners to select their preferred portion size and cooking style. Additionally, the restaurant features unique offerings like egg rolls filled with eel. It's an invitation to explore and fall in love with the distinctive taste of Japanese eel.
Onigiri and Fresh Grilled Fish at Echigoya Sukegoro
Echigoya Sukegoro is the go-to spot for those craving a quick bite without the sit-down restaurant experience, offering a delightful selection of onigiri (rice balls) and fresh grilled seafood. With options ranging from salt-grilled aged fish and scallops to a diverse menu of onigiri, including flavors like ikura (salmon roe), salmon, eel, and simple salt, there's something for every palate.
The eel rice balls are a standout, featuring freshly grilled eel mixed with rice and a savory sauce. Despite their unassuming appearance and the shop's bustling atmosphere, these rice balls are a culinary gem.
The fresh fish, grilled to perfection with salt, offers a taste reminiscent of dining al fresco by a river. While there might be a wait for the grilled dishes, the freshness and quality of the seafood make it well worth your time and money.
Tuna on a Skewer at Soma Suisan
Soma Suisan is renowned for its maguro (tuna) skewers and there are always people queuing for this delicacy. However, those who visit during less busy times, like late afternoon or evening, find themselves lucky with significantly shorter waits. Starting at 500 yen, the maguro skewers feature thick, succulent, and exceptionally fresh tuna.
The vibrant red, juicy cuts of tuna are satisfying, making a single skewer quite filling. Customers can choose from three types of tuna: akami (lean red meat), chutoro (medium fatty), and otoro (fatty), each priced according to its variety. The shop particularly recommends akami, known for its lean, rich flavor without added fat. Soma Suisan guarantees a delightful culinary experience with these skewers, offering great value for the freshness and quality on offer.
Ice Cream at Fukura Suzume
Talking about desserts, Fukura Suzume presents a wide range of choices, from the simplistic to the sublime. Offerings include monaka ice cream, shiruko (sweet red bean soup), and green tea delicacies, among others. Yet, the true star is the vanilla green tea ice cream in gold leaf, a luxurious ingredient hailing from Kanazawa. This exquisite dessert is further adorned with a castle-shaped monaka and a blue flag.
More than just a feast for the eyes, the dessert impresses with its rich flavors—the creaminess of the milk ice cream perfectly complements the robustness of the green tea. For those with a penchant for ice cream or dessert in general, this is a stop you won't want to miss.
Oh! Huggy! for Sweet Treats
Oh! Huggy! stands out as a beloved destination for those with a penchant for sweets. Specializing in charming flower-patterned ohagi sweets, this shop offers a unique treat that quickly sells out. A morning exclusive is their green tea/hojicha warabimochi drink, crowned with an ohagi. Not only is it delicious, but it also makes for an Instagram-worthy snapshot. Owing to the staff's commitment to freshness and on-site preparation, you are ensured to enjoy these delicacies fresh.
Third Floor: Food Court
The third-floor food court at Senkyaku Banrai offers a diverse dining experience. Seafood lovers will find themselves at home with numerous options available, from raw delicacies to cooked treasures. Beyond the bounty of the sea, the floor also boasts a variety of other cuisines including meat dishes, ramen, udon, and grilled fish, ensuring that even those who prefer something other than seafood have plenty of choices.
A highlight of this floor is the family-friendly atmosphere, accentuated by a dedicated play zone for children. This thoughtful addition allows adults to enjoy their meal in peace while keeping a watchful eye on their little ones, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience for families.
With something for everyone, the third floor food court is a perfect spot for a meal, whether you're craving fresh seafood or looking for a kid-friendly dining option.
Shockingly Expensive Dishes
At Senkyaku Banrai, the variety of shops presents a wide spectrum of pricing. The diversity in seafood pricing particularly stands out, ranging from the affordable few hundred yen to the lavish tens of thousands. This disparity invites visitors to meticulously scrutinize the offerings and prices before making a purchase. For instance, a luxurious taraba crab is tagged at 18,500 yen, a price that might seem steep, but is justified by the convenience of enjoying fresh seafood without the need to travel to the Sea of Japan.
Similarly, the renowned Uni Tora offers five distinct types of uni (sea urchin) rice bowls, including a premium set priced at 9,600 yen. While perceptions of value vary, an uni rice bowl costing 18,000 yen could be considered exorbitantly priced by many. Despite these high-end options, the marketplace also features more affordable selections across various stalls. This range ensures that every visitor can find something to suit their taste and budget.
Reasonably-Priced Options
While Senkyaku Banrai's culinary scene may command higher prices than your average market, there are still gems offering exceptional value, like Kome Sankaku on the second floor. This stand-and-eat seafood izakaya dazzles with its selection of delectable dishes.
For less than 1,500 yen, you're treated to an abundance of the day's finest fish, generously heaped onto a tray. This spread can be enjoyed in three distinct ways: traditional direct dipping in sauce, wrapped in seaweed for an enhanced aroma, or as ochazuke—submerging the fish and rice in broth for a comforting porridge-like experience. The seaweed wrap, followed by sipping the soup, comes highly recommended for a harmonious blend of the ocean's essence, seafood broth, and seaweed—all in one bite.
This flexible dining approach at Kome Sankaku means you can tailor your meal exactly to your liking, making it a must-visit for those seeking a customizable and authentic seafood experience at Senkyaku Banrai.
Senkyaku Banrai, Tokyo's vibrant new landmark, has more than just food. From a soothing foot onsen to dynamic event spaces and a variety of intriguing restaurants, there's plenty to explore and enjoy. With something for everyone, a visit to Senkyaku Banrai promises rich experiences, making it a must-see destination.
Details
Nearest station: Shijo-mae Station on the Yurikamome Line
Opens at 10:00. Closing hours vary depending on each store or restaurant.
Official website: https://www.toyosu-senkyakubanrai.jp/languages/en/
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