MIZUKAMI Sushi
•by Keiji Ashizawa Design
→ Interiors
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Year: 2018
Type: Restaurant
Photos: Daici Ano
Sushi Mizukami is located in a secluded area by the British Embassy on the east side of the Imperial Palace in the heart of Tokyo. It's not a place you would stumble upon unexpectedly. Only those who know where to look can find the restaurant.
The owner, Mr Mizukami, opened this sushi restaurant after a long apprenticeship at the legendary Sukiyabashi Jiro. He wanted to create a traditional space for Edo-style sushi.
The entrance takes advantage of the existing archway, with a small garden and porch. Upon opening the sliding door and passing through the inside entry space, designed to keep customers already seated at the counter from being distracted, you arrive at the waiting area. The benches in the waiting area, the flower stand near the entrance, and the toilet counter are all made of live-edge zelkova wood. They create a distinctive atmosphere and rhythm in a simple setting. There are only eight seats at the counter, where two chefs serve sushi at a fast pace. The view seen by guests sitting on the sleek cypress counter is an arch that references the design of the entrance and is composed of two alcoves separated by a pillar.
You may not recall the arch at the restaurant's entrance when enjoying your sushi. However, we hope that the combination of the magnificent sushi and the spatial encounters, including the design of the arch, will make it a unique dining experience.