The first meal I had in Tokyo might have now ruined all the rest. I had the best sushi I’ve ever had, from a place called Murikita in the Tsujiki market. The setup was also great: A tiny indoor/outdoor spot.

First a man in the alley somehow convinces you, in Japanese, to come into his place

He directs you to a low stool – that’s mine on the far left

You then cram yourself in at a small, low counter, and they seal the plastic behind you

A headless woman in a wall opening slings your a tea. Space was so tight the woman on my right had to refill my tea, giggling.

Headless woman hands you a large menu with pictures, which also serve as the wallpaper. I ordered by pointing at the bowl on the bottom here

Five minutes later the perfection appears

Four slabs of tuna on the left, four slabs of fatty tuna on the right, egg triangles & ginger in back, all on a bed of seaweed-speckled rice. So melty good & fresh, no soy sauce was needed (but I still used, duh, I’m American).

Total price was ~$18, which is definitely the most I’ve ever paid for semi-street food, but it was soooo worth it. Whole Foods sushi will never be the same.