A Visit to the Renowned Sushi Dai Honkan in Tsukiji Market, Tokyo

After snapping photos of Tokyo Tower at Shiba Park around 8 pm, I found out that Sushi Dai Honkan, just outside Tsukiji Market, was still open. I made it there just before closing, and thanks to the rainy weather, I avoided the usual queues (last time it was over an hour wait). I went straight for the 'Chef's Choice' set A, which included a hearty serving of 9 nigiri sushi, 2 tamagoyaki, 6 tekka maki, plus 2 pieces of my choice, accompanied by miso soup and tea. (The restaurant only allows photos of the food, and since the chef spoke in Japanese, I focused on enjoying the meal). For my two additional nigiri, I selected fatty tuna and scallop from the special menu. The combination of the fatty sweetness and the vinegared rice was so good that I nearly devoured each piece in one go! Unlike Sushi Dai at Toyosu Market, which requires an early morning visit to secure a queue ticket, this main branch a short distance from Tsukiji Market's outer area attracts fewer tourists and more local Japanese patrons, particularly in the evenings after work. (If you're willing to wait, you're guaranteed a spot). Having not tried the Toyosu location, I can't make a direct comparison, but the no-wait experience here is undoubtedly a win. I was the last diner of the night and left right after my meal, feeling incredibly lucky! Business hours: 10:30-22:00 Address: 6 Chome-21-2 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045 Japan