I’m out exploring Tokyo today, and the first thing on my schedule is a quick breakfast at Ueno. I’ve heard about Maguro Donya Miura Misaki Kou and their XL sized Gunkan Maki from my previous trip, and since it was right around the Ueno JR station, I decided to stop by for a visit. It’s a small Kaiten Sushi (Conveyor Belt Sushi) restaurant focusing on serving XL Sushi at affordable prices. I happened to drop by right before noon though, so there was quite the line outside. But 30 minutes and an open seat later, I finally got in. Let’s see if this place really is worth waiting in line for. How Good is Maguro Donya Miura Misaki Kou Actually?
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🍣 Maguro Gunkan Maki (¥110) 🍣
Miura Misaki Kou’s signature dish. A mountain of chopped Maguro served gunkan style. The “Maguro Donya” part of the restaurant’s name translates to “Maguro Wholesaler,” so it’s no surprise they’re able to fit in so much Maguro in a ¥110 dish. The Maguro was nice and fresh, and since I like a lot of Nori (Seaweed) in my sushi, the Gunkan style works wonders for me. By far the best value-for-money dish at the restaurant, so if you’re here, make sure to grab some (or multiple!)
If you prefer more premium cuts of Maguro, they also have an Otoro version of the dish for ¥590
💬 How do you eat Mirua Mikski Kou’s (XL) Gunkan? 💬
Now that’s an interesting question. I’ve heard that you’re supposed to divide the fish between the two gunkan, top it with the wasabi and shoyu, then enjoy the dish in a single bite. That’s probably the proper way to eat it, to be honest, but I prefer to eat my sushi by removing some of the fish to put it on the side, and then dividing the gunkan into two.
Sure, that somewhat detracts from the whole “XL Sushi” concept, but I get the benefit of enjoying two moderately large gunkan sushi, and be able to enjoy some extra fish by itself as a little side dish. Of course, that’s just my way – you do you. Find out what you enjoy best and go for it.
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🍣 Unagi Gunkan Maki (¥350) 🍣
A mountain of Unagi (Eel) served on top of two Gunkan sushi. The Unagi here is quite fluffy, and the Kabayaki sauce does well to brighten the dish up. If you need something on the rich side to contrast with your orders of the Maguro Gunkan, I recommend this one here.
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🍣 3 Piece Gunkan Maki Combo (¥490) 🍣
For some variety, how about a trio Gunkan Maki plate. You get the deep flavors of the Maguro, the firm flesh of the Engawa, and the sweetness of the Ebi. Perfect if you want to enjoy multiple options, while still getting a portion of their XL Maguro Gunkan.
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🍣 3 Blue-Backed Fish Sushi Combo (¥490) 🍣
Now for some non Gunkan options. I’m a big fan of Hikarimono (blue-backed fish) so this was an instant pick for me. A trio plate of Iwashi (Sardine), Aji (Horse Mackerel), and Saba (Mackerel,) full of strong flavors characteristic of Hikarimono. Iwashi and Aji aren’t too common outside of Japan, so since you’re here, have a go at it.
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🍣 Maguro Sushi Roll (¥350) 🍣
For a more traditional option, here’s the Tekka Maki. Value-wise, you should always go for the XL Maguro Gunkan, but since I’m quite the Maki fan, I thought I should order it as well. (Read: Honestly? Just get the Maguro Gunkan, there’s like almost three times the tuna for a third of the price.) But this dish by itself? Yeah, it’s nice.
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⭐VERDICT⭐
So how good is Miura Misaki Kou actually? Obligatory preface of “Kaiten Sushi isn’t the place where you come for the best sushi experience, value is king here.” Their sushi is quite nice, of course, but it’s all about value here.
Now… is this place worth the money? Straight up, look at their signature dish. For ¥110, you get two pieces of sushi with enough Maguro to generously top 3 (or 4) whole gunkan. Order like 10 of those, and you have a feast of a meal for only ¥1,100.
Of course, do try out their other dishes as well. They’re right around the usual price for a Kaiten Sushi place, so use the opportunity to experiment with some uncommon or seasonal options. Maybe you’ll find a new favorite to try in more premium places down the line. But in all, if you want some incredible value-for-money sushi, then Maguro Donya Miura Misaki Kou at Ueno is the place to go.
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🚗HOW TO GET THERE 🚗
Maguro Donya Miura Misaki Kou is located right around Ameyoko Shopping Street at Ueno. From Ueno JR Station, take the Shinobazu exit and cross the road to Ameyoko’s front entrance. Take a left turn until you see the street with Yamashiroya, and the restaurant’s a minute’s walk inside the alley. There’s usually a line at Miura Misaki Kou, so I’d recommend you arrive before the store’s opening at 11A.M. or during the afternoon between lunch and dinner hours.
Maguro Donya Miura Misaki Kou – Ueno Store
🌏 Location: 6 Chome-12-14 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
🗺 Map: https://goo.gl/maps/837xuXqg94VX3tHo7
⏰ Opening Hours: 11A.M. to 10P.M. (Last Order 9:30 P.M.)
💻 Website: http://www.neo-emotion.jp/post_kaitensushi/miuramisakikou-ueno/
