🟢 Great-in-Tokyo — Great experience you can enjoy in Tokyo.
Go beyond the standard sashimi bowl. This guide introduces the unique variety of Kaisendon at Isomaru Suisan in Togoshi-Ginza—from the colorful "Jewel Box" (Barachirashi) to the sticky "Flavor Bomb" (Bakudan Don).
Last updated: 2025-12-30
Introduction
Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) isn’t just for port towns anymore—you can enjoy it easily in Tokyo, any time of day. Isomaru Suisan Togoshi-Ginza is an all-day izakaya that serves seafood bowls from lunch to late night. Whether you drop in midday or after a stroll, you’ll find colorful kaisendon alongside the lively energy of a neighborhood seafood pub.
💡 Did You Know?
Kaisendon is a "Modern" Invention
While Sushi has evolved over hundreds of years since the Edo period, Kaisendon is surprisingly new. It is said to have evolved from Chirashi-zushi (Sushi rice with scattered toppings), which was traditionally eaten on special occasions.
Kaisendon took this concept and transformed it into a casual, quick meal served in a deep bowl for everyday energy. Think of Nigiri as "fine dining" and Kaisendon as the ultimate "Japanese fast food."
What to Try
The Jewel Box: Barachirashi (Variety Sushi Bowl)
For anyone trying a raw seafood bowl (kaisendon) for the first time, this is my top recommendation. Diced ingredients are scattered across the rice like gems, which is why it is often called a "Jewel Box." It is visually beautiful, easy to eat with a spoon, and offers a variety of flavors and textures in every bite.
The Modern Favorite: Salmon Three-Color Bowl
Did you know that eating raw salmon is a relatively new culture in Japan? It was introduced from Norway only about 30 years ago, but today, the younger generation absolutely loves it. This bowl features three types: salmon sashimi, minced salmon, and ikura (salmon roe). It is a "Parent and Child" bowl where the sticky richness of the ikura creates an irresistible synergy for salmon lovers.
The Stamina Booster: Bakudan Don
This bowl features tuna, salmon, grated yam (tororo), okra, natto, cucumber, and pickled daikon (takuan), all topped with an egg yolk. In Japan, sticky (neba-neba) foods are believed to boost stamina. Don't be shy—mix it vigorously and slurp it down! Even if you are suffering from travel fatigue and have little appetite, this bowl is easy to eat and will give you energy.
White Rice or Sushi Rice?
At Isomaru Suisan, you can usually choose between plain white rice and vinegared sushi rice. My recommendation is definitely the sushi rice. The slight acidity pairs with the seafood just like traditional sushi, enhancing the flavor of the toppings.
Hakusai Asazuke (Pickled Napa Cabbage)
This is napa cabbage lightly pickled in salt. If it is your first time trying Japanese pickles (tsukemono), this is the best place to start. Even if you think you dislike pickles, the crunchy texture and mild salty taste make this a perfect palate cleanser (hashiyasume).
Namanori (Fresh Seaweed) Miso Soup
Don't forget to order this. Take a bite of the rice bowl, then take a sip of this soup. That combination is the true taste of Japan.
Tokyo or Trip?
🟢 Great-in-Tokyo — Great experience you can enjoy in Tokyo.
Togoshi-Ginza balances everyday locals and curious visitors beautifully. You’ll find regional specialty shops alongside places like Isomaru Suisan that gather favorites from all over Japan—all-day izakaya, all-day kaisendon. Stroll the street and you’ll meet many faces of Japan in one neighborhood.
Explore Nearby
- Kobore Sushi in Togoshi-Ginza — Overflow Gunkan with Ikura & Sea Grapes 🍣
- Grilled Saba Sushi from Sakai City Shop in Togoshi-Ginza — Fukui’s Classic Flavor 🍣
- Tokyo Oden at Togoshi-Ginza 🍢
- Toyosu-Fresh Chutoro at a Hidden Izakaya in Togoshi-Ginza 🐟
- Onigiri (Omusubi) in Togoshi-Ginza 🍚
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About "Taste of Japan"
Hello, I'm Yuta.
Born in landlocked Yamanashi and having lived in the gourmet city of Sendai for 10 years, I now call Togoshi-Ginza home. My frequent business trips across Japan allow me to constantly explore the diversity of regional flavors.
Why Togoshi-Ginza?
This street is Tokyo’s longest shopping arcade (about 1.3 km), but it holds a special history. It was the very first street in Japan to adopt the "Ginza" name—a tradition that later spread across the country—after receiving bricks from the famous Ginza district following the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.
My Wish as a Local
I am not a culinary expert. However, as a Japanese local who knows both the convenience of Tokyo and the origins of regional food, I want to share the "atmosphere" and "personal feelings" that you won't find in standard guidebooks.
The Concept: "Tokyo or Trip?"
Visiting every region of Japan in a single trip is nearly impossible. Some food experiences are worth the travel to the source, while others offer a fully satisfying experience right here in Tokyo.
This blog is a guide to help you make that choice. Based in Togoshi-Ginza, I share my honest experiences and "my personal answer" to help you maximize your culinary journey in Japan.
- 🟠 Local-First: Best experienced in its home region. Worth a trip.
- 🟢 Great-in-Tokyo: A nationwide favorite or regional specialty that offers a fully satisfying, authentic experience right here in Tokyo.
- 🟣 Tokyo-Do-Must: A unique food culture born in or exclusive to Tokyo.