A Michelin-starred sushi experience aboard a Yakatabune, the ultimate hybrid: Sushi Origami.
LOUNGE EAT | Yakatabune Sushi Origami
Yakatabune, said to have originated in the Heian period, and exquisite Edomae sushi showcasing the skill of its artisans. The ultimate fusion of these two elements is offered aboard the Yakatabune "Sushi Origami," which began service in June 2025.
Text by HASEGAWA Aya | Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi
A Special Voyage into the Extraordinary
A pristine, new counter. A stark contrast to the atmosphere one might associate with traditional Yakatabune.
Inside the Yakatabune, a luxurious, approximately 10-meter L-shaped counter crafted from fragrant cypress wood is featured. While cruising past Tokyo's iconic landmarks such as Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, and Skytree, guests can savor a sublime course curated by Ginza's Michelin-starred "Sushi Murayama." The exclusive design, with only eight seats, creates a blissful experience that even the Heian nobles who enjoyed boat excursions would envy.
This is one of the defining characteristics of "Sushi Origami": it overturns preconceived notions of Yakatabune. The black lacquered boat floating at the pier presents a chic and sophisticated appearance, completely changing the image of traditional Yakatabune. Stepping inside, a serene tatami-matted space unfolds, with an L-shaped counter made of solid cypress wood drawing the eye. With the shoji screens closed, it feels like a high-end sushi restaurant. The quality of the space is so refined, one might forget they are on a Yakatabune.
Enter through the sliding door at the front of the Yakatabune. At the entrance, you remove your shoes and change into indoor slippers.
Michelin-Starred Skill Shines on the Water
The sushi served here is supervised by the renowned Ginza establishment, "Sushi Murayama." While the number of dishes differs between lunch and dinner, both are served as courses, progressing from appetizers to nigiri. "Sushi Murayama," opened in 2019 by Master Chef Daisaku Murayama, who honed his skills over many years in kaiseki and high-end ryotei, continues to captivate gourmands with its delicate dishes that leverage his extensive Japanese cuisine experience, and its sushi featuring seasonal seafood paired with red vinegar sushi rice. It is a celebrated restaurant that has earned a Michelin star in the Tokyo guide.
Naturally, the quality of the ingredients is excellent. The counter is designed for you to witness the meticulous preparation up close. The sense of immediacy is extraordinary.
Unsurprisingly, all eight counter seats are prime seats. While the highlight of a counter is watching the chef's technique up close, there is no compromise here despite being on a boat. Perhaps due to the maritime setting, the distance to the chef feels closer than on land. The first bonito of the season is smoked onboard, and the sushi rice is prepared and transferred to the *ohitsu* on the boat, its sharp vinegar aroma stimulating the appetite. It feels less like a Yakatabune and more like a sushi restaurant cruising Tokyo Bay.
While watching the chef at work, the view outside the window is Tokyo Bay. A truly memorable experience.
The menu changes with the seasons, but here are a few highlights from the early summer course. The first bonito, smoked onboard for a fragrant aroma, is served with shredded green onions and *shuto* (fermented bonito entrails paste). The perfectly cooked abalone is enjoyed with its liver sauce and red vinegar-based sushi rice. Then there's the sweet, sticky sumi-ika (bigfin reef squid), and the chutoro (medium fatty tuna) sourced from "Ishiji," a respected fish wholesaler in Toyosu with 80 years of history, which melts in the mouth with its rich fat. The gunkanmaki (battleship roll) topped with two types of sea urchin, *bafun* and *murasaki*, is also exquisite. The hand roll is filled with minced tuna and *narazuke* (pickled vegetables), handed directly to you by the chef over the counter. The nori is toasted just before serving, releasing a wonderful aroma and providing a satisfying crispness.
While eating the bonito, the Yakatabune was enveloped in the fragrant aroma of the smoked fish. Such bold presentation is truly delightful.
A sushi restaurant where the squid is delicious is always a safe bet. This nigiri reaffirmed that theory.
Abalone! The thickness and chewy texture are irresistible. Liver sauce and red vinegar sushi rice served separately.
A set of two types of sea urchin that makes you grin. Piled high on the gunkanmaki.
Like this!
Even the hand roll was prepared with utmost care. This pleasant tension, I realized, was the pride of a master establishment.
The dishes, which draw out the umami of the ingredients through techniques such as aging and kelp curing, are all delightful and delicious. Despite the limited space, the beverage selection is also extensive, featuring carefully chosen items that pair well with sushi, including wine, champagne, sake, and shochu. From affordable labels to top-tier Burgundy appellations, there is a wide range of choices, so it's worth consulting with the staff.
The Yakatabune course, departing from the pier in Tennozu, offers a curated selection of Tokyo's most beautiful sights, encompassing Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, and Skytree. It sails up the Sumida River, into the bay near Hamarikyu Gardens, and then passes under the Kachidoki Bridge. On clear days, it proceeds to Kotobuki Bridge, offering a view of Skytree from the side before returning. There are opportunities to step out onto the deck between appetizers and nigiri, allowing you to savor exquisite sushi while gazing at Tokyo from the water – a truly sophisticated experience.
The Tokyo cityscape, viewed from a different angle than from land, was once again breathtaking.
During the day, you can enjoy the Tokyo skyline sparkling across the water under the sunlight, while at night, you witness the city lights gradually illuminating the darkening metropolis. Both daytime and nighttime offer their own unique charms. The atmosphere on a rainy day, with its gentle ambiance, also seems quite appealing.
It's perfect for enjoying quietly alone, or as a special treat for parents. It can also be used for business entertainment or a romantic date. This is the ultimate "extraordinary" experience – savoring Tokyo's long-cherished culture while being enchanted by its iconic scenery.
This is an elegant pursuit that we highly recommend to discerning adults.
