A Hidden Gem in Tachikawa Sushi Restaurant F. Arai (Tachikawa City)
Enjoy seasonal dishes and sushi at this beloved Edo-mae restaurant and indulge in a luxurious experience.
F. Arai is an exclusive sushi restaurant located in Nishikicho, Tachikawa City, operating on a reservation-only basis. Passing through the elegant sukiya-style gate and strolling down a narrow path lined with delicate bamboo, guests are welcomed with a friendly “Irasshaimase” as the door opens. Stepping into the charming interior, you feel a sense of anticipation, then settle into a spacious counter seat made of a single slab of hinoki (Japanese cypress wood). The owner, Fumio Arai, welcomes you from behind the counter. Arai-san first honed his skills in kaiseki (traditional Japanese cuisine) before taking over his family’s long-established sushi restaurant. In 2017, he decided to strike out on his own. Initially accessible only by referral, F. Arai is now open to reservations via phone or a dedicated website, operating on a “reservation-only” basis.
The restaurant, located in a hidden house-like setting, features 8 counter seats where guests can closely observe the chef’s meticulous techniques and craftsmanship, as well as two private rooms for 4 and 8 guests respectively. For lunch, the “Sasaragi Course” is offered for ¥3,300, and the “Ef Course” for ¥5,500. For dinner, a “Omakase Course” starts at ¥13,200 (all prices are tax-inclusive, service charge not included).
Experience the Craftsmanship Up Close Recommended: Counter Seats for an Intimate Experience
If you’re planning a visit, be sure to try the “Omakase Course” in the evening. This course offers six dishes and 15 pieces of sushi, showcasing seasonal ingredients that reflect the changing seasons, along with the chef’s carefully crafted dishes and the full experience of “F. Arai” sushi. Edo-mae sushi refers to sushi made by first preparing the ingredients with techniques such as “marinating” or “simmering” before the sushi is assembled. The individuality of the chef shines through each piece.
During my summer visit, I had “Black scraper with liver mixed in a sauce” as an appetizer. For “Oshinogi”, a hand-sized “Sasaragi” sushi wrapped in bamboo leaf was presented. In traditional kaiseki style, this small portion of rice is served to “ease hunger” before the main meal. Sasaragi is a type of bamboo-leaf sushi made with Tokyo udo (Japanese asparagus) from Tachikawa. This is a registered trademark of F. Arai and a local specialty of Tachikawa, available in five varieties: mackerel, salmon, small sea bream, simmered eel, and shrimp. It is also popular as a souvenir.
The sushi ingredients are sourced directly by the owner, who personally visits the market to select the finest products from trusted suppliers. From the umami-rich kelp-marinated sea bream to the melt-in-your-mouth fresh mackerel, the fresh akagai (blood clam) that still moves on the counter, and the simmered eel made from freshly caught, live eel—all served piece by piece for an unforgettable moment. The atmosphere, the meticulous presentation of each dish, the remarkable flavors, and the lingering satisfaction after the meal make every visit a truly special experience.
* Prices listed are as of November 1, 2024. Please confirm with the restaurant as prices may change.
| Facility Name | F. Arai |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-6-7 Nishikicho, Tachikawa City, Tokyo |
| Phone | +81-42-519-3419 |
| Hours | Sun, Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat: 12:00 / 17:00 |
| Closed | Wednesday |
| Languages | Japanese |
| Menu | Japanese |
| Official Website | |
| Notes | Lunch courses are limited to 10 servings. |
