You may have heard of Gonpachi, the Tokyo restaurant featured in the famous Crazy 88s fight sequence in Kill Bill. The venue in Nishi-Azabu is the place to go for movie buffs, but actually, that’s not the only branch of Gonpachi that exists.

If you want to avoid the crowded original and sample some delicious Japanese fare, Gonpachi Nori-Temaki, just a stone’s throw from Harajuku station offers a much more relaxed vibe. The central location is super convenient but the restaurant itself, is hidden away from the bustle, down an inconspicuous staircase.

Gonpachi Nori-Temaki, Harajuku

Gonpachi is known for the awesome interior which inspired Quentin Tarantino to create the iconic scene, and the sister restaurant takes visuals just as seriously, boasting a modern stylishness with a Japanese twist. Repurposed doors from traditional houses create the back wall and the rail that runs along the bottom of the pine counter is actually made from real train tracks.

The restaurant specializes in temaki, a fun and casual Japanese dish. It’s a type of sushi roll which you eat with your hands. At Gonpachi Nori-Temaki, emphasis is put on quality of ingredients and affordability, even the fish is sourced from Toyosu (the new site of the Tsukiji Fish Market).

For Japanese cuisine newbies, it’s incredibly easy to order. You can mark your choice on a special ordering slip then sit back while your ordered rolls are made fresh behind the counter right in front of your eyes. There’s even sets which are great for indecisive customers.

The sushi rolls have fillings to suit any type of palette or dietary need. As usual with sushi rolls, fish is well represented, with more tuna, salmon, sea urchin and cod roe than you can shake a chopstick at. But if you like a meatier dish there’s a succulent stewed beef option. Vegetarians and vegans won’t feel undersold either, rolls filled with various vegetables and omelettes are also on the menu. Calorie-conscious diners can swap out the rice in any roll for a low carb option, light and healthy cauliflower ‘rice’.

The takeout option is perfect for picnics in Yoyogi Park, which is just around the corner from the restaurant. The seaweed coverings are kept separated from the rice to ensure they stay crisp.

And the best part? If you mention grape Japan, you can get one sushi roll for free! The offer is on until the end of January 2019 and the temaki will be the recommended roll of the day.

How to Get to Gonpachi Nori-Temaki