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Tokyo In April

4.4 (129 reviews)
ModerateJapanese
Open 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
Updated a few days ago

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TOKYO IN APRIL ATMOSPHERE

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Dogs allowed
Good for groups

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Tonkatsu
Debbie W.

The restaurant is in the heart of Chinatown, right beside the international village building. It's spacious and welcoming. We got to try the famous omurice, which is the Japanese omelette rice, and had some side dishes. The avocado bomb was super yummy, filled with avocado and covered with a deep fried layer of rice. The kontatsu tastes fresh and crunchy, the meat a little bit on the dry side but it's common. Chicken karaage was just okay to me. Personally it had too much batter on it. We both had the traditional omurice. The omelette was nicely cooked. When cut open, all the juice came out nicely. The fried rice underneath has a large portion, tastes good, but a little bit hard. The curry sauce on the side of the plate is quite salty, but it complement the egg well. The service was really good, and our server even came to ask some feedback for improvement. Overall, we really like this place and will stop again when in the area. Free parking is available in the underground parking lot. Friendly tip: Do not use the door on the side to take the stairs if you are visiting after the building hours. The alarm will go off and there's no way out...

Omurice (Japanese Omelette Rice), Classic Curry with Karaage add-on.
Alton D.

Whenever I visit Vancouver, I'm usually centered near the area where Asian Groceries meets Costco. And near this magical intersection is a piece of Japan tucked away in an unassuming spot called Tokyo in April. I've had Omurice many times... the classic method which is just a thin omelette covering ketchup rice... to the now more viral Omelette which is cut open to some runny egg goodness. And this place measures up to a lot of the ones in Japan! Ever since the viral sensation of the new evolved form of Omurice, many locations in Tokyo now also serve this dish. Outside of Japan, it's hard to find ones much better than what they serve here. The rice is cooked very well, the curry is delicious and has more depth than the store bought roux, and the eggs are cooked perfectly. We had a wonderful server who was able to answer all my questions in a friendly manner, and they were also pretty quick to serve. The prices are pretty good too, as they are remarkably cheaper than what I'm used to in Portland. Anyone craving Omurice should give this place a try!

Pumpkin coquette BC Roll Salmon maki Teriyaki tofu bento
Sara A.

We love this place for their BC Roll and their Pumpkin Croquette. The food is always well seasoned and tasty. So far, have only ordered delivery via Uber but great every time!

Mr. Crunchy Roll
Debby L.

Oh my gosh! I'm from San Diego, California and found this restaurant on Yelp. In addition it was really close to the Vrbo where we were staying. It is a cute, small restaurant with wonderful food and service. This is the first Japanese restaurant that I've been to in a really long time that that serves freshly fried shrimp tempura in their rolls that include shrimp tempura. Usually the shrimp is room temp at the most and this was a very pleasant surprise. They have a huge selection of delicious items to choose from, items I haven't seen in San Diego. The Omurice was such a fascinating dish, the "Bombs" looked delicious, although we didn't try them. Also, I've never come across Oshi. We stuck to some standard rolls because we didn't know if we could "trust" this place or not. After the first bite, we were in heaven! Ordered pork gyoza, assorted tempura, edamame, crazy girl roll, rainbow roll and tuna fever roll. Every bite was absolutely delicious and fresh! Oh my gosh, how I wish I lived closer. So delicious! And, the price is right!

Inside

Just amazing. The best udon I've ever had and the sushi was so fresh and yummy. It's not much to look at from the street but don't be fooled. The atmosphere is warm and enjoyable. Not too loud. Nice decor. Upscale for a very affordable place. Staff was so warm and welcoming. Thanks. We will be back! I would have taken more pics but the food was eaten too fast.

Nat L.

we met up at noon on a saturday, knowing that's when tokyo in april opens. we were the first to get in and had our pick of seats. the sun was shining, and it felt quietly ceremonial, like the day was already off to a good start. before long, we were drifting into daydream mode, talking about how tokyo in april would be the perfect place to travel to, if only in our imaginations. once we settled in, conversation flowed easily, bouncing from holiday stories to half formed plans and everything in between. eventually, we paused our conversation to review the menu. ordering, however, took a moment. the menu is generous, almost ambitious: build your own bentos, lunch combos, lunch bentos. a lot to take in, with decision paralysis kicking in, so we did what felt right and focused on the omurice. each table has a small button to call over a server when you're ready. i was hoping they had a melon soda or a matcha latte, my friend was craving a parfait, but it wasn't meant to be. we shared the regular omurice and blue fin combo, and it landed just right. the omurice arrived looking almost too pretty to touch, then came the theatrical moment: a quick slice, the egg opening to reveal creamy omelette dramatically hugging the curry rice underneath like a blanket. not many places in vancouver offer omurice, likely because of the special cooking technique involved. the flavour was cozy and comforting, with just enough tableside drama to make us smile. the tonkatsu was lightly breaded with a satisfying crunch, alongside two negi blue fin cones and two bowls of miso soup. we even had room for dessert, though that part fell a little flat. the yuzu mousse cake and matcha tiramisu weren't made in house and arrived frozen. we weren't in tokyo in april, but we were exactly where we needed to be. good food on the table, time stretching softly, and unfiltered conversation. sometimes the company matters more than the destination and that's its own kind of travel.

Sake
Rachel K.

Omurice was delicious ! super soft egg and great tasting curry. we tried one with chicken katsu and one with tonkatsu which were both perfect and crispy. bell on the table for service and was seated straight away at dinner time. They also have a large selection of sushi + other hot food.

Iris Z.

A yummy Japanese restaurant located in Chinatown, Vancouver! My friends and I called in for a group of 7 on Saturday night, and Tokyo in April was able to accommodate us. We arrived around 7:00 PM, and we were seated immediately. My group and I ordered separate entrees and appetizers, and Tokyo in April's menu had a great variety of Japanese food for us to choose from. I ordered the nabeyaki udon for myself and shareables, we ordered the pumpkin korokke, beef tataki, paradise roll, salmon lover roll, salmon oshi, and scallop oshi (we ordered a lot...). My personal favorites for the shareables were the salmon lover roll and the scallop oshi. The salmon lover roll had very fresh salmon, and they did not skimp out on salmon either. The scallop oshi was different to me as I never had this type of sushi before, but I loved how it tasted! It made me more interested in trying more pressed sushi in the future. The nabeyaki udon was simple but flavorful; it was a seafood-based udon and there was plenty of seafood. Our server also brought out everything in a timely manner, which we appreciated since we ordered so much so that it was amazing! A good choice for Japanese food if you are in the area!

K T.

We specifically came here for their Rilakkuma Edition Omurice (Wednesdays & Thursdays only) because the kiddo really wanted to try it. Since it was our first time having omurice, we weren't sure what to expect--but it was actually pretty delish! What we ordered: Rilakkuma Omurice (with added Japanese sausage) - Yummmmm. I loved the octopus-shaped sausage--they made the dish extra cute, and the Rilak teddy bear presentation was just adorable. Even better? It was addictively delicious. Must-try. Chicken katsu don - quite salty. Kaisen don - not bad, though the rice wasn't as warm as I would've liked. Karaage - quite delish. Tokyo Story Roll - surprisingly delish with great presentation. Our server, Linra, was super attentive and friendly, which made the experience even better.

Edamame, salmon nigiri, and a California roll
Angelina M.

This is our first time in Vancouver but heard the Asian food scene is really strong. My daughter has been wanting to try omnurice, and she loves sushi. We were seated very promptly, and they have a button to call your server over. We ordered miso soup, edamame, 8 pieces of salmon nigiri (which was so fresh!), the original omnurice, a California roll, a tiger roll, and tea. Most was scarfed down before we could get a picture of it. Service was polite and prompt. We paid $77 for all the food.

Starlight G.

Tokyo in April is one of those places that quietly impresses you the more you eat. Everything we tried felt thoughtfully prepared and well balanced, without trying too hard to be flashy. The omurice was comforting and rich, with soft fluffy eggs wrapped perfectly around the rice, paired with a deep savory sauce that tied everything together. It felt like classic Japanese comfort food done right. The katsu dishes were equally satisfying. Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and not greasy at all. You can really taste the quality in each bite. The dish topped with sauce and seaweed had a great balance of textures and flavors, creamy, savory, and slightly sweet, while still feeling light enough to enjoy fully. Even simple elements felt intentional and well executed. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, making it a great spot to enjoy a proper meal without feeling rushed. Overall, Tokyo in April delivers comforting Japanese dishes with care and consistency. Definitely a place I would return to when craving something warm, satisfying, and well made.

Bear Omurice
Celine L.

We got a recommendation from a colleague to try the omurice from this place and since we had something to do in the area, we decided to go here for dinner. We were welcomed in by a friendly staff member, and we were seated promptly. We arrived before 6pm on a weekday and it was relatively empty when we got there, but the restaurant filled up quickly after. I was surprised and happy to see how busy they were on a weekday evening. We ordered a few dishes but we really enjoyed the Unagi hot stone bowl rice ($18.90) with the crispy rice and sweet & savoury flavours of the eel. We also liked the Kuma or bear Omurice ($21.50) because of how cute it was! Do keep in mind they only serve the bear omurice on Wednesdays and Thursdays. We also ordered the Katsu set ($21.95) but felt a little underwhelmed since they weren't that crispy and their cheese Katsu was fully stuffed with various ingredients but fell apart easily when we tried to pick it up. Overall, we enjoyed our meal and how cute the bear omurice was!!

Salmon oshi aburi
Feifei R.

Everything test delicious, fresh, and quick. I really like the wide selections they offer. The sashimi tasted very fresh.

Salmon Oshi Sushi

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Tokyo In April Reviews in Other Languages

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Kingyo

Kingyo

4.4
(1.3k reviews)
2.4 km
$$$

This was my first time at this Japanese restaurant, and the atmosphere and food were fantastic! The…read moreprices were reasonable, and the service was incredibly warm and friendly. I highly recommend it! I'll definitely come back next time and bring my friends to try other dishes on the menu.

I was in Vancouver for the day and had heard so many great things about this place, so I came in…read morewith pretty high expectations. We arrived around 2 PM for our reservation and were greeted warmly right away, which made for a great first impression. The restaurant itself is beautiful. The bamboo divider running through the middle of the space gave it a cozy, modern Japanese-inspired feel, and the overall atmosphere was probably my favorite part of the experience. As for the food, unfortunately it didn't quite live up to the hype for me. I ordered the seafood sizzler bowl, and while it wasn't bad by any means, it felt underwhelming for the price. The bowl was mostly rice, with a few small prawns, tiny scallops, a little roe, and some crab mixed in. I was expecting something more seafood-forward, so it ended up feeling more like a deconstructed fried rice than the premium dish I had envisioned. Same with the unagi bowl, couple small pieces of unagi cut up... The appetizers were actually the highlight of the meal and ended up being more memorable than my main course. I kept waiting for a dish to really wow me, but nothing stood out enough to make me crave a return visit. Maybe I just ordered the wrong items, because I know this place has plenty of fans. Overall, I'm glad I tried it, but based on this visit, I don't see myself making a special trip back.

Photos
Bamboo divider along community table
Bamboo divider along community table
Beef tongue
Beef tongue
Anniversary menu course #2 - omakase 3 kinds appetizers

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Anniversary menu course #2 - omakase 3 kinds appetizers
Miku

Miku

4.4
(2.6k reviews)
0.8 km
$$$

Vancouver truly lives up to its reputation as a food paradise in Western Canada, with a diverse…read morearray of culinary delights. If you're ever in Vancouver, you absolutely can't miss Miku, the Japanese restaurant next to Canada Place! This restaurant is incredibly popular, often requiring a wait, so reservations are highly recommended. This time, I managed to book a window seat a week in advance for the weekend! The renowned Miku restaurant undoubtedly boasts a beautiful view from its windows, excellent service, and of course, delicious food. Their seared sushi is particularly famous. From appetizers to main courses to desserts, the dining experience was very enjoyable. Their signature dessert, Green Tea Opera, is highly recommended!

Located next to Canada Place, this Japanese restaurant specializes in seared sushi and is even…read morerecommended by Michelin The restaurant offers views of Burrard Inlet right outside its windows. We recommend sitting by the window or at the sushi bar, where you can watch the chefs prepare the seared sushi right before your eyes. Tip: If you're looking for high-quality, elegant Japanese cuisine with a touch of innovation, Miku is an excellent choice. It's almost always fully booked, so be sure to make a reservation in advance. Request a window seat to enjoy the waterfront view while savoring your meal--it's well worth it!

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Inside the restaurant
Inside the restaurant
Spicy edamame (CAD $8)
Spicy edamame (CAD $8)
Little emperor (CAD $10) and Aka miso old fashioned (CAD $24)

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Little emperor (CAD $10) and Aka miso old fashioned (CAD $24)
Guu with Garlic

Guu with Garlic

4.3
(1.1k reviews)
2.2 km
$$

A coworker and I went to this place (thanks to Yelp reviews)…read more Really good and fresh fish. Super friendly staff

Maybe it's an American thing to linger and enjoy a dining experience. To stay longer than needed to…read moresoak up the ambiance and give a good moment some extra time for memories. But in other parts of the world the meal is what's important and so is a quick turn around. Guu with Garlic reminded me a lot of the Izakaya restaurants I found under the train lines of Tokyo in many ways, including the amount of time it felt right to stay. The food came out quick, the servers took orders quicker, and the alcohol came out chilled and as nice contrast to the hot food. Looking around and you see the hand written menu on blackboard surfaces on the walls and this feeling of authenticity. The heat of the flames from the kitchen can be felt and seen if you sit at the bar. And the flavors just hit all the right notes. Starting with appetizers, a section izakayas shine at, the first dish we got was their scallop and mayo pizza. With a crispy crunch on the bottom and crust, this reminds you of the flavors of a baked volcano roll or scallop roll you can find in almost any North American sushi restaurant. Just like that dish, it's important to eat it while it's still hot so it doesn't get gross and 느끼 에. Then came the yellowtail tuna "tempura" pieces. Thick pieces of yellowtail tuna flash fried for just the right crisp on the outside with slight pink of the fish inside. It is meaty without being oily or fatty. Great bite. The beef tongue after was interesting. From the color of the sauce it accompanies it you would think it would be heavy in flavor but it is actually light and citrusy. A good cut into the richer tones of the beef tongue. The yaki udon was one of the best I ever had. It was smokey without being overpowering. The beef was thin and tender and balanced well with the mushrooms it also came with. The udon noodles stayed bouncy and chewy which I didn't expect from being grilled. Very tasty and highly recommend this dish. For our final bite we shared a hot stone bowl of their pork and cabbage rice. With the hot stone bowl constantly cooking even after this dish arrived it was imperative to stir the ingredients together constantly for the first two minutes. It allowed for the runny egg to meld with the rice and the crispy texture of some ingredients was a nice bonus. All in all, I loved eating here and if my appetite was bigger I would've tried more on their menu. A solid place to eat with a great atmosphere, if you're looking for delicious food that won't take too much of your time but still lingers in your memories you have to check out Guu with Garlic.

Photos
Same decor as 20+yrs ago when this was our go-to place for drinks & snacks!!
Same decor as 20+yrs ago when this was our go-to place for drinks & snacks!!
The delicious individual bite of their yellowfin tuna tempura
The delicious individual bite of their yellowfin tuna tempura
Una-Meshi

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Una-Meshi
Saku

Saku

4.5
(525 reviews)
2.1 km
$$

First time at this Japanese restaurant, and it was really great!…read more Signature Japanese Fried Pork Cutlet Rosu Katsu $27 This time I was smarter and ordered the cut with a good balance of fat and lean meat. The moment I bit into it, it was bursting with juice! The meat was incredibly thick but not dry at all, and the outer skin was crispy like snowflakes. The first bite was amazing; I've never had such a delicious pork cutlet in Shanghai. Curry Pork Cutlet Rosu Curry $29.5 My friend ordered the curry pork cutlet today, and it was surprisingly excellent! The curry flavor was incredibly rich and full-bodied. Wrapped in the crispy pork cutlet and eaten with rice, it was pure carb bliss! Freshly Ground Sesame Powder I have to praise their freshly ground sesame powder; the aroma of the sesame seeds you grinded yourself was a real highlight. * With lemon salt: Refreshing and original, a perfect way to cut through the richness! * With barbecue sauce: Mixed with sesame powder, the flavors develop layer by layer. With two flavors to choose from, it's really hard to stop! I'll definitely come back to try it again next time.

A must visit if you are a katsu fan! I ordered the Ebi and Hotate Katsu Curry. The katsu was…read moredeliciously crispy on the outside, but juicy on the inside. The portion was massive - it came with 3 huge prawns and 2 juicy scallops. I barely made a dent in my food and went home with a very full box of leftovers. Saku generously provides unlimited refills on their miso soup and cabbage salad. The cabbage salad with homemade sesame dressing was especially addicting! I could eat it for days. Service was attentive and the restaurant decor was sleek and modern. I will absolutely be back next time I'm in Vancouver!

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Inside
Inside
Zenbu set with refillable soup, rice and salad
Zenbu set with refillable soup, rice and salad
Zenbu katsu

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Zenbu katsu
Okeya Kyujiro

Okeya Kyujiro

4.8
(42 reviews)
1.0 km

I made a reservation at Okeya Kyujiro for my partner's 40th birthday, and he had the best time…read more Honestly, it was one of the most memorable omakase experiences I've had in Vancouver. Okeya Kyujiro is a Michelin one-star theatrical omakase restaurant, and when they say theatrical, they mean it! From the moment you're welcomed by smiling ushers in kimono to the closing tea ceremony, every movement feels intentional, precise, and elevated. The ambiance is serene and anticipatory. At the start, guests sit in silence as a black screen conceals the chefs. You see their shadows moving behind it. A bell rings, the screen lifts, and the performance begins. Dinner is a 25+ course experience priced at $325 per person. It's undeniably a splurge, but for a milestone celebration, it feels justified. The menu is seafood-forward, with many ingredients flown in from Japan. Each ingredient is presented before preparation, then carefully assembled and served directly from chef to guest. Courses arrive one by one, never rushed. The service team moves seamlessly in the background, refilling water and attending to drinks (available as an add-on) without disrupting the flow. The finale is a matcha ceremony, whisked in front of you with the same quiet precision that defines the evening. When the final sip is taken, the bell chimes once more, the chefs and staff bow, and the screens close. It was a beautifully choreographed dining experience, perfect for marking a special moment, and one I'd gladly return to for the next celebration.

We visit this Michelin 1 star restaurant for their 15-course omakase lunch set at $180 per person…read more We were greeted at the store front and seated for our 12:15pm booking. Total 10 guests today. Looks like 4 more guests can be served for the maximum seating. The server came by when the course is served to explain each item. The appetizers have three dishes. The tempura is freshly made and hot. The cooked fish tastes a bit fishy to my likely. The chawanmushi is lukewarm which I wish to be hotter. It then follows by 8 nigiri sushi with brown rice - really like the texture and (small) portion of rice with each nigiri. Fresh ingredients. I asked for low sodium option however the first few nigiri is a bit too salty and I have notified the server so the chef can adjust immediately. I enjoy the Hokkaido uni nigiri the last smoked fish nigiri the most. The fresh crab and salmon roe rice and beef soba noodles at the end have a nice touch of finesse. There are a number of birthday celebrations and they asked for names to acknowledge and celebrate the birthdays. A little musical piano "performance" for the happy birthday song. Matcha green tea is served at the end to wrap up the omakase. Overall an enjoyable experience but not necessarily impressive as a Michelin 1 star restaurant. At this price point it's worth a try however not likely regular visit.

Photos
Inside the waiting area before being taken to your seat.
Inside the waiting area before being taken to your seat.
Lychee jelly w/ brown sugar syrup, ginger icecream monaka, crown melon + japanese orange
Lychee jelly w/ brown sugar syrup, ginger icecream monaka, crown melon + japanese orange
A5 wagyu sukiyaki

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A5 wagyu sukiyaki
Guu Original Thurlow

Guu Original Thurlow

4.1
(841 reviews)
1.4 km
$$

Found this little Izakaya spot while visiting Vancouver and it was such a great experience. It's as…read moreauthentic as it gets and reminds me a lot of Japan when I visited in 2025. This place gets busy, so I highly recommend reserving a table online (via OpenTable) but we did show up early to see if there was walk-in seating available. Luckily, we did get the last 2 seats at the bar. The staff are so friendly and cheery. They greet customers that come in and thank every customer when they leave. People who haven't been to an izakaya may think it's loud and noisy, but the point of izakayas is they're supposed to be vibrant, high energy, and filled with cheerful chatter. Think of a tapas-style pub/bar for people to unwind and gather to chat after a long day at work. I loved the atmosphere, as it's casual, entertaining, and lively. The food was great and I couldn't think of a dish I didn't like. The sashimi were so fresh and high quality. Of course they use freshly grated wasabi too. The hanger steak was cooked perfectly and super tender and flavorful. The saba mackerel is grilled to perfection and reminds me of the ones I ate in Japan. I'm not a big fan of bonito but the yaki udon was so tasty, I still ate it with the bonito flakes on top! I would love to come back or go to their Toronto (closer to me) location next!

I came here for dinner on a weeknight with two foodie friends of mine. Said friends lived in Japan…read morefor over a decade and they've dined here often in the past, saying it's very "authentic" Izakaya and it reminds them of their past life in Japan (which they miss a lot). Me, I know nothing about Izakaya or what is or isn't authentic Japanese cuisine, so this review is coming from someone with zero knowledge or expectation of any specific foods or experiences. Despite it being a weeknight, the place was packed. It was good that we had a reservation. There was a couple in line before me and they were walk-ins, and there were no available seats for them. I noted how small this place was, and crowded, with the tables close together and a long bar with a counter and barstools there (also close together). Our reserved table was right by the front door - literally, - so every time the door opened, we got a gust of cold air (and it was a cold February night when we were there). I kept my coat on. Truth be known, I was not very comfortable. Also, it was loud. Very loud. I like how the staff shout Japanese greetings to diners whenever they enter but between the frequent shouts and the sheer volume of chatter from all the diners, all sitting close together in close proximity, it was kinda hard to hear what my friends were saying during our dinner. That said, the environment was super vibrant and, again, my friends said this was very typical of an Izakaya in Japan. Food-wise, I have no idea what my friends ordered. The menu was primarily available by way of a QR code and I had no idea what the dishes were, so I deferred to my friends' knowledge. But I can attest that all the dishes were DELICIOUS. We had some sort of Japanese street food "pancakes" (they were wonderful). We had some sort of stirfry beef with noodles (amazing). We had two types of sashimi (omg both were so fresh and so so good!). We had a few other dishes that I can't recall, but I remember I loved them. So.... the food here was GREAT. Service was also attentive which I hadn't expected, being as busy as the restaurant was. I really liked this place but I'll probably go back in the summertime when the weather is nicer as I was cold there, and I'd dine at an off-time, when the volume wasn't so loud. (I'm too old for the loudness!).

Photos
Guu Original Thurlow
Fried pork belly
Fried pork belly
Eel with rice

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Eel with rice
Shizen Ya

Shizen Ya

4.3
(615 reviews)
1.3 km
$$

Fresh, Beautiful, and Consistently Great! ​I returned to…read moreShizenya after a while, and it reminded me why I love this place. Even on a Thursday night, the restaurant was nearly full, which speaks to its popularity. ​I ordered the Tako Sunomono and the Premium Chirashi Don. ​Tako Sunomono: The octopus was perfectly tender and the vinegar dressing was refreshing--exactly what I needed to wash away the fatigue of the day. ​Premium Chirashi Don: The presentation was stunning and immediately worked up my appetite. Every piece of seafood was incredibly fresh and of high quality. You can really taste the difference here. ​If you're looking for healthy, fresh, and beautifully presented Japanese cuisine, Shizenya is a must-visit. Highly recommended!

This was my favorite meal of our entire trip to Vancouver. The decor is small and intimate. They…read moredid offer us a highchair and did wipe down the inside of the chair but the outside was fairly dirty so my toddler opted for a regular chair. Children utensils provided which was very much appreciated. Restroom in the back was clean. The food was fresh and delicious. SAKURA BLOSSOM ROLL - brown rice - comes with a lot and delicious UNI TEMAKI (2pc) - my husband and I each had one. very refreshing with the uni and the brown rice. SOCKEYE SALMON SASHIMI- very fresh and thick slices. I had one piece - good. MENTAIKO YAKI UDON - My favorite food item from our entire trip. Omg. I can sit there all day long and just eat this. I always order this when I see it on the menu and some places really don't do a good job. VEGETABLE UDON SOUP - for our toddler

Photos
Inside the restaurant
Inside the restaurant
Sockeye salmon sashimi 5 piece
Sockeye salmon sashimi 5 piece
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Tokyo In April - japanese - Updated July 2026

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