Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2011

Illustration by Eparama Tuibenau

Seafood aficionados are consoled in the dark days of winter by the arrival of fugu at local restaurants. Among the upscale eateries serving the much-loved delicacy are Usuki Fugu Yamadaya in Nishi-Azabu (www.usuki.info/yamadaya) and Ajiman in Roppongi (3-8-8 Roppongi, Minato-ku)—both of which earned stars in the 2011 Tokyo Michelin guide. Over in the Marunouchi Building, Daigomi (http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g763316) offers a scintillating view to accompany its high-end set meals. On the more affordable end of the scale, Genpin Fugu (www.tettiri.com) has several branches in central Tokyo, with full-course fugu dinners for just ¥3,780. The same deal is on offer at Torafugutei (www.torafugu.co.jp), a 26-strong chain whose Ginza branch is so popular that reservations are a must.