Saijo, a New Japanese Dining Experience, Opens in Culver City

From the team behind JINYA Ramen Bar and Robata, JINYA Holdings is introducing its latest concept — Saijo, a 24-seat counter-style restaurant specializing in hand rolls (temaki) and grilled skewers (kushiyaki) — opening April 2 in Culver City. 

Founder and CEO Tomo Takahashi was inspired by his time in Saijo City, Japan — home to a historic JINYA (a small castle) and Saijo High School, where he studied. The new concept brings together two signature elements of Japanese cuisine: freshly prepared temaki and flavorful kushiyaki.

Saijo’s hand rolls feature high-quality sushi ingredients, while its kushiyaki menu highlights expertly grilled meats and seafood. The menu also includes appetizers, hosomaki, and a curated beverage list of sake, beer and wine. Takeout and delivery will be available through DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub, with bento boxes offered exclusively to-go.

Designed to be an immersive experience, the intimate 24-seat countertop invites guests to watch chefs meticulously prepare each dish. The focus is on precision, freshness and exceptional ingredients.

The restaurant’s commitment to quality starts with its nori. Saijo uses Hatsuzumi Nori, imported from the Ariake Sea in Fukuoka, selected for its sweetness, delicate texture and high umami. Only 5% of the annual harvest qualifies as first-harvest nori, making it a rare treat. The sushi rice is also time-controlled for ideal temperature and consistency.

Saijo’s kushiyaki offerings include A5 Miyazaki wagyu, pork belly chashu, shrimp, unagi (grilled eel), Chilean sea bass and a variety of chicken and vegetable skewers — all grilled to perfection.

For more information, visit jinya-ramenbar.com.

Operating hours will be Wednesday to Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for dinner. The restaurant will be closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Saijo joins a legacy of successful concepts that began with Sabakurou, the original Tokyo restaurant that opened in 2000, and evolved into Robata JINYA and JINYA Ramen Bar. This new concept represents an exciting evolution of the brand’s expertise in Japanese cuisine.

12473 Washington Blvd. in Culver City.