Otaru is a small city in Japan that has a prominent fishing culture. The vibrant harbor life has spread throughout the streets of this cozy city. Several canals run through the city, with roads to either side of it. These roads are marked with Victorian-style lamps and historic houses. Otaru is particularly known for its herring, which has been shaping the city for over 200 years. This makes Otaru one of the most sought after destinations to have fresh sushi, in the comfort of a small city feeling. Check out the best places to have sushi in Otaru as we’re sure they’ll surprise your senses with authentic flavors.
1. Kukizen
Kukizen is situated along the canal-facing Sushiyagori Street. This mid-sized restaurant is lead by a chef with years of experience and apprenticeship education. It is rumored that his dedication has earned him two Michelin stars. Within Kukizen, you can enjoy sushi on counter seats or on small tables. The sushi served at this restaurant arrives on a see-through glass plate. It is recommended that you try the uni, as well as the rest of the nigiri choices. Also, do not pass up on the ikura either. Whatever your choice is, it will not be the wrong one at a restaurant like Kukizen.
Kukizen
Address: Japan, 〒047-0025 Hokkaido, Otaru, Shinonomecho, ２番４号 ヴィスタ東雲
Website: Kukizen
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 11:30am - 3pm, 5:30pm - 9:30pm (closed on Tue)
2. Otaru Takeno Sushi
Otaru Takeno Sushi is a fine choice when it comes to having sushi in Otaru. The restaurant stands out as they only use seasonal and fresh fish caught locally from bodies of water that surround Hokkaido. Each day, the fish is bought straight from the Otaru fish market. The chef has opened Otaru Takeno Sushi’s doors in 2013, and it has been serving the community ever since. Over the years, he has perfected his craft, which must be experienced while visiting Otaru. Aside from exceptionally fresh sushi, you can also enjoy side dishes such as tempura and baked dishes. There is special glassware made specifically for the restaurant at the Otaru Glass Factory.
Otaru Takeno Sushi
Address: 2-22 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan
Website: Otaru Takeno Sushi
Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 11:00am - 4:00pm, 5:00pm - 9:00pm (closed on Thu)
3. Isezushi
Isezushi is only within a seven-minute walk from the Otaru station. It is a family establishment that has been active since 1967 and is currently led by a second-generation sushi chef with a Michelin star. Isezushi’s particularly delicious sushi attracts both tourists and regulars alike. The ingredients used at the restaurant are sourced locally and served in their freshest form. In addition to the sushi, the toppings are also prepared with a considerate approach, as some are marinated for hours before the chef carefully mends it into an appealing dish. This is a great choice for when passing through Otaru or visiting from the nearby city of Sapporo.
Isezushi
Address: 3 Chome-15-3 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032, Japan
Website: Isezushi
Opening hours: Mon - Sat 11:30am - 3:00pm, 5:00 - 9:00pm; Sun: 11:30am - 3:00pm, 5:00 - 8:00pm
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4. Masa Zushi
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Masa Zushi’s Otaru location is the main branch of a successful sushi restaurant chain found throughout Japan. It is known to be one of the most widely acclaimed spots in the town of Otaru. The chef practices his craft in a delicate fashion. This results in a tradition that has been in business for over 70 years. Found along the Otaru Sushi Street, Masa Zushi offers a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy particular options of sushi. The tuna, known locally as Maguro is one of the most popular options on the menu. The tuna used at the restaurant is known to be some of the top tuna in the world!
Masa Zushi
Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Hanazono, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0024, Japan
Website: Masa Zushi
Opening hours: Thu - Tue 11:30am-3:00pm, 5:30-9:30pm (closed on Wed)
5. Sushiya Ko-Dai
Sushiya Ko-Dai is a standing-only sushi spot within Otaru. It is an ideal stop to add to your day while strolling through this cozy town. Sushiya Ko-Dai is lead by a chef with years of experience under his belt, including an apprenticeship at another sushi restaurant. This stall-type spot offers some of the freshest sushi in town and presents a menu with relatively reasonable prices compared to the restaurants in Otaru. The fish is sourced freshly from the Otaru fish market each day. It is recommended to try the salmon and the Ikura, as they have quickly become local favorites.
Sushiya Ko-Dai
Address: Japan, 〒047-0032 Hokkaido, Otaru, Inaho, 1 Chome−4−15 おたる屋台村レンガ横丁
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 6pm - 12am (closed on Tue & Wed)
6. Takara Sushi
Takara Sushi is a small spot that is located only eight minutes away from the Otaru Station on foot. The restaurant combines a limited amount of counter seats and a small set of tables. We recommend making a reservation ahead of time. There are daily specials made from locally sourced, fresh ingredients. At Takara Sushi, you can enjoy fish such as herring roe, king crab, botan prawn, toki shirazu salmon, striped jack, Pacific bluefin tuna, and kelp-marinated hime. There is no need to dip your sushi in soy sauce at this place, as the chef brushes it carefully on top of each piece already.
Takara Sushi
Address: 1-9-18 Hanazono, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0024, Japan
Website: Takara Sushi
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 11:30am - 2pm, 5:00pm-9:30pm (closed on Wed)
7. Uomasa
Uomasa is found near the Yatsugi Station, within the downtown area of Otaru. This restaurant has gained popularity over the years due to its considerate approach in preparing eel-based dishes. There is fresh and live eel kept at Uomasa, and the sushi made with it is only made to order. If you want to try it, do note that this can lead up to 40 minutes of wait time. Some highly recommended items on the menu are the unjau — grilled eel with rice which is cooked over kishu ubane oak charcoal. While waiting for your eel order, the staff serves up delicious freshly cut liver and wasabi, along with eel bone chips.
Uomasa
Address: 2 Chome-5-11 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032, Japan
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM (closed on Sun)
8. Nakamura Sushi
Nakamura Sushi is an intimate place where you can enjoy seasonally prepared sushi, which uses locally sourced fish from the Otaru market. The chef has received one Michelin star for the kind of attention he gives to each dish. The restaurant serves only six guests at a time, in order to ensure consistency in its quality. Nakamura sushi’s interior is designed in a way to create a relaxing and calming time. Some highlights of the menu are the kunikumi grip, namu grip, and the various choices in Sashimi. In addition to great sushi, you can also savor sake that is specific to the Hokkaido region.
Nakamura sushi
Address: Japan, 〒047-0025 Hokkaido, Otaru, Yamadamachi, 1, 一番二十一号
Website: Nakamura sushi
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 11:00am - 3:00pm, 5:00pm - 9:00pm (closed on Wed)
9. Waka Sushi
Waka Sushi is a great place to try nigiri sushi Otaru. The spot presents over 50 years of expertise in sushi making, which is apparent in each and every plate. The menu is reasonably priced at this intimate restaurant. The fish is sourced freshly from the Otaru fish market each day. The chef is careful to give the sushi the perfect texture, which heightens the taste and the overall experience of eating sushi. Be sure to try the conger eel, as it is one of the most sought after items on the menu.
Waka Sushi
Address: 3 Chome-1-2 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032, Japan
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 11:30am - 2:00pm, 5:00pm - 9:00pm (closed on Wed)
10. Yoshi
Yoshi is our last stop on our sushi tour of Otaru. The restaurant functions under the leadership of a highly-skilled and knowledgeable chef. He makes an effort to connect with guests and share his passion for sushi to turn your visit to a memorable experience. Thus, the best place to sit in Yoshi is the counter. It is only on the counter where you can have items like kaisen or tenrai. One of the most popular items is the eel nigiri, which is made with the fatty part of the eel to achieve the next level of deliciousness. Also, be sure to try the homemade sauces as well!
Yoshi
Address:1 Chome-10-９ Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan
Opening hours: 11:30am - 3:45pm, 5:30pm - 9:45pm (daily)
Genuine freshness
Otaru is a quaint town where you can try out the most delicious sushi. There is an apparent fishing and sushi culture that is spread all over the town. It is a rather low-key setting, which can be seen as a weekend getaway or a visit from the nearby Sapporo. Needless to say, Otaru takes its sushi quite seriously and is home to a number of Michelin star sushi chefs. Thus, sushi has become a way of life instead of just being a simple dish. During your visit, you will get the chance to taste some of the best sushi in the world. It is an experience that your taste buds will thank you for a long time!
History
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