If you're in Otaru, check these out! 5 recommended sushi restaurants in Otaru, chosen by locals. Hokkaido Lab ~A comprehensive travel guide to enjoy gourmet food, nature, and culture in Hokkaido~

If you're in Otaru, check these out! 5 recommended sushi restaurants in Otaru, chosen by locals.

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: Last updated: September 18, 2018

Table of contents

2. Kukizen (a meal served to a group of people)

Otaru Otaru City was once a thriving center for coal exports and trade with Russia, but it's also famous as a city of sushi.

Because of its port location, the sushi ingredients are very fresh and lively.

This time, we'll introduce five sushi restaurants in Otaru City that are recommended by locals.

These are all sushi restaurants where you can feel comfortable and relaxed, so please use this as a reference!

<Table of Contents>
1. Ise Sushi Otaru Station Branch
2. Gunraizen
3. Sushi restaurant Takadai
4. Takara Sushi
5. Uoma
Final thoughts

1. Ise Sushi Otaru Station Branch

This "Ise Sushi Otaru Station Branch" is a branch of a restaurant whose main store opened in 1967. What this restaurant values most is maintaining unwavering pride as a sushi chef and always keeping in mind the sincere service that has been provided to customers since the beginning.

This standing-only sushi restaurant is located at Otaru Station, making it easy to pop in and a great choice for those trying sushi in Otaru for the first time.

Sweet shrimp sushi

These are sweet shrimp. They're plump and firm, offering a different flavor experience compared to spot prawns!

It comes with soy sauce already on it, so just pop it in your mouth and enjoy!

Abalone nigiri

And here's the abalone nigiri. The flesh is delightfully firm and has just the right amount of chewiness. You can truly savor abalone that is unique to Hokkaido.

In addition to nigiri sushi, they also sell futomaki (thick sushi rolls) and kaisendon (seafood rice bowls) for takeout.

It's also recommended for times when you don't have time to eat or as a small gift, so please check it out!

[Store Information: Ise Sushi JR Otaru Station Tarushe Branch]
Address: 2-22-15 Inaho, Otaru City
Telephone number: 080-2873-3391
Opening hours: 11:00 AM - 15:00 PM, 16:30 PM - 19:30 PM
Closed: Wednesday

For more information about Ise Sushi's main branch, please see the following article.
・A must-visit! Two top-rated restaurants in Otaru where you can enjoy the best of local cuisine!

2. Kukizen (a meal served to a group of people)

Gunraizen The restaurant has seven counter seats and two tables, making it a comfortable size—not too big, not too small.

The owner, originally from Otaru and having trained in Sapporo, is none other than a chef who earned two Michelin stars in 2012!
Opened in 2004, this restaurant is particular not only about the ingredients and the type of sushi it uses, but also about the tableware it employs.

Since the tableware is made in a glass workshop in Otaru City, the dishes are truly a feast for the eyes and a delight for the palate.

Sea urchin nigiri

The "sea urchin nigiri," beautifully presented in clear glass, is a dish you won't easily find at other restaurants.

While summer is the peak season for delicious sea urchins, here you can enjoy delicious sea urchins year-round, regardless of the season.

Perhaps you'll even get to experience a moment where the image of sea urchins having a medicinal taste is completely dispelled?

Gunraizen Sushi

Not only is the sea urchin exquisite, but the other sushi is also superb.

While salmon roe and shrimp are also recommended, the octopus served here is a dish that even those who don't like octopus should try.

You might find yourself thinking, "Was octopus sushi always this delicious?"

If you plan to visit "Gunraizen," making a reservation in advance might help ensure a smoother experience.

In Otaru, a city renowned for its sushi, be sure to experience the artistic sushi that has earned it two Michelin stars.

[Store Information: Gunraizen]
Address: Vista Shinonome 1F, 2-4 Shinonome-cho, Otaru City
Telephone number: 0134-27-2888
営業時間：11：30〜15：00（L.O.14：30）17：30〜22：00
Closed: Tuesday

Next 3. Sushi restaurant Takadai