"Adult's Counter Sushi" in Otaru, the Town of Sushi Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-date: Jan 30 2020

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Sushi

"Adult's Counter Sushi" in Otaru, the Town of Sushi

You're going to want to try sushi at a counter seat at least once, especially if you happen to be at Otaru Sushi-ya Street (Sushi-ya-dori). In Otaru, the town of sushi, you can enjoy quality sushi with the best selections of fresh seasonal toppings from casual counter seats. You will doubtlessly be deeply impressed when you see the artistry of master sushi chefs up close! If you want to savor the real thrill of sushi, book a counter seat immediately! Here is a short selection of five sushi restaurants in Otaru that you should try.

See full listings of Sushi restaurants.

1. Otaru Masazushi Main Branch

Savor the finest sushi made with the best toppings - and a bit of showmanship - at the counter of this popular restaurant. At the same time, the chef will relate his vast knowledge of sushi to you. The first-rate toppings are skillfully handled, making them taste even better! Enjoy your time here and make another addition to your fond memories of Otaru.

They are extremely particular about the ingredients they use. Enjoy freshly caught uni (sea urchin) as it is!

They show artistry, using just the right touch to bring out the flavors of the Hokkaido ingredients even more.

Otaru Masazushi Main Branch

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Closed: Wednesday
*May change if it falls on things like national holidays, festival days, and events
Average price: 3,500 JPY
*They have a set menu that's priced from 1,580 JPY - 7,350 JPY
Access: Around 3 - 4 minutes by taxi from the front of Otaru Station
Address: 1-1-1, Hanazono, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido (Map)
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2. Otaru Masazushi Zenan

The location and interior are great! Located near Otaru Canal, this sister restaurant to Otaru Masazushi Zenan has a bright interior with a large glass window. They have not only table seats, but a large counter as well! You can enjoy real sushi while watching the proficiency and artistry of the sushi chefs. All of the fresh toppings are procured from the company's own fishmongers. The finest quality sushi - made just for you.

Try out the first-rate toppings, including fresh Pacific bluefin tuna and shrimp caught the same day as when they're served.

They have a wide menu with sets that include sushi, tempura, appetizers, and more!

Otaru Masazushi Zenan

Open: [Monday - Wednesday, Friday - Sunday, Holidays, Day Before Holidays] Opening hours 11:00 - 22:00 Closed Monday 15:00 - 17:00
Closed: Thursday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: About 3-4 minutes by taxi from JR Otaru station. By Chuo Bus (Yamate Line) it is right next to the Honkyokumae stop.
Address: 1-2-1 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido (Map)
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3. Sushi Yoshi

This restaurant owner has experience as a fisherman, so at the counter, you can enjoy dishes that use fresh fish chosen with his outstanding judgment. One example is the extremely popular [Chef's Miyama Course], which is limited to those sitting at the counter! Have your fill while you enjoy chatting with the store owner about his extensive knowledge regarding the finer points of that day's creations and the restaurant's à la carte dishes.

Yoshi's sushi is made with a lot of passion and generous amounts of fresh toppings!

A place where quality comes before quantity! Every dish in this course is delicious.

Sushi Yoshi

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 4:00 pm (L.O. 3:30 pm) *May close early if ingredients run out, Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:45 pm (L.O. 8:40 pm) *Customers entering from 8:30 pm onwards can only use table seats
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm) *Customers entering from 8:15 pm onwards can only use table seats
Closed: Irregular
*Open for lunch only on March 1st
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: 10-minute walk from Otaru Station
Address: 1-10-9, Ironai, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido (Map)
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4. Sushi Ko

Born and raised in Otaru, the owner of this restaurant loves the ingredients from the region. You can even order just 1 piece of the sushi that they pour their heart and soul into making, making it great for solo diners. From its casual counter area, you can sit down and enjoy the restaurant owner's finest selections of Hokkaido's signature seasonal toppings, such as uni, Ezo abalone, and red king crab.

Enjoy Hokkaido in its entirety with their most popular dish, the [Ezo Sushi]!

Have a little sake (Japanese alcohol) and an appetizer before the sushi is made. A chat with the owner is one of the things you can enjoy here.

Sushi Ko

Open: [Monday/Tuesday/Thursday-Sunday/Holidays/Day Before Holidays] Normal hours noon-9:30 PM (last order 8:30 PM) *Hours can change depending on amount of food.
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY
Access: From JR Otaru Station, 5 minutes on foot. Also, from the Otaru Highway Interchange, 5 minutes by car.
Address: 2-2-6 Ironai, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido (Map)
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5. Otaru Takeno Sushi

Situated along Marchen Street (Marchen-dori) in Sakai-machi, an area bustling with tourists, Otaru Takeno Sushi offers Hokkaido's finest and freshest sushi at reasonable prices. The restaurant’s exterior has been remodelled in the style of an old Japanese house, while the wooden interior is relaxing and welcoming. Enjoy chatting with the friendly owner at the counter!

Here, you can savor fresh seafood caught from the coastal waters of Otaru. It is especially recommended to try the uni in the summer and the mantis shrimp in the autumn!

Their premium nigiri sushi (hand-formed sushi) comes with seasonal toppings. You'll be satisfied with both the price and taste!

Otaru Takeno Sushi

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, national holidays, days before national holidays] Lunch 10:30 - 16:00. Dinner 17:00 - 21:00.
Closed: Irregular
Average price: -
Access: Next to Kitaichi Glass on Sakaimachi Dori. A ten-minute walk from JR Otaru Station.
Address: 2-22 Sakai-machi , Otaru, Hokkaido (Map)
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.