Update-date: Jun 08 2023
Categories:
Hokkaido
Japanese Cuisine
Chirashi sushi (scattered sushi) is a festive dish eaten on Girl's Day or other celebratory events in Japan, with a generous serving of seafood such as tuna, salmon, salmon roe and scallop placed on top of rice. Though traditionally a homemade dish, as more people favor eating out nowadays, many restaurants offer it as well. Nevertheless, kaisen-don is another rice bowl dish with seafood placed on top, commonly seen in restaurants. Is it the same as chirashi sushi? Or are they vastly different? Let's find out!
Chirashi sushi with different styles & ingredients - Gomoku & Edomae
There are two major types of chirashi sushi in modern Japan: gomoku sushi and Edomae sushi. The former has a long history and can be traced back to the Kamakura period (1158-1333). It is a traditional Japanese family cuisine, usually prepared for celebratory purposes or on Girl's Day when the family dines together.
The latter, Edomae sushi, is a new variation evolved from Edo nigiri sushi (hand-pressed sushi) which was popular in the Kanto region. It is characterized by the prodigious amount of sashimi covering the vinegared rice, sometimes with the addition of rolled omelet, shiitake and dried gourd. It looks as if the ingredients are randomly sprinkled onto the rice, thus the name chirashi sushi.
Edomae chirashi sushi and Edo nigiri sushi both originated from the Kanto region; to differentiate from the traditional gomoku chirashi sushi, locals would simply refer to the former as chirashi sushi, and the latter as gomoku chirashi sushi.
Edomae chirashi sushi and Edo nigiri sushi both originated from the Kanto region; to differentiate from the traditional gomoku chirashi sushi, locals would simply refer to the former as chirashi sushi, and the latter as gomoku chirashi sushi.
Am I having chirashi sushi or kaisen-don?
Having read about the types of chirashi sushi, how do you tell it apart from a kaisen-don?
Kaisen-don is actually a rice bowl dish inspired by the Edomae chirashi sushi. It made its debut after WWII, and was prepared by putting a variety of sashimi on plain hot rice.
Today, the basic recipe of kaisen-don varies from place to place. It is commonly served in restaurants, and the rice is not necessary hot nor plain, as sometimes vinegared rice might be used instead. As such, apart from the rice, the dish might be identified by its container.
Chirashi sushi is often presented in a rectangular bento box or cylindrical container, whereas kaisen-don would be in a typical bowl. Do pay attention to the rice and container next time you enjoy a Japanese meal!
Kaisen-don is actually a rice bowl dish inspired by the Edomae chirashi sushi. It made its debut after WWII, and was prepared by putting a variety of sashimi on plain hot rice.
Today, the basic recipe of kaisen-don varies from place to place. It is commonly served in restaurants, and the rice is not necessary hot nor plain, as sometimes vinegared rice might be used instead. As such, apart from the rice, the dish might be identified by its container.
Chirashi sushi is often presented in a rectangular bento box or cylindrical container, whereas kaisen-don would be in a typical bowl. Do pay attention to the rice and container next time you enjoy a Japanese meal!
Besides the container, the timing of having chirashi sushi is equally important to Japanese people. As mentioned above, the dish is eaten during festivities or when a special guest has come to visit, whilst kaisen-don is just another item on the menu of a restaurant. Therefore, if a friend invites you home and prepares chirashi sushi for you, it means that you are a dear friend to them!
Where to find delicious chirashi sushi & kaisen-don?
Now that you have an idea about chirashi sushi and kaisen-don, the next step would be to sample them yourself to deepen your understanding! Here are four restaurant recommendations for travelers to have a taste of authentic local cuisine.
1. Honkaku Edomae Zushi Matsuki Sushi
Honkaku Edomae Zushi Matsuki Sushi, a hidden gem nestled in the charming city of Gifu. Embracing the spirit of traditional Japanese cuisine, Matsuki Sushi delights patrons with its meticulous craftsmanship and exquisite flavors. Drawing inspiration from the revered Edomae-style sushi, Matsuki Sushi takes pride in using the freshest ingredients sourced from local markets, ensuring an authentic and unforgettable dining experience. While their mastery in creating flawless nigiri and maki rolls is widely acclaimed, Matsuki Sushi is also known for its exceptional Kaisendon, a delightful rice bowl adorned with a vibrant array of top-quality sashimi. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Honkaku Edomae Zushi at Matsuki Sushi, where every bite is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to culinary excellence.
Honkaku Edomae Zushi Matsuki Sushi
Open: Lunch 11:30-14:00 / Dinner 17:30-23:30 (last order 23:00)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 5 minute walk from Takayama station.
Address: 1-40 Sowa-machi, Takayama, Gifu Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 5 minute walk from Takayama station.
Address: 1-40 Sowa-machi, Takayama, Gifu Map
2. Otaru Takeno Sushi
Otaru Takeno Sushi is where culinary excellence meets the freshest seafood sourced directly from the waters of Hokkaido. With a commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients, they take pride in procuring fish straight from the Otaru market for unparalleled freshness. Their "Seasonal Sushi Selection" is a must-try, featuring ten expertly crafted sushi pieces accompanied by a homemade Japanese omelette. Each dish is a testament to the region's rich marine bounty, carefully curated with heart and soul. Experience the true essence of Otaru's remarkable seafood and the artistry of sushi-making at Otaru Takeno Sushi.
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
More Details Reservation
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
3. Otaru Masazushi Zenan
Zenan is located next to Otaru Canal, a famous scenic spot in Hokkaido, where guests can enjoy delicious sushi while taking in the picturesque view of the canal. The restaurant uses only the freshest natural ingredients like wild tuna weighing between 300-350 kg and alum-free sea urchin.
Zenan's chirashi sushi is almost overflowing with sashimi. Each slice is about 1 cm thick, as fresh as one could imagine and beautifully arranged. Other than chirashi sushi, their savory kaisen-don is similarly drowned in flying fish roe and salmon roe - after all, Hokkaido is one of the best places for seafood in the country.
Otaru Masazushi Zenan
Open: [Mondays - Wednesdays, Fridays - Sundays, Holidays, Day Before Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Thursdays
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
More Details Reservation
Closed: Thursdays
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
More Details Reservation
4. Sushi Ko
Sushi Ko stands out from the competitive market of sushi places in Otaru with quality, price and hospitality, and even first-timers would feel at home. The practice of seasonal pricing commonly adopted by sushi restaurants is absent here, replaced by a clearly written menu. Together with a comfortable dining area, it is no wonder that they never want for customers.
The pricing might be cheap, yet the ingredients are anything but. Their salmon roe, sea urchin and scallap are all locally sourced from Otaru, and guests are just a call away from the fresh delicacies. Moreover, they have more than ten variations of kaisen-don to cater to regular customers' needs. Even if you are a bit low on budget, their mini kaisen-don is sure to satisfy you without bleeding your wallet!
The pricing might be cheap, yet the ingredients are anything but. Their salmon roe, sea urchin and scallap are all locally sourced from Otaru, and guests are just a call away from the fresh delicacies. Moreover, they have more than ten variations of kaisen-don to cater to regular customers' needs. Even if you are a bit low on budget, their mini kaisen-don is sure to satisfy you without bleeding your wallet!
Sushi Ko
Open: [Mondays/Tuesdays/Thursdays - Sundays/Holidays/Day Before Holidays] Normal hours: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm) *Hours may change depending on the 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
More Details Reservation
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
More Details Reservation
Have you become more familiar with the sushi culture in Japan? Before you go for your next chirashi sushi or kaisen-don, remember our tips to experience Japanese culture anew through their fine cuisine!
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
