Savoring Sushi Splendors: A Blissful 48 Hours in Himi City, Toyama – A Gastronomic and Cultural Expedition (part 1) Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Mar 04 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Savoring Sushi Splendors: A Blissful 48 Hours in Himi City, Toyama – A Gastronomic and Cultural Expedition (part 1)

If you're an avid traveler with a penchant for discovering hidden gems in Japan and crave a destination that's a treasure trove of culture, history, and delectable cuisine, look no further than the city of Himi in Toyama prefecture. This unassuming locale is a must-visit for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. Moreover, this journey encompasses special experiences tailored for international travelers venturing into Himi, catering to both individual explorers and large tour groups alike. Join Savor Japan today as we embark on a unique 48-hour adventure in Himi, delving into its unique offerings, and savoring the diverse and exquisite world of sushi that it has to offer!

See full listings of Japanese Cuisine restaurants found in and around Toyama.

A Blissful 48 Hours in Himi City, Toyama (part 2)

The experience of crafting your own sushi is truly a hands-on adventure.

The first experience in Himi is the hands-on adventure of crafting your own sushi. Renowned chefs from local Himi sushi restaurants gather at the Himi City Fisheries Cultural Exchange Center to guide visitors through the art of making sushi—an iconic facet of Japanese culinary culture.

A translation device is employed to facilitate smoother communication between chefs and international visitors. The Japanese instructions from the chefs are recorded by the translation device, which then displays the translated content in Foreign languages on the screen, making it easier for tourists to understand and follow the guidance.

The freshest ingredients, including local specialties and winter-season delicacies like Kan-buri (winter yellowtail), are used in the sushi-making process. After learning the art from professional chefs, visitors proceed to create their own sushi using ingredients such as tuna, squid, and yellowtail.

Meanwhile, the chefs prepare the remaining sushi portions. Guests indulge in a lunch feast featuring both self-made sushi and specially crafted sushi by the chefs. The completed sushi showcases an appealing array of colors and flavors, embodying the richness of the sea in the Himi region. From local delicacies like Amaebi (sweet shrimp), Buri, and Baigai (Japanese babylon) to well-known sushi staples like tuna and salmon roe, the lunch becomes a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese flavors and unique Himi specialties, creating a truly memorable and authentic dining experience.

Himi City Fisheries Cultural Exchange Center

Address: 7-1 Chuomachi, Himi, Toyama

Open: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Closed: Wednesday, National Holidays

Access: 20-minute walk from Himi Station

Himi Banya-gai: Premier Shopping and Dining Destination in Himi.

Immerse yourself in the heart of Himi at Banya-gai, a haven for culinary and sensory delights. This is a place to enjoy the diverse local flavors, from conveyor belt sushi with fresh catches from Himi's port to savory Himi udon, beef, and curry. Beyond the gastronomic adventure, Banya-gai offers a rich shopping experience with a variety of local products and souvenirs. It's not just a marketplace; it's a celebration of Himi's unique culture and flavors, making Banya-gai a must-visit for a true taste of this seaside town's charm.

Moreover, Banya-gai is a paradise for dessert enthusiasts, offering the opportunity to savor exquisite Himi-style custard pudding. With a range of unique flavors like Himi Ice Pudding, Salted Caramel Pudding, Cheese Pudding, or the limited winter Chocolate Pudding, these charming treats are impossible to resist. The puddings, adorned with a delightful appearance, use locally-produced milk from Toyama, delivering an unforgettable local taste.

Notably, the Himi Ice Pudding draws inspiration from the iconic Tateyama Mountains, a symbol of Toyama. This pudding is topped with a layer of refreshing Ramune-flavored jelly and has an extra rock sugar bag, which is added before eating. It's a dessert that everyone should experience at least once.

Himi Banya-gai

Address: 25-5 Kitaomachi, Himi, Toyama

Open: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm

Closed: January 1st

Access: 20-minute walk from Himi Station

Dinner at a traditional sushi restaurant warmly welcomes guests with an array of exquisite and delectable dishes.

On the first evening in Himi, the highlight was the Sushi Omakase course at Kame Sushi. The intimate counter setting is coupled with meticulously crafted dishes from Chef Kotaniguchi. Each dish was presented with the full flavors of the local sea, complemented by incredibly fresh winter seafood specialties. Every creation carried the heartfelt touch of the chef, making the dining experience truly special.

The Sashimi dish featured winter specialties including Buri (yellowtail), scallops, squid, and sea bream, showcasing the richness of seasonal flavors.

The Hokuriku region's specialty crab and grilled winter yellow tail were also the standout dishes in this Omakase course.

Speaking of dishes in an Omakase course at a sushi restaurant, Sushi is perhaps the most eagerly anticipated part. True to expectations, the 10 pieces of sushi, expertly prepared by Chef Kotaniguchi with exceptional ingredients, were ready to showcase the culinary essence of Himi to international visitors. The specially curated selection for this visit includes: Salmon roe, Sea urchin, Squid, Fatty yellowtail, Flounder, Tuna, Crab, Sweet shrimp (amaebi), Conger eel (Anago), and Fatty bluefin tuna.