Otaru Sushi Street is a 200-meter stretch between National Highway No. 5 and the Otaru Canal along which are lined many sushi shops making it the place to eat sushi.

Otaru Sushiya-dori Nihonbashi was established more than 40 years ago and is located just inside Otaru Sushi Street not far from JR Otaru Station.

After you duck under the noren (shop curtain outside the entrance) you step into a spacious room exuding warmth. Shortly after the shop opens the counter is soon filled with patrons watching the itamae (sushi chef) skillfully preparing dishes.

In addition to the counter, there are rooms for small groups as well as a large one able to accommodate up to 50 people.

All the itamae are from port towns so they have been around people dealing with fish since they were born. They are skilled at preparing nigiri servings using the freshest natural neta (ingredients) quickly to ensure they do not lose their flavor.

Popular sushi dishes include Otaru Nigiri (3,300 yen) made with seasonal Otaru seafood, and the popular set course Otaru Monogatari (Story) of tempura, sashimi, and a dessert (2,500 yen). We also recommend the Otaru Dobin (1,500 yen) that fully delivers the exquisite flavor of steamed fresh seafood.

If you are lucky enough to get a seat at the counter, I’m sure you will enjoy watching the itamae prepare your requests. They are excellent conversationalists making the experience all the more rewarding.

Otaru Fuku Sushi is one of the popular sightseeing spots among the many on Sakaimachi-dori. Kitaichi Glass and the Otaru Music Box Museum are also nearby. This popular sushiya is located a 5-minute walk from the Otaru Canal.

Inside the atmosphere is one of clean and modern Japanese sophistication. There are tables that can seat many people as well as horikotatsu, the low table on tatami-mat flooring with a recessed area below it for legs.

This Otaru sushi shop is always crowded during the lunch hour, but relatively less so in the evenings. The best seats for enjoying the fresh sushi are of course at the counter where you can enjoy observing the skills of the itamae.

Seafood freshly caught in the sea near Otaru is shipped directly by fishermen. For that reason, about 30 different types of neta which normally are a rare treat are always available.

Popular sushi dishes are the Otaru Nigiri, a selection of standard neta (3,564 yen), the Shun no Omakase Nigiri, a careful selection of seasonal neta received that day (5,400 yen), and the bowl dishes Shunsai Chirashi (2,700 yen) and Isaribi Chirashi (3,780 yen). Funamori, sushi arranged in a container shaped like a boat, is popular with foreign visitors. Beer goes very well with the fresh seafood.

Otaru Take no Sushi is located in the old Nakayama Warehouse and Home that was built at the start of the Taisho era about 100 years ago.

Located in the middle of the popular Sakaimachi-dori, you can’t miss its stylish retro exterior. Inside as well there are vestiges of the past creating a relaxing atmosphere.

On the first floor, there are a counter and tables while on the second floor there is a large table capable of seating many people and perfect for banquets. Here you can savor the history of Otaru as well as the truly fresh sushi.

The neta made from seafood freshly caught off the coast of Otaru is served on shari made from a blend of Hokkaido-grown rice. Pictured is the Sapporo Nigiri (2,160 yen) and the Furano Nigiri (1,188 yen), two popular sets bearing the names of two Hokkaido towns. The Otaru Nigiri (3,240 yen) is a masterpiece of 12 kan arranged on a long plate.

If you like just one type of neta, try the Maguro Dzukushi [tuna plate] (3,564 yen) or Salmon Dzukushi [salmon plate] (1,944 yen). There is also the Ainori-don [mixed bowl] (2,160 yen) which lets you order toppings from 18 different types. Other types of bowl dishes are also available. This shop lives up to its motto that “eating should be enjoyable”.

Otaru Sushi Ko is noted for its unique exterior reminiscent of a traditional stone warehouse. It is only a 3-minute walk from the Otaru Canal making it the perfect place for lunch or dinner while out sightseeing.

Prices are reasonable and it is possible to order only one kan at a time, which makes it popular with sightseers. In addition to the counter and tables on the first floor, there is a koagari style room upstairs for more leisurely dining pleasure and popular with old and young alike. Long familiar with this area of Otaru having grown up here, the master of the shop strives to use the seafood of the finest quality to create memorable dishes.

Set dishes for individuals, such as the Otaru Nigiri (1,944 yen) and Nagomi (3,024 yen) pictured above are reasonably priced and provide a good sampling of popular neta. Individual kan start at 108 yen a piece. This is a good option for those who just want to sample a few things.

The bowl menu also has many selections to choose from, such as the most popular Hokkaido-don (2,916 yen) that is topped with such delicacies as salmon, salmon roe, and sea urchin. You can also order an Original-don (price varies depending on neta selected) where you can ask for your favorite neta topping. Irodori Chirashi is a very popular dish that has a large, varied selection of seafood types on a bowl of rice (2,376 yen). These are just three to begin with.

The conveyor belt sushi (called kaiten-zushi) shops of Otaru also serve high-quality sushi.

One that is favored by local residents with discerning palates is the Waraku Kaiten Sushi Otaru shop. Located near the Otaru Canal, it is thought highly of by tourists who like its stone warehouse exterior and small garden at the entrance. The high ceiling and large windows give it a more spacious feeling creating a cheerful and bright atmosphere.

Its popularity makes it crowded during the lunch hour, but if you have to wait to be seated, you’ll be told approximately how long the wait will be, during which time you can pass the time sightseeing around the canal. The area around here is lit up at night enveloping it in a nostalgic atmosphere.

This is an Otaru shop where you can comfortably savor fresh neta stocked daily with seafood caught along the coast of Otaru.

These include octopus caught at Mashike (266 yen), sockeye salmon caught in the northern sea (338 yen), and natural young yellowtail tuna called Warasa (266 yen).

The menu often is changed to include seasonal dishes throughout the four seasons with such items as rape blossoms and asparagus that contribute to a subtler and deeper experience. Here, too, you can enjoy Nordic salmon and neta from all parts of Japan.

This rotary sushi uses the finest vinegar for its shari (rice), soy sauce, and seaweed, making it seem like no other rotary sushi you may have experienced.