Having traveled all over Japan, I’ve had my fair share of raw fish from different prefectures. Here are my top 5 best sashimi places in 2024!
1. Matsuriya Yamahana – Sapporo
In close proximity to the big blue sea, Sapporo is the motherland of seafood, and that means sashimi! Forget about mainstream sushi trains and try something more local when you’re on the island of Hokkaido, such as Matsuriya Yamahana in the heart of Sapporo!
Serving up incredibly fresh salmon and tuna sashimi as part of a huge selection of sushi varieties, Matsuriya Yamahana remains my most memorable sushi restaurant not just in Japan, but in the whole world! Easy-to-order touchscreen, ambient traditional decor, and super-friendly sushi chefs preparing the best sashimi in town, this restaurant is a must-visit!
2. Isomaru Suisan – Sapporo
Yes, I’m putting another Sapporo restaurant on this top 5 list, and for good reason! Truthfully, you haven’t experienced the pinnacle of fresh sashimi unless it’s on the island of Hokkaido, even if it is a nationwide restaurant chain like Isomaru Suisan.
This 24/7 sashimi restaurant has branches all across Japan from major prefectures like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka to the more outer areas of Japan such as Fukuoka and Sendai. Having visited Isomaru Suisan in both Tokyo and Sapporo, I can attest to having a better, more delicious experience of tuna and salmon sashimi in the Sapporo branch.
3. Matsumoto Ryokan – Ginzan
This next one is a little less accessible as it will require a stay at Matsumoto Ryokan. Located in the heart of Ginzan, you can enjoy this premium sashimi plate as part of the ryokan set dinner.
Ginzan is known for its abundance of hot springs and ryokans nested in the remote forests of Yamagata prefecture. After bathing in the hot sulfuric spring water, a plate of this delicious raw fish will surely cool you down for the perfect night’s rest!
4. Rikyu Gyutan – Sendai
More accessible but less expected is the fresh sashimi available at Rikyu Gyutan, a restaurant chain in Sendai specializing in grilled ox-tongue slices. Indeed, the spotlight should’ve been the gyutan, but for me, it was the thick juicy slices of cold fresh salmon and tuna sashimi that came as part of the lunch set.
At Rikyu Gyutan, you can enjoy stacked bowls of raw fish atop a bed of hot steamed rice. Super tasty and super filling, this bowl is a seafood galore consisting of tuna sashimi, salmon sashimi, minced tuna & salmon, sweet tamago (Japanese-style egg omelet), pickled vegetables, spring onion, and wasabi!
5. Uobei Sushi – Tokyo
This last one may be at the bottom of the list, but it’s still one of the most memorable sushi train experiences I’ve had (I’d put it just under Matsuriya Yamahana for best sushi train). Located in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo’s major shopping district, Uobei Sushi offers thick-cut sashimi plates and nigiri sushi that are not only delicious but also affordable.
Unlike Kura and Sushiro, I found Uobei served up higher quality fish that was richer in taste, smoother in texture, and thicker in cut. With branches all across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, it’s an easy find and a memorable feed!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!