- The freshest sushi in Hokkaido I have tried with omakase at a reasonable price (after exchange).
- Diners should have a reasonable amount of Japanese knowledge as this place does not offer an English menu.
- Our sushi chef during my visit has been trained around the world and even spent some time in the U.S.A.
- One of the best dining experiences of my life.
- You may need a reservation and can ask your hotel to book if needed.
ABASHIRI, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN – My first visit to Japan in 2011 was a unique and breathtaking adventure into sushi and fish that I had never experienced before. Growing up in San Francisco, I enjoyed better sushi than most as a young kid and regularly enjoyed above average sushi for most of my life. However, never belonging to the class that can afford omakase – my taste buds have not known fresh fish or exquisite sushi or fish. That changed in Hokkaido when I visited Abashiri in December 2024.
On my trip to Japan, I intentionally left sushi for the end of the trip in Hokkaido. I wanted to take a trip to Shiretoko, but alas we ran out of time. The night we arrived in Abashiri from Asahikawa, it was snowing heavy and most shops closed early. The shop that did let us dine was Sushi Yamashita. The chef took pity on us as we searched for good food after a 4 or 5 hour train journey and I selfishly am glad he did. Observing the restaurant I knew we had signed up for a fancy experience, but I did not know the depths of what I had entered.
The shop’s description translation reads: “At our store, we do not use any frozen materials, and only the seasonal materials at that time are carefully selected and maintained. The seasonal material that can be enjoyed because it is Hokkaido is good for fat Nori, and you can feel the goodness of the material at the moment you put it in your mouth. In addition to the spoiler material, the shopkeeper has carefully selected the dishes and vessels, so you can feel the attention you can enjoy by eye.” All of this is true.
The chef first asked us if we knew any Japanese and thankfully my basic Japanese skills from college allowed me to communicate here and there with the chef. I was a little nervous to be dining in such a fancy environment with little planning, but was so blown away by everything I ate that none of it mattered.
To me, good food is about escaping the world and finding yourself in the moment and that’s how I felt at Sushi Yamashita, transported away to another world and space. Although the world existed outside with all its chaos, it did not enter those doors. This is the kind of sushi place I maybe dream of and think about, but never really had a chance to experience before.
The concept is connected to a few other sushi concepts in Hokkaido including SUSHI BAR THE END and STANDING SUSHI BAR. I had those places already bookmarked. This place was less assuming. It was the sushi chef and his assistant. We also enjoyed the company of a wasabi master who engaged us every once in awhile during the meal.
Our chef had previously worked in London so he spoke a little English, but I tried my best to also speak Japanese as much as possible. In situations like this I think I should study more. Whatever we could not say to each other though was experienced regardless.
The oysters, crab, scallops, toro, sea urchin, eel, and more were the best I have ever had hands down. The flavors were unique and enveloping. Each taste an unexpected flavor where fish I might be familiar with before became unfamiliar. I am not an expert on omakase or on any of the fish I had, but all I know is that everything was superb and tastes gourmet.
It was nothing short of life-changing. This is what dining out is all about. Thank you to the brilliant chef for allowing us to dine in his space and for the phenomenal food adventure that I will never forget in Hokkaido’s Abashiri. After this meal, I am still a normal person who may not be able to afford omakase in the United States, but I can say I have tried some of the best fish of my life in the north ends of Japan on the Sea of Okhotsk.
Address: Japan, 〒093-0013 Hokkaido, Abashiri, Minami 3 Jonishi, 2 Chome−５−1 第3ツカサビル1F.
About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience. I write the food and travel blog Carlos Eats (https://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines on numerous topics.
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