Located along Hokkaido Island’s west coast, Otaru is a charming Japanese city that apart from its lovely attractions, is considered to serve the best sushi in the country; here’s more on what you need to know.
Overview
Initially inhabited by the Ainu, an indigenous people, Otaru transformed into a bustling port city in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. International trade thrived here at the time, and one can still see remnants of its past; this includes its central canal that’s a short drive from properties like Grand Park Otaru as well as nearby Sakaimachi Street.
Key Location
One of the reasons this destination has become so popular for its sushi (and other seafood) is its geographical location; to the south lies the Sea of Japan putting the city in an enviable position to enjoy the bounties of the ocean. This means that those staying at Otaru-based hotels in Hokkaido, Japan, can easily sample seafood dishes whenever they visit.
A Rich Taste
One of the reasons that sushi in Otaru is so sought-after is that due to the cold ocean waters, the fish caught off its coast have a higher natural fat content which makes them tastier. Furthermore, because there is such an abundance of catch, the prices at restaurants are relatively cheap as well. Be it at a fine dining establishment or a conveyor belt sushi restaurant, you can expect high-quality fish.
Seafood Galore
Of course, sushi is not the only seafood dish you can enjoy when here and foodies should look to sample the other culinary creations from the ocean as well. Salmon roe and sea urchin are amongst the other gastronomical highlights one can try; also, don’t miss the breakfast dish called kaisen donburi which is a bowl of rice with fresh seafood.
