Best Sushi in Sapporo: 6 Award-Winning Restaurants

Enjoying Sushi in Sapporo, the Capital of Seafood

Sapporo is widely considered one of Japan's premier destinations for world-class sushi. The city’s reputation stems from its proximity to major ports and renowned wholesale hubs like Nijo Market, which showcase the freshest catches from the cold, nutrient-rich waters surrounding Hokkaido.

The variety of seafood available here is astounding, featuring regional delicacies rarely found in Tokyo or southern Japan. Hokkaido king crab, succulent ikura (salmon roe), and creamy sea urchin (uni) are absolute essentials for any visitor.

We have curated a list of six top-rated sushi restaurants in Sapporo where you can easily reserve a table online in English.

• Table of Contents
• 1. Tachiguizushi Akira Sapporo: A Sushi Bar with Excellent Menus
• 2. Maruzushi: Taste Flavorful Hokkaido-style Sushi
• 3. Himeshara: Michelin-Starred Sushi in Central Sapporo
• 4. Sushi Tenchijin: Exquisite Sushi and Sake Pairings
• 5. Sushi Hidetaka: Enjoy Seasonal Flavors in Susukino
• 6. Shinonome: Sophisticated Artisan Sushi in Sapporo

1. Tachiguizushi Akira Sapporo: A Sushi Bar with Excellent Menus

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Tachiguizushi Akira Sapporo brings the prestige of Tokyo’s renowned Sushi Shoryu to a casual, standing-style setting.

Designed to make high-end dining more accessible, the restaurant offers premium ingredients at an approachable price point.

Guests can enjoy the flexibility of a chef-curated omakase course or select individual favorites from the à la carte menu—even ordering just a single piece at a time to suit their personal preference.

Conveniently located near Odori Station, Tachiguizushi Akira Sapporo provides a welcoming environment to indulge in the finest sushi to your heart’s content.

2. Maruzushi: Taste Flavorful Hokkaido-style Sushi

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Under the leadership of chef Junnosuke Kawasaki, who took over from his father in 2016, Maruzushi prides itself on a thoughtfully balanced selection of seafood.

The menu is designed to offer a dual experience: locals can indulge in traditional Edo (Tokyo)-style sushi, while visitors to Hokkaido can savor the region's signature Ezo-style flavors.

Dedicated to anticipating and exceeding guest expectations, the restaurant focuses on seasonal excellence through a chef-recommended omakase course, ensuring every meal captures the very best of the current season.

3. Himeshara: Michelin-Starred Sushi in Central Sapporo

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Located in the scenic Maruyama Park area of Sapporo, Himeshara is a distinguished two-star Michelin restaurant dedicated to the perfect harmony of "fish and rice."

Since opening in 2003, owner-chef Akira Tanaka has drawn on his extensive training in both traditional Japanese cuisine and sushi to craft a truly elevated experience. Each course features premium ingredients like sea urchin and tuna, expertly paired with two distinct types of red vinegar rice (shari).

A standout highlight is the "Shrimp all on top of shrimp," a decadent signature dish designed to showcase the full, concentrated essence of Botan shrimp.

To experience the menu at its peak, guests are encouraged to enjoy the sushi alongside a curated sake pairing, specifically selected to amplify the natural flavors of the seafood.

4. Sushi Tenchijin: Exquisite Sushi and Sake Pairings

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Located near Susukino Station, Sushi Tenchijin offers an intimate dining experience defined by the hospitality of Hokkaido native Futoshi Kanaki.

Drawing on his extensive background in both traditional sushi and kaiseki (fine multi-course dining), Chef Kanaki goes beyond simply serving "delicious sushi" by tailoring each meal to the specific preferences of his guests.

The menu centers on meticulously selected local ingredients, ensuring that every piece reflects the peak of the current season.

To complete the experience, the omakase course is paired with a curated selection of rare sakes, including sought-after labels like Isojiman and Nabeshima—a combination that is truly a must-try for any connoisseur.

5. Sushi Hidetaka: Enjoy Seasonal Flavors in Susukino

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Situated just a short distance from the bustling Susukino district, Sushi Hidetaka offers an intimate escape dedicated to the essence of Hokkaido’s finest seasonal ingredients.

Under the expert hand of Master Chef Hidetaka Yamada—a distinguished alumnus of the renowned Sushi Zen—guests are welcomed with a blend of impeccable technical skill and warm, approachable hospitality.

The restaurant’s refined atmosphere is anchored by an elegant eight-seat counter crafted from a single slab of Japanese cypress, providing a serene backdrop for the meal.

The omakase experience features meticulously prepared sushi and side dishes, defined by a sophisticated use of two distinct types of vinegar to perfectly balance the rice (shari). To complete the experience, each course is thoughtfully complemented by a curated selection of premium Hokkaido sakes.

6. Shinonome: Sophisticated Artisan Sushi in Sapporo

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After honing his craft for five years in the competitive sushi scene of Tokyo, Hokkaido native Chef Nakahara returned home to open Shinonome in 2016.

His approach centers on the "simple yet profound" philosophy of authentic Edo-mae techniques, meticulously enhancing the natural profile of every ingredient.

A signature example of his creativity is his custom-made kelp salt—inspired by the very kelp that sea urchins consume—which he pairs with additive-free sea urchin to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

The foundation of the meal is equally refined: the sushi rice is prepared using pristine source water from Mt. Asahidake and seasoned with a rare, 10-year-aged red vinegar from Kyoto.

To complement the cuisine, the restaurant maintains a curated selection of eight distinct sakes, ranging from chilled varieties to expertly heated options.

Enjoy Sapporo's Sushi Scene

Each of the restaurants featured above promises exceptional flavors and a truly memorable sushi experience in Sapporo. For more award-winning dining options throughout the city, please explore our additional guides linked below.

Main image courtesy of OMAKASE JapanEatinerary