OMAKASE Sushi Guide for Osaka Available During the Year-End and New Year Holidays
December 03, 2025
Osaka stands as a true culinary capital, where the art of omakase sushi and the finesse of seasonal courses come together in perfect harmony. High-end sushi restaurants offering carefully curated omakase menus, refined knife work, and perfectly balanced shari and neta attract travelers from all around the world. During the year-end and New Year holidays, the city glows with dazzling illuminations and lively streets, creating a festive and unforgettable atmosphere.
However, many restaurants in Japan close during the New Year period, and renowned omakase sushi restaurants are no exception. It’s not uncommon for travelers to arrive with excitement, only to find the counter seats they were dreaming of closed for the holidays.
But rest assured — between December 27 and January 4, there are omakase sushi restaurants in Osaka that remain open, welcoming guests with special courses and warm hospitality. This article introduces carefully selected restaurants where you can savor exquisite omakase sushi even during this limited but precious travel period.
*Please note that some restaurants may have specific closure days during the New Year period. *Information accurate as of December 3, 2025
OMAKASE Featuring Horse Sashimi and Seasonal Japanese Cuisine
The owner, originally from Kumamoto, brings refined Japanese culinary skills to an omakase course featuring horse sashimi nigiri, appetizers, grilled dishes, and more. Seasonal ingredients sourced from markets across Japan are paired with a curated selection of seasonal Japanese sake for a memorable dining experience.
A Counter-Only Sushi Experience Led by Chef Taiga Kanekuni
At our counter-only restaurant in Kitashinchi, Chef Kanekuni offers refined sushi while engaging directly with each guest. English and Chinese are supported, welcoming diners from overseas. Fresh fish is carefully selected from trusted wholesalers, and the warm, flexible service creates a calm and luxurious dining experience.
Price: ¥30,000~(Luxury)
Type: Authentic
Business Days: 12/27～1/4
Business Hours: 18:00~22:00
Feather: JapanFoodGuide Exclusive Course, English menu
Seasonal Seafood and Craftsmanship in a Calm Setting
Fresh seafood is purchased each morning and prepared into seasonal dishes with skilled craftsmanship. The tranquil space is ideal for important occasions with family or loved ones. Enjoy the chefs’ refined techniques at the counter, paired with a selection of wine, sake, and shochu for a special time.
Quietly located in Osaka, the restaurant offers aged sushi that draws out deep umami, including a popular course featuring a whole spiny lobster per guest. The simple yet refined interior creates an intimate atmosphere for a reservation-only dining experience. A wide selection of sake allows for exquisite pairings with each dish.
Price: ¥22,800~(Semi-Luxury)
Type: Authentic
Business Days: 12/27～12/30,1/2～1/4
Business Hours: 18:00~23:00
Feather: JapanFoodGuide Exclusive Course, English menu
Authentic Sushi Crafted With Carefully Sourced Fish
We use fish procured through our own channels, with a focus on premium ingredients. Our aged Hon Maguro Nigiri highlights deep flavor and firm texture. Courses include seasonal fish, truffles, and shark fin, paired with a wide selection of sake. Sushi Fukushima delivers an entertaining dining experience through beauty, harmony, and texture.
Price: ¥15,500~(Mid-range) Type: Authentic yet affordable Business Days: 12/27～12/30 Business Hours: 18:00~23:00,12:00~14:30 Feather: JapanFoodGuide Exclusive Course, Child-Friendly, English menu, Chinese (traditional) menu, Chinese (simplified) menu, Korean menu
We offer authentic Edomae Sushi, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients, so that you can enjoy the taste of the four seasons. We hope you will forget the fatigue of daily life and enjoy our cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. We are inexperienced, but we will do our best to make your visit even more enjoyable.
Just off the busy streets, the counter-only interior offers a luxurious setting for Edo-style sushi. We serve seasonal ingredients with carefully selected sake. Our Edo-style rice is adjusted with a hint of sweetness to suit Kansai preferences. Renovated from a traditional house, the counter seats overlooking the garden create a warm, elegant dining experience.
During the year-end and New Year season in Osaka, many restaurants close, so omakase sushi restaurants that remain open become especially valuable. Savoring a beautifully crafted omakase course is one of Japan’s quintessential winter pleasures and a dining experience highly loved by international visitors.
Open during year-end and New Year: Some restaurants operate between December 31 and January 1, making it easier to fit an omakase reservation into your travel schedule.
Carefully Selected Omakase Courses: Authentic menus featuring top-quality seasonal seafood, such as bluefin tuna, sea urchin, and premium white fish, can be enjoyed in a refined course format.
Authentic Japanese Experience: Feel the “Japanese winter” with all your senses as the chef prepares each piece in front of you at the counter, pairing traditional techniques with delicate seasonings.
You no longer have to worry that “everywhere is closed…” At the omakase sushi restaurants introduced here, you can enjoy an authentic omakase experience even during the year-end and New Year holidays. To make the most of your limited time in Japan with unforgettable meals, please use this guide as your reference.
