Omakase Culture Across Japan: How Sushi Differs in Tokyo, Osaka, and Hokkaido
August 07, 2025
🧠 What is OMAKASE? Japan's Proud Culinary Culture
“OMAKASE” literally means “I leave it up to you” in Japanese. Chefs select the freshest, highest-quality ingredients of the day and craft a bespoke tasting menu just for you—this live, in-the-moment dining experience is uniquely Japanese. Feel the seasonal ingredients, the chef’s masterful techniques, and that singular sense of connection only possible right then and there—OMAKASE is more than a meal; it’s a moving experience.
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What cuisine best represents Japan? Be careful with perfume; it might get you banned from eating 🆈 yy生活誌
In this article, we’ll begin with the OMAKASE etiquette featured on the yy生活誌 YouTube channel, then delve into regional variations and our top restaurant picks—and don’t miss the discount code at the end!
🧭 Etiquette & Culture for an Even Better OMAKASE Experience
OMAKASE sushi isn’t just “food”—it’s a holistic experience that blends “setting” and “conversation.” A few mindful steps can make your time richer and more comfortable. Here are key points to help first-timers dine with ease:
⏰ Punctuality Is Key
Most OMAKASE courses run on a reservation system where everyone starts together. Being late disrupts the chef’s rhythm, inconveniences other guests, and might make you miss that crucial first piece. Aim to arrive 5–10 minutes before your reservation to give yourself a buffer.
🥢 Chopstick Etiquette & Sushi Eating Tips
Slide off the paper band from your chopsticks in one clean motion: a small gesture seen in Japan as exceptionally polite.
Feel free to eat sushi with your hands: it helps keep the rice intact and lets you taste the chef’s intended presentation.
Don’t over-dip in soy sauce: most OMAKASE sushi is already seasoned. Especially with marinated (“shoyu-zuke”) or simmered items, extra soy sauce isn’t necessary.
😊 Small Reactions Speak Volumes
At the sushi counter-seat, chef and diner are close, creating a live atmosphere. Beyond saying “o-i-shi-i” (delicious), a simple nod or smile conveys your enjoyment just as well. Reacting with your expression and presence is a handy tip—especially if you’re not fluent in Japanese.
📋 Notify Allergies or Dislikes in Advance
OMAKASE literally means “chef’s choice,” but if you have allergies or strong dislikes, letting the restaurant know beforehand ensures they can accommodate you. If you forget, mention it as soon as you arrive.
💡 Tips for Better Value & Freshness
The day before a restaurant’s regular holiday may have limited fresh stock.
The day after reopening often features the very freshest ingredients.
Lunch OMAKASE frequently offers better value than dinner. → We especially recommend spots like “Kagurazaka Sushi Yasaka Bettei.”
🧾 Common Faux Pas
⚠ Drenching your fish in soy sauce 🍣 → Throws off the flavor balance and risks the rice falling apart.
⚠ Arriving late ⏰ → Everyone starts together; tardiness affects the whole group.
⚠ Wearing strong perfume 👃 → Overpowering scents mask the delicate aromas of the fish; opt for a light or no fragrance.
⚠ Making phone calls at the ba 📵 → Preserve the restaurant’s ambiance; take calls outside.
⚠ Shooting photos without asking 📸 → Consider fellow diners; politely ask “May I take a photo?” first.
With these customs and cultural insights in mind, OMAKASE sushi becomes more than just a gourmet feast—it’s an “ichigo-ichie” (once-in-a-lifetime) experience of true hospitality. Your every little reaction helps shape the course—that’s the magic of OMAKASE.
🍣 Regional Differences: Tokyo vs Osaka vs Hokkaido
🗼 Tokyo (Kanto Region): The Elegance and Refinement of Edomae Style
Tokyo’s OMAKASE is the birthplace of Edomae sushi, where tradition meets innovation. “Edomae” refers to techniques developed to preserve Tokyo Bay fish—pickling, kombu-jime (kelp curing), nikiri soy, and more—that are still used today.
Each piece of nigiri undergoes meticulous prep, resulting in layers of complex, harmonious flavor.
The rice is often seasoned with red vinegar, lending a subtle tang and rich depth.
The entire service is like a staged performance, with moments of silence and tension creating a minimalist, artful atmosphere.
Even the chef’s pauses and movements become part of the experience, letting you appreciate sushi as a form of living art.
1. Tamachi-Sushi Evan / 田町鮨 惠万
A new-generation Edomae sushi born from passionate partnerships with producers.
Tamachi-Sushi Evan works directly with farmers and fishermen across Japan, using an exclusive sourcing network to ensure top-quality ingredients. They offer two OMAKASE seatings that highlight the story behind each ingredient.
Luxurious lunches, blissful dinners—an unforgettable sushi experience in Kagurazaka.
As the sister restaurant to a popular sushi counter, you can enjoy fresh uni for under ¥7,000 at lunch, with dinner courses starting at ¥12,100. High-end sushi has never been so approachable.
🐟 Hokkaido (Tohoku Region): A Treasure Trove of Freshness and Local Catch
What makes Hokkaido sushi truly special is its unmatched freshness. Surrounded by the Sea of Japan, the Pacific, and the Sea of Okhotsk, catch-of-the-day seafood arrives at restaurants faster than anywhere else.
The famed “Hokkaido Three Delicacies”—uni, ikura, and crab—reach new heights of flavor here.
You’ll also find rare treats like octopus ovaries, buri sashimi, and baby salmon that are almost impossible to taste in Tokyo.
Portions tend to be slightly larger, so you can savor each ingredient’s natural sweetness and richness.
Menus strongly reflect local seasonality and terroir.
Moreover, prices are generally more wallet-friendly than in Tokyo—perfect for anyone wanting top-tier seafood at great value.
1. Sushidokoro Tatsutoshi / 鮨処 竜敏
Encounter Hokkaido’s finest flavors and genuine hospitality—available only here.
A veteran head chef crafts casual-style sushi highlighting the season’s best local ingredients. In a warm, community-loved setting, you can fully enjoy each bite of fresh, seasonal delicacies.
Where tradition meets innovation in next-gen authentic sushi.
Located inside the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sushidokoro Rin offers perfectly aged sushi and carefully prepared rice at accessible prices. In a sleek, refined space, you’ll taste the very best ingredients and craftsmanship.
🍵 Osaka (Kansai Region): The Softness and Charm of Kansai
Osaka has its own distinct sushi culture—rooted in traditions like oshizushi (pressed sushi) and hakozushi (box sushi)—yet its OMAKASE is known for a mellow, elegant style.
The rice is often seasoned with sweet vinegar, giving it a soft texture and just-right sweetness.
Fish come mainly from the Seto Inland Sea and Hokuriku, offering a lean but flavorful profile.
Courses frequently include simmered dishes or small side plates, so you experience not just sushi but the structural beauty of washoku.
Compared to Tokyo, Osaka’s atmosphere is more relaxed—many chefs encourage friendly conversation as you dine.
Show-style OMAKASE performances are also popular, welcoming tourists with their easygoing, inclusive vibe.
1. Kitashinchi Sushi Nakagawa / 北新地 鮨 なか川
From sushi to original grill and interactive refills, every meal is full of surprises.
This spot combines kaiseki-inspired courses with signature aburi dishes. Shout “O-ka-wa-ri” for two free pieces of nigiri—an adult-only playful touch that showcases true hospitality.
Tucked away in a back-street hideaway, Sushi Yutaka delivers an entertaining counter-style experience. As the flagship of the popular “Ichigo-Sancho” group, it offers a one-of-a-kind symphony of taste, sight, sound, and touch in a cozy, intimate setting.
OMAKASE is more than just sushi—it’s a captivating narrative woven from Japan’s seasonal ingredients, masterful techniques, and heartfelt hospitality. In Tokyo, indulge in refined Edomae; in Osaka, relish the mellow local catch; in Hokkaido, experience the unparalleled freshness of regional treasures—wherever you choose, you’re guaranteed a meal that elevates your journey.
Coupon Code
As a special thank-you to yy生活誌's Youtube viewers, here’s an exclusive coupon code! Book at any participating restaurant by August 31, 2025 (inclusive) and enjoy 5% off. Check out your favorite venue and reserve your spot today!
5% OFF Coupon Code: cp3hgd8
Note: • Reservations can be made up to three months in advance. For example, if you book on August 31, you can reserve a date as far out as November 30.
