Otaru: The Most Affordable Michelin Two-Star

Otaru is known as the most affordable Michelin two-star restaurant in Japan. On the way to Yoichi, you will pass through Otaru, so make sure to stop by Sushi Street in Otaru for a meal, especially at this place: Kukizen 🍣, a Michelin two-star restaurant ⭐️⭐️. My family sponsor has been missing this sushi restaurant dearly. From our first visit ten years ago until now, our love for it has never faded.

As soon as I entered, the owner and head chef of Kukizen recognized me with a knowing look that said, "I remember you 😏" #EyeContactConfirmed👀. The last time I visited was during my solo trip in June 2024, back when it was still at its old location. Now, after relocating, the counter seating for one dining session has been reduced to just six spots. It seems this already hard-to-book restaurant will become even harder to reserve in the future 🥹.

However, if you have the chance to visit Otaru, I still highly recommend Kukizen. They exclusively use seafood ingredients from Hokkaido and Otaru, and the balance of acidity and texture in their sushi rice is exceptional.

Lunch 12-piece sushi set: ¥7,000 per person, which is less than NT$1,500. Although I don't like to evaluate a restaurant based on "value for money," it’s probably hard to find a more affordable Michelin two-star sushi restaurant than this.

#Kukizen #Omakase
🍶 Kukizen Original Nama Genshu Sake
🍣 Flounder Sushi
🍣 Herring Sushi
🍣 Medium Fatty Tuna Sushi
🍣 Surf Clam Sushi
🍣 Lean Tuna Roll
🍣 Striped Jack Sushi
🍣 Cuttlefish Sushi
🍣 Marinated Salmon Roe Gunkan
🍣 Scallop Sushi
🍣 Tokishirazu Salmon Sushi
🍣 Botan Shrimp Sushi
🍣 Otaru Purple Sea Urchin Gunkan
🥢 Miso Soup
(Additional Orders)
🍣 Seared Nodoguro Sushi
🍣 Kohada Sushi
🍣 Herring Sushi

Restaurant Name:
Kukizen 握群來膳

Location:
1-10-7 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido

Business Hours:
12:00 PM - 9:00 PM