Sushi Tanaka Sapporo

It may not be internationally famous yet, but among serious sushi lovers, Sushi Tanaka is already considered the top spot in Sapporo.

Chef Yasunori Tanaka entered the world of sushi at just 16 years old. After 15 years of rigorous training, he opened Sushi Tanaka in 2017, choosing a quiet location away from the bustle of Susukino.

What sets Tanaka apart is its uncompromising attention to detail when it comes to ingredients. Every element is carefully considered, and that level of care shines through in each piece. For example, the rice is a special strain of Koshihikari that isn’t available on the general market. It's washed with electrolyzed hydrogen water to eliminate off-flavors and bring out the natural sweetness of the grains.

The shari (sushi rice) is crafted using two different types, depending on the neta (the ingredients): either Yohei vinegar from Yokoi Brewery or Fuji Premium vinegar from Iio Jozo. Each type is used on its own without mixing, allowing its individual character to shine through.

The omakase is a pure nigiri-only course. Many of the ingredients are sourced directly from local fishermen and producers that Tanaka has personal relationships with, bypassing the wholesale markets entirely. The result is a quality that easily rivals the top sushi counters in Tokyo.

The tuna, sourced from the famed Yamayuki purveyor whom Tanaka got to know during his training years in Tokyo, is always served as zuke (soy-marinated). It’s a classic preparation that locks in the umami of the fish beautifully.

The 15-piece nigiri-only course might sound monotonous to those unfamiliar, but the structure is anything but boring. There are surprises, like a Kansai-style pressed sushi appearing midway through, that keep things engaging and fresh throughout the meal.

In an age when many sushi restaurants are starting to feel the same, Tanaka takes a different path. It follows a simple philosophy of serving the kind of sushi the chef himself genuinely loves.

As one of the defining sushi restaurants in ingredient-rich Hokkaido, its popularity is only going to grow. If you're visiting Hokkaido, this is one stop you absolutely shouldn't miss.