Savor the Ocean’s Finest: A Sushi Tour Through Toyama City-1

Savor the Ocean’s Finest: A Sushi Tour Through Toyama City

Toyama might not be the first place you think of for sushi in Japan,—but it should be. Located along the Sea of Japan, Toyama Bay’s nutrient-rich waters have earned it the nickname “natural fish tank,” supporting a remarkable variety of seafood. Its depths are home to fascinating marine life, from glowing hotaru ika (firefly squid) to the mysterious giant squid. Intrigued by its reputation, I visited three standout sushi restaurants that celebrate Toyama’s oceanic treasures—with friendly service that makes the experience enjoyable for everyone.

The Magic of Toyama Bay’s Waters

Before diving into the sushi itself, it’s worth understanding what makes Toyama Bay so special. The bay plunges to extreme depths close to the shore—up to 1,000 meters deep—allowing cold, nutrient-rich currents to rise and nourish marine life. This unique ecosystem produces fish of exceptional quality, including winter-season yellowtail (kanburi) and the almost translucent shiro ebi (white shrimp). During early spring, the firefly squid emerge, lighting up the water with their bioluminescent glow—a sight I’ve only ever seen in photos but would love to experience in real life.

 

Toyama Bay is also a hidden gem for diving enthusiasts. Its unique underwater ecosystem attracts deep-sea creatures rarely seen elsewhere. Blackwater diving here—known locally as “light trap” diving—uses lights to attract plankton, drawing fascinating sea life like transparent jellyfish, juvenile oarfish, and even the occasional giant squid. For adventurous divers, the chance to see these mystical creatures in their natural habitat is unparalleled.

Sushi Spot 1: Kaiten Toyama Sushi (Toyama Eki-mae Store)

Located just a short walk from Toyama Station, Kaiten Toyama Sushi combines the appearance of conveyor-belt dining with the craftsmanship of a traditional sushi bar. The conveyor belt is mostly for show, rotating only essential condiments like salt and wasabi. Every dish is made to order, ensuring top-notch freshness.

 

Chefs hand you the dish directly on a color-coded plate that reflects the price, making for a colorful and visually satisfying collection by the end of your meal. I took a seat at the counter, where friendly chefs worked with practiced ease, slicing glistening fillets of tuna and shaping flawless mounds of vinegared rice. The sushi rice is always the perfect size because you can customize your order to include more or less rice, as well as with or without wasabi.

 

 

One must-try here is the house-made konbu gari (kelp-pickled ginger). It’s less sharp than typical pickled ginger and has a mellow, umami-rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with the delicate white shrimp and fatty tuna. Ordering through the multilingual touch-screen system was effortless, and the chefs were happy to share stories about the local catch.

 

The star of my visit was the seasonal kanburi (winter yellowtail), celebrated for its buttery texture and rich flavor. It’s a delicacy that locals eagerly await each winter. Paired with a cup of locally brewed sake, the experience felt truly special. 


 

Spot name: Kaiten Toyama Sushi (Toyama Eki-mae Store)

Address: 1-4-9 Sakuramachi, Toyama City

Hours: 11:00-21:00 (Last order 20:30)

Closed: Open year-round

Website: https://tabelog.com/toyama/A1601/A160101/16007185/

Access: 5-minute walk from JR Toyama Station

Sushi Spot 2: Toyama Sushi Umitoyama

For a slightly more open plan experience, I headed to Toyama Sushi Umitoyama, located in the sleek MAROOT shopping complex near Toyama Station. Its name is a clever play on words, meaning both “ocean and mountains” and “ocean Toyama,” reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to sourcing the freshest local ingredients from both land and sea.

 

The Toyama Bay Sushi set was a feast for the senses. Served on a golden tray, each piece looked like a jewel: silky slices of benizuwai crab (red snow crab), gleaming firefly squid, plump white shrimp and tender winter-season yellowtail. Paired with locally brewed sake, every bite captured the essence of Toyama’s culinary heritage. QR code menus with English info made ordering seamless, ensuring little was lost in translation.

 

What truly stood out was the attention to detail in presentation. Every piece of sushi was crafted with precision and artistry, creating an experience that was both visually stunning and delicious. 


 

Spot name: Toyama Sushi Umitoyama

Address: MAROOT 4F, 1-231 Meirin-cho, Toyama City

Hours: 11:30-14:30 / 17:00-22:00

Closed: Irregular holidays

Website: https://r.gnavi.co.jp/s6kta7nx0000/ 

Directions: A 2-minute walk from JR Toyama Station

 

Sushi Spot 3: Kito Kito Sushi Toyama Eki-ten Toyamarché

Kito Kito Sushi, located inside Toyama Station's Toyamarche market, captures the spirit of Toyama with its name—a local expression meaning “fresh and lively.” Its laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, paired with mostly booth-style seating, makes it an inviting spot for all ages. Despite its casual kaiten-style appearance, everything is made fresh to order, ensuring exceptional quality.

 

 

I couldn’t resist the Toyama Gozen set, which came with a perfectly balanced assortment: sushi made with Himi’s famed winter yellowtail, delicate white shrimp tempura, and even a savory chawanmushi (steamed egg custard). The restaurant’s custom soy sauce and original tea mugs added a fun, local touch that made the experience even more memorable.

 

 

Kito Kito Sushi’s menu also features an array of small plates, from crispy tempura to hearty bowls of miso soup made with domestically sourced nori seaweed. It’s the perfect place to stop for a quick yet satisfying meal before hopping on the next train.

 

Spot Name: 

Address: Toyamarché Noren Yokocho, 1-90 Meirin-cho, Toyama City

Hours: 11:00-21:00 (Last order 20:30)

Closed: Irregular holidays

Website: Kitokito Sushi

Access: Toyamarché Noren Yokocho at JR Toyama Station

A Taste of Tradition and Innovation

Sushi in Toyama isn’t just about eating—it’s about connecting with a rich cultural legacy rooted in the sea. Each restaurant offered not just an incredible meal but a story: of local fishermen, ancient culinary techniques, and the ever-changing bounty of Toyama Bay. Whether you’re new to Japanese cuisine or a seasoned sushi enthusiast, Toyama’s seafood scene promises an unforgettable culinary journey.

 

Beyond its culinary appeal, Toyama Bay invites travelers to explore its coastal beauty, immerse themselves in local festivals, and learn about its fascinating maritime history. The region’s friendly locals and welcoming spirit ensure that every visit feels special.

Next time you find yourself in Japan, skip the usual sushi hot spots and set your sights on Toyama. Its flavors, stories, and welcoming spirit are ready to be savored—one exquisite bite at a time.

 

You Might Also Like

We use cookies on this site to enhance your experience. By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies. See our Cookie Policy for more information.