Osaka's unique sushi has evolved into something truly unique! From long-established box sushi restaurants to high-end restaurants that are difficult to book, hidden gems with the best value for money, and even vegan options!

The history of sushi is said to have begun with "Nare-zushi," a fermented food from Southeast Asia, which was introduced to Japan during the Nara period. The prototype of modern-day nigiri sushi was born in Tokyo in the late Edo period, where it became popular as a fast food for the common people, with fresh ingredients made in front of customers.

Meanwhile, in Osaka, which has flourished as a food capital, "box sushi" using luxury ingredients such as sea bream and conger eel was born in the early Meiji period as a spin-off of "pressed sushi" using common fish such as mackerel and horse mackerel, which has been popular since the Muromachi period. Furthermore, "mushi sushi" which is chirashi sushi placed in a bamboo steamer and steamed, has evolved in its own unique way.

This time, we will introduce seven restaurants that are unique not only in taste but also in appearance and concept, from the birthplace of box sushi, to sushi rolls with beautiful cross-sections, the latest in photogenic sushi, and a restaurant in Osaka that is full of warmth and over-the-top service.

01. Yoshino Sushi

A famous restaurant with a history dating back to the end of the Edo period, and the birthplace of boxed sushi

Yoshino Sushi in Senba is a long-established restaurant founded at the end of the Edo period. The "box sushi" that is said to have been invented by the third-generation owner, Torazo Hashimoto, during the Meiji period became popular as sushi to eat between performances. Even today, they continue to serve box sushi using traditional cooking methods. While it is primarily a takeaway service, you can eat your purchases in the eat-in space on the second floor.

Yoshino soroe that Franky chose this time is a dish that condenses the charm of Yoshino sushi. It brings together popular dishes such as boxed sushi, thin rolls of conger eel grilled in a secret sauce, sushi rolls of small sea bream, and a fukusa (cloth wrapping cloth) made of shredded grilled conger eel and shiitake mushroom wrapped in thin omelet, and is sure to whet your appetite just by looking at it.

Franky says he has tried box sushi before, but the taste at the restaurant where it originated is exceptional. The slightly sweet rice and thinly rolled toppings ensure that the flavor lasts for a long time, giving it a different flavor from Edomae sushi.

In the eat-in space, the equipment used to make box sushi is on display and you can actually touch it. According to Takuji Hashimoto, the seventh-generation owner, there are no longer any craftsmen who can make these wooden frames, so they are currently considering what to do when the current equipment reaches its limit.

02. Sushi Shizuku Nishitenma

A work of art you can only eat here! A super popular restaurant that is difficult to book

Next, we visited Sushi Shizuku Nishitenma in Nishitenma. It is a sister restaurant of Sushi Shizuku in Shinsaibashi, and opened in July 2023 to alleviate the situation at the main store, which has a one-year waiting list for reservations. However, the reservation slots, which are accepted every three months, are apparently filled up in an instant every time.

The sushi course is priced at 25,000 yen (tax included) per person, and the contents are left to the chef's discretion. True to the restaurant's message that "we aim to create something that can only be found here," each dish is imbued with originality and ingenuity that updates the typical image of sushi. You can watch the cooking process from the counter, and you'll find yourself captivated by the chef's skill as the dishes are prepared one after the other.

This time, we've picked out some classic and popular dishes from the course menu. Each sushi is prepared with special salt and soy sauce to match the topping, and the unique texture and artistic visuals will completely overturn your general idea of sushi.

Sushi Shizuku Nishitenma is a place where you can experience sushi of a different dimension in a superb space. Although it is difficult to make a reservation, it is the perfect place to spend a special moment, such as a meal with someone special.

03. SHIN NIPPON

A vibrantly colored sushi restaurant with a captivating atmosphere and exquisite seafood

Located in a multi-tenant building in Americamura, SHIN NIPPON is a sushi restaurant produced by FARPLANE, Osaka's leading fetish bar, and opened in August 2024. The interior, with its oriental atmosphere and vibrant colors, is unique yet comfortable.

Although "SHIN NIPPON" has an unusual style, it is extremely particular about taste and service, and you can enjoy authentic seafood dishes. The menu, which is proudly prepared by the long-serving head chef, Yuji Sakuda, is offered in three courses: "Hisui (10,000 yen including tax)," "Fuji (13,000 yen including tax)," and "Kinran (20,000 yen including tax)." This time, we chose the Fuji course.

The nigiri sushi is all delicate and the chef is very skilled at bringing out the best in the ingredients. The temari sushi, served in a red basket with autumn leaves, is so cute that most customers take pictures of it before eating.

The food at "SHIN NIPPON" is not only delicious, but also full of entertainment value, such as its gorgeousness and playful presentation when serving, and the ingenuity that is presented one after another is like an attraction. The exotic flavors also make you feel like you are dining in another world.

04. Kuroshio

Order fatty tuna nigiri and get sukiyaki? A seafood izakaya that offers over-the-top service

Located directly across from JR Taisho Station, Kuroshio is known as one of the most "excessive service establishments" in Osaka, and is an izakaya with many fans both in Japan and overseas.

First, I ordered the restaurant's specialty, the Fatty Tuna Nigiri (880 yen including tax). As the name suggests, the flavors range from melt-in-your-mouth tender to a firm, satisfying taste that is sure to delight tuna lovers.

Afterwards, a small pot of sukiyaki was brought to the table with a loud "Here's your complimentary dish!" At Kuroshio, if you order fatty tuna nigiri, tuna nakaochi, or grilled fatty tuna jaw, sukiyaki is automatically included, a service that disregards profitability.

And this is the owner, Takayuki Abe. If you think you've seen him somewhere before, you're right. He's the model for the wasabi art served with the fatty tuna nigiri and the portraits painted on the eggs that come with sukiyaki, and as you can see, he livens up the restaurant with his cheerful personality.

And on the counter appears the extremely voluminous Tekkamaki Special, which costs just 660 yen (tax included), putting your concept of price in a completely different dimension.

There were other freebies one after another... By the way, after that, we were given a cafe au lait as a complimentary drink.

The store's mascot, Satsuki-chan, is always on the lookout, charming cat lovers. If she's in a good mood, she might even sit next to you!

Kuroshio is a restaurant that offers such exceptional service, perhaps even in the world. Not only is the food delicious, but you'll also have an incredibly entertaining time and create unforgettable memories.

There are many more! Sushi restaurants with unique ingredients and store layouts

05. Shidashi no Tanuki

The specialty of "Shidashi no Tanuki" in Hamadera, Sakai City, is the "Tanuki Roll" (2,800 yen including tax), a huge sushi roll measuring approximately 12 cm in diameter, and is a luxurious dish filled with 18 different ingredients, including tuna, egg, shrimp, and cucumber. For those who cannot finish it all by themselves, a half-size (1,480 yen including tax) is also available. Except during peak seasons, you can also purchase it in-store by making a reservation by phone on the day.

This restaurant specializes in catering for ceremonial occasions and banquets. While it primarily offers catering and takeout, it is also possible to dine in the restaurant's banquet hall (reservations required) for groups of 15 or more. The private banquet halls on the second and third floors are ideal for group dining. High chairs and tables are provided to reduce strain on the feet and knees, so even those who are not comfortable sitting upright can rest assured.

"Shidashi no Tanuki" has been loved by the people of Sakai for over 60 years. If you want to experience the power of tanuki rolls, be sure to make the effort to visit.

06. Sushi Matsumoto

A long-established shop in Higashi-Osaka where you can interact with sharks in a mini aquarium

Sushi Matsumoto in Higashi-Osaka City has a large fish tank between the counter seats and the tatami room seating, where diners can touch the swimming fish. According to Matsumoto Tsuyoshi, the third-generation owner of the restaurant, when his grandfather, the founder, expanded the restaurant, he dug a hole in the floor and created the fish tank. At first, fish for food were kept there, but now, pet fish such as leopard sharks, cat sharks, stingrays, and moray eels swim about happily in the tank.

The ingredients are sourced from Tsuruhashi Market and carefully selected by discerning connoisseurs, ensuring guaranteed quality and freshness. You can enjoy seafood bowls topped with generous amounts of salmon, yellowtail, tuna, and other fish, as well as nigiri sushi of surprisingly large size, all at reasonable prices.

In addition to the mini aquarium, Sushi Matsumoto also has original coloring books and toys for children, making it a family-friendly restaurant. In addition to working at the restaurant, Matsumoto is also active as a cosplay performer, appearing at various events on his days off. He sometimes wears a shark mask while serving customers at the restaurant, and is always thinking of new ways to entertain his customers.

07. Minamo Shojin Sushi

Healthy and artistic vegan sushi

Located in the heart of Americamura, Shinsaibashi, Shojin Sushi Minamo features a stylish exterior and is the third branch of the popular Osaka vegan restaurant Paprika Shokudo, which will open in September 2024. There are many commercial facilities and theaters in the surrounding area, so it's a great place to stop by after shopping or a concert.

As the restaurant is run by a vegan restaurant, the sushi they serve is, of course, gluten-free and vegan. At first glance, it may appear to use fish or animal-derived ingredients, but all of the menu items are basically made with plant-based ingredients, and you'll be amazed at how ingeniously they manage to combine appetizing visuals with healthy food.

Other dishes on the menu include an egg-like dish made with tofu and pumpkin, a salmon-like dish made with soft steamed organic carrots, and shiitake mushrooms cooked in tamari soy sauce and vegan butter. I'm impressed by the ideas behind cooking dishes that look similar to regular sushi.

If you want to enjoy sushi but can't eat fish or animal products, or are concerned about calories and are health-conscious, be sure to try the vegan sushi at Shojin Sushi Minamo.

Osaka sushi is created with unique ideas. Come experience the endless possibilities at our restaurants!

"There are many sushi restaurants in America, but eating in Japan is the best!" says Frankie. Having visited completely different types of sushi restaurants during this interview, he looked very satisfied and said, "I was able to discover another charm of Japanese food culture."

Japanese cuisine has become increasingly popular in recent years, with washoku being registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Among these, sushi, which is relatively easy to enjoy, can be said to be a national dish beloved by a wide range of people. Whether you're a resident or a tourist, we recommend visiting Osaka's sushi restaurants, which offer unique and entertaining dishes.

*This article was migrated from “Shittonka Osaka.” The information provided is current as of March 2025 and may differ from current conditions. Please check the official websites of each store or facility for the latest operating hours and details.