Glancing at the sign advertising a 900 yen lunch, I casually opened the door labeled "automatic" with my hand. The bright owner greeted me energetically. Despite being slightly flustered by the unexpected customer, the other person said no reservation was needed. I sat at one of the three counter seats in the raised tatami area, which could normally accommodate 6-8 people. I was informed that the top-quality 2600 yen sushi was sold out, so I opted for the special 1900 yen and the upper-grade 1600 yen options. There was a TV and a bookshelf with books scattered around, indicating a lack of organization. The calendar still showed September, so I discreetly changed it to October. The sushi was delicious, with the rice being slightly firm but fluffy and the toppings being of good quality. The tuna was particularly good, and the surf clam was sweet. For 1600 yen, the quality was excellent. Unfortunately, the owner had to leave in the middle of my meal to make a delivery. Upon returning, they kindly offered me hot tea. There was no non-alcoholic beer available, suggesting a lack of commercial drive. Despite not being a touristy location, the sushi I enjoyed in a local atmosphere was delicious. Thank you for the meal!

In September 2019, I visited a sushi restaurant called "Sushiichi" in Asari for the first time. The restaurant has been in business for 45 years, now run by the second generation, continuing to provide traditional sushi to the local people. I tried the Chirashi lunch set for 800 yen, which included salmon, octopus, egg, crab, surf clam, flying fish roe, shrimp, and saury. The vinegar seasoning was mild, and the rice portion was just right for the price. I also ordered the premium set for 1900 yen, which included nine pieces of tuna, sea urchin, salmon, salmon roe, crab, surf clam, saury, amberjack, and shrimp. The amberjack was unusually cold, and the sea urchin was not as expected, possibly due to the out-of-season Hokkaido produce being used. Overall, the atmosphere, sushi, and prices at Sushiichi gave me a nostalgic feeling as if I had traveled back to the Showa era. There are only about five to six traditional sushi restaurants left in the outskirts of the city (excluding those in Senhaku and the market), making places like Sushiichi very precious. I hope they continue to thrive for a long time to come.

I encountered a rare event. It may not be a once-in-a-lifetime experience like the saying goes, but this unusual incident will surely become a memorable one. If you sit two seats off, it could lead to a disaster. It seems to be the first time such a thing has happened since the restaurant opened, and it is not an event that most people will experience in their lifetime. It was a surprise prank experience, similar to the chaotic atmosphere of the last episode of a comedy show. Leaving that aside, it is a rare find in Otaru, a reasonably priced sushi restaurant. They offer a lunch sushi set with sea urchin and crab for 900 yen. Located in a residential area in Asari away from tourist spots, Sushi Isshoku may not see many tourists. The rice was small and the toppings were thick and voluminous, but the harmony between the rice and toppings was subtle. It reminded me of the old-style sushi. Some of the toppings had a slight fishy smell. The crab was delicious despite not being in the best condition. The sea urchin lacked sweetness and richness but was still easy to eat with a good portion size. There are 7 counter seats and a raised floor seating area. Overall rating 3.0, taste 2.9, service 3.3, atmosphere 3.0, cost performance 3.3, drinks not rated. Address: 2-28-12 Shinko, Otaru, Hokkaido. ☆☆☆Next Episode Preview☆☆☆ How about going on a sushi tour in Otaru next time?