Where would you eat sushi when visiting Japan—Tokyo? Osaka? For true sushi lovers, the answer is clear: Hokkaido.
Hokkaido is renowned for its incredible food, especially the fresh seafood caught from its cold northern waters. It’s a paradise for sushi enthusiasts, offering flavors and textures you simply can’t find elsewhere. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, this is your chance to experience sushi at its freshest and most delicious.
So pack your appetite—let’s go on a sushi tour through Hokkaido!
Toriton トリトン
Toriton is a beloved sushi restaurant born in Hokkaido, with several locations across the region and three branches in Tokyo. Why is Toriton so popular among both tourists and locals? The answer lies in its unwavering commitment to freshness and flavor.
Toriton sources its seafood directly from Hokkaido’s coastal bounty, bringing the richness of the northern seas straight to the plate. Their sushi isn’t just fresh—it’s alive with flavor, thanks to a meticulous process that begins each morning. Ingredients are handpicked daily from local markets, and every piece of seafood is sliced fresh on-site, never pre-packed. This dedication ensures that each bite captures the vibrant essence of Hokkaido’s Ocean.
Let’s check out some sushi toppings from Toriton. You might be surprised.
Assorted Shellfish Trio
Toriton offers a stunning selection of shellfish sushi, including whelk, surf clam, and abalone. Shellfish sushi is known for its firm, chewy texture and deep umami flavor—and at Toriton, that texture is remarkably pronounced thanks to the exceptional freshness. With every bite, the umami bursts forth, filling your mouth with the essence of the sea.
One of the most surprising offerings is raw surf clam—a rarity even in Japan. Many Japanese people have never tasted it raw, making it a special experience for adventurous diners. Its texture is slippery yet tender, and its flavor is briny with a subtle sweetness that lingers gently on the tongue.
The abalone is another highlight: incredibly crunchy, savory, and rich in umami. It grips your senses and doesn’t let go—each bite is a celebration of the ocean’s depth and resilience.
Delicate Strips of Raw Surf Clam Mantle
Fringe cuts are often served as sushi toppings—like the delicate fringe of a scallop. These parts offer a unique texture: slightly salty, satisfyingly crunchy, and essential to the full sushi experience.
At Toriton, you can even try the fringe of raw surf clam—a true rarity, even in Japan. Many locals have never tasted surf clam in its raw form, let alone its fringe. This special cut is slippery yet savory, crunchy yet slightly sticky. It dances between textures, offering a briny sweetness that lingers. It’s unusual, unexpected, and absolutely delicious.
Salted Herring Roe Sushi
In Japan, herring roe is a beloved delicacy—especially when preserved in salt. Though technically raw, it must be carefully salted to bring out its signature texture and flavor. This golden treasure, known as kazunoko, is crisp to the bite, glistening like amber, and steeped in cultural symbolism—often enjoyed during New Year celebrations as a symbol of prosperity.
At Toriton, this eye-catching seafood is served as sushi, and it’s remarkably fresh. The marination is perfectly balanced—just enough to enhance its natural savoriness without overpowering it. But what truly sets it apart is the texture: a unique popping sensation, crunchy and bursting with briny richness. Each bite feels like a celebration of the sea.
Ready for more indulgence? Let’s uncover Hokkaido’s luxury sushi offerings.
Summary
You can find herring roe sushi, whelk sushi, and abalone sushi in many places—but the freshness is on another level at Toriton. What truly sets Toriton apart is the quality of its seafood, sourced directly from Hokkaido’s cold northern waters. And if you’re curious about rare offerings, here’s something special: raw surf clam. It’s incredibly hard to find outside Hokkaido, and even many Japanese people have never tasted it raw.
If you’re looking for sushi that’s fresh, flavorful, and unforgettable—Hokkaido is the place to be. Let’s visit Toriton and savor the sea together!
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