Sushi Arai (Niigata)
Sushi Arai is a restaurant with one Michelin star for its simple yet exquisite sushi.
Restaurant Details
Having opened in 2018, Sushi Arai earned one Michelin star in the Michelin Guide Niigata just two years later.
In spite of this lofty accolade — or maybe because of it — the restaurant’s menu is simple, with only three types of omakase courses. The first is dedicated solely to nigiri sushi, while the next offers both sushi and a large variety of Japanese small plates. Both are highly popular, but both are outshone by the pairing course, which is the latter course menu with about 12 types of sake.
For those who opt not to order the pairing course, the extensive selection of sake is also very much available to order from. Guests feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options are welcome to ask Chef Arai for his recommendations — which he is only too happy to oblige.
Guests seated at the counter are treated to Chef Arai's meticulous cooking movements, so well-rehearsed it has been likened to a performance. The counter has been carefully arranged to provide the best view regardless of seat, letting guests enjoy his knifework from any angle.
Michelin Guide:
2018 - 1 Michelin Star
Sushi Arai (Niigata) Access Info
Sushi Arai is located a 10-minute walk from JR Niigata Station.
Sushi Arai (Niigata) Phone Number
Sushi Arai (Niigata) Business Days
Sushi Arai (Niigata) Address
9-26 Higashibandaicho, Chuo-ku, Niigata, 950-0082, Japan
Sushi Arai (Niigata) Cancellation Policy
Cancel your reservation at least 1 month before the dining start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Sushi Arai (Niigata) Remarks
This is the former Michelin-starred restaurant named Sushi Arai in Niigata, not to be confused with the similarly named restaurant in Ginza, Tokyo. Please ensure that the restaurant is the correct one before attempting to make a reservation.
Restaurant location
Known as the prefecture of rice and sake, Niigata is a popular area for skiers and onsen-goers that also offers stunning natural attractions in every season.
We strive to be as accurate as possible and keep up with the changing landscape of Japan’s food and travel industries. If you spot any inaccuracies, please send a report.
Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Kappo Watanabe
Kappo Watanabe in Niigata offers sake and Japanese cuisine, using local ingredients that reflect the four seasons.
MARUICHI FUJI AKASAKA (formerly Nyorosuke Akasaka)
Rather than steam the eel first in Kanto style, this famed Akasaka unagi specialist upholds Kansai tradition by going straight into grilling the eel for a crispier, crunchier texture.
Azabujuban Hanabusa
This Tokyo restaurant sources its eels from unagi farmers in Isshiki Town, who have raised them in an all-natural environment for over 100 years. The unagi are then coated in a secret sauce, before being grilled Kansai-style over a charcoal flame.
Nyorosuke Roppongi
At Nyorosuke, you can experience authentic Kansai-style charcoal grilled eel dishes such as grilled eel skewers, unaju and unagi-don. Unlike most Tokyo-style eel restaurants, the eel here is not steamed—meaning it’s bursting full of flavor!