Sushi Toyo in Fujiyoshida: A Guide to Fresh Flavors and Warm Hospitality at This Beloved Sushi Spot
Mount Fuji, a favorite spot among foreign tourists, is Japan's highest mountain with an elevation of 3,776 meters. Registered as a World Heritage Site, it can truly be considered a symbol of Japan.
One of the attractive points about the areas surrounding Mount Fuji is that you can enjoy various natural scenery throughout the year. The mountain is home to many Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, and in recent years has become popular as a "power spot" (spiritual location).
There are also many restaurants where you can taste local specialties that benefit from Mount Fuji's blessings. Today, I'd like to introduce "Sushi Toyo," a renowned sushi restaurant long beloved in Fujiyoshida. When planning your trip to Mount Fuji, please consider this as a reference!
Sushi Toyo: A Famous Restaurant in Fujiyoshida Where You Can Enjoy Authentic Sushi Without Formality
"Sushi Toyo" is a distinguished sushi restaurant cherished by locals. Its popularity stems from being accessible whether you're dining alone, with family, or with friends, allowing everyone to casually enjoy authentic sushi. Personally, I love to relax there while enjoying some sake with sashimi as appetizers.
The menu includes English descriptions, creating a welcoming atmosphere for international visitors. Beyond the delicious taste of Sushi Toyo's offerings, the warm and friendly service will surely become a wonderful memory of your time in Japan.
What Are the Characteristics of Japanese Sushi?
"Sushi" is a Japanese dish that combines "shari" (vinegared rice) with toppings primarily consisting of seafood. Sushi, a representative of Japanese food culture, can be considered the most popular Japanese food among foreigners. There are various types including nigiri sushi, rolled sushi, chirashi sushi, inari sushi, and pressed sushi.
Another attractive aspect is the ability to enjoy seasonal ingredients and local specialties. Additionally, part of the appeal of Japanese sushi is watching the skilled sushi chefs' impressive knife techniques, how they form the sushi, and their elegant and delicate presentation.
A Writer Who Eats Sushi Twice a Week Explains Why Sushi Toyo Remains Beloved
High Quality in Every Piece Using Premium Ingredients
Source:Tabelog
The charm of Sushi Toyo is undoubtedly the quality of their premium sushi. Their nigiri and chirashi sushi, filled with craftsmanship, allow you to enjoy fresh seasonal seafood. Another secret behind Sushi Toyo's popularity is that despite using high-grade ingredients, their prices remain reasonable.
Everything you eat there provides a high level of satisfaction, and the deliciousness will surely make you want to visit again and again!
The Exceptional Quality of Side Dishes Such as Pickled Cucumber and Simmered Dishes
Source:Google Maps
Another reason I recommend Sushi Toyo is the deliciousness of their side dishes and appetizers. The small bowls of simmered dishes and pickled cucumbers that come with the sushi sets allow you to experience the warmth of Japanese home cooking.
The soup infused with the broth from shrimp, shellfish, and other seafood, as well as the oden (Japanese hot pot) eaten during cold winters are absolutely exquisite! Enjoy these alongside your sushi at Sushi Toyo for a complete dining experience.
Take-out Options Allow You to Enjoy at Your Hotel
One of the attractions of Sushi Toyo that I want to share is their extensive take-out menu. You can choose from nigiri sushi and chirashi sushi in four different price ranges. The sushi, beautifully and densely packed in take-out boxes, is like a treasure chest that's visually appealing as well.
In addition, there are three types of rice bowl menus: tekka-don (tuna bowl), anago-don (conger eel bowl), and ikura-don (salmon roe bowl).
When you're tired from sightseeing or have time constraints, I recommend taking delicious Sushi Toyo back to your hotel, where you can enjoy it at your leisure without worrying about other people. They may also accommodate requests regarding ingredients or pricing, so feel free to ask if you have any food preferences or restrictions.
The Interior Has an Authentic Japanese Sushi Restaurant Atmosphere
Source:Hot Pepper Gourmet
The warm atmosphere typical of Japanese restaurants is another point I recommend.
The counter seats in particular have the authentic charm of a Japanese sushi restaurant. Watching the skilled techniques of sushi chefs right before your eyes is part of the enjoyment, so I highly recommend choosing counter seats if you're visiting with 1-3 people.
For larger groups or families, the spacious tatami area is recommended. You can enjoy a relaxed meal on tatami mats with substantial tables, feeling as comfortable as if you've returned home.
Private rooms are also recommended for those with babies or small children. If you make a reservation, they can prepare kids' meals, so please check in advance if interested.
Be Sure to Taste the Exquisite Nigiri Sushi When Visiting Sushi Toyo!
Source:Google Maps
When you visit Sushi Toyo, I definitely recommend trying their nigiri sushi. Made with fresh ingredients, the nigiri sushi allows you to fully appreciate the authentic charm of sushi.
All nigiri sushi comes in sets, with four types available:
Regular ¥1,540
Middle ¥1,870
Upper ¥2,420
Finest ¥3,300
My recommendation is the Upper set, which includes premium toppings like sea urchin and salmon roe. It's also popular with tuna lovers as you can enjoy three different flavors including two types of tuna cuts (akami and chu-toro) and nori-wrapped sushi.
Even the Regular set comes with standard sushi items like tuna, squid, and shrimp, providing high satisfaction. This is recommended for those who want to enjoy Sushi Toyo's offerings at a reasonable price!
Access to Sushi Toyo
- Address: 2-4-28 Ryugaoka, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Phone: 0555-23-9009
- Official Website: https://fujiyoshida.net/gourmet/325 (Fujiyoshida City Official Website)
Magical Trip Tours Allow You to Enjoy Various Spots Including Sushi Toyo with a Local Guide
If you're planning to tour around Mt. Fuji, why not join a guided tour by Magical Trip? This is a 10-hour day trip from Tokyo with a driver who accompanies and guides you around the area. Because you'll be with a local guide, you can enjoy special experiences at various spots that only locals know about.
Tour Highlights
- Enjoy the famous spectacular view at Arakura Sengen Shrine
- Experience harvesting and tasting fresh wasabi at a wasabi farm
- Visit the popular spot "Oshino Hakkai"
- Lunch at a popular local restaurant
- Visit historical shrines and waterfalls
- Sake brewery tour & Japanese sake tasting
Traveling in a private car compared to buses or trains is an attractive point as you can efficiently visit tourist spots. Those planning to stay in Tokyo should consider this!
Meeting point: Hotel Pickup or Shinjuku
Tour area: Departing from Tokyo - Mt. Fuji area
Start time: 8:00am
3 Tourist Spots Around Fuji Yoshida City to Visit Along with Sushi Toyo
Around Fuji Yoshida where Sushi Toyo is located, there are many popular tourist spots you shouldn't miss. Here are three recommended places that you can use as a reference for your travel plans along with dining at Sushi Toyo!
Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine
Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine is a historic shrine established in 705. You can enjoy nature throughout the four seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves vividly coloring the spacious grounds.
It is also known for its wonderful views of Mt. Fuji, with photo spots scattered throughout. My recommended shooting point is at the torii gate at the entrance to the shrine grounds. Beyond the red torii gate, which complements the natural scenery well, stands the majestic Mt. Fuji.
The view from the observation deck at Arakurayama Sengen Park, connected by stairs from the shrine grounds, is the famous spectacular view that appears in guidebooks. In spring, you can see Mt. Fuji, cherry blossoms, and the five-story pagoda all at once, so please do visit!
- Address: 2-4-1 Arakura, Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Phone number: 0555-23-2697
- Official website: https://fujiyoshida.net/spot/12
Oshino Hakkai
Oshino Hakkai, located about a 20-minute drive from Sushi Toyo, is a collection of 8 spring water ponds. They are formed by Mt. Fuji's melted snow that flows between lava rocks and has been naturally filtered over many years. The crystal-clear, unpolluted water is designated as a National Natural Monument and is also selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waters.
Each of the 8 ponds has distinct characteristics, such as "Okama Pond" where water bubbles up as if boiling, and "Choshi Pond" where water springs up while stirring sand from the sandy bottom. My recommendation is "Kagami Pond" (Mirror Pond), where you can see Mt. Fuji reflected upside down on the water surface when the weather is good.
Around the area, there are many food stalls and souvenir shops offering Mt. Fuji-specific delicacies that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. When dining in the area, many tourists also visit Sushi Toyo to experience authentic Japanese cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients.
Please make sure to visit this precious spot blessed by Mt. Fuji!
- Address: Oshinomura Oshinokusa, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 0555-84-4222 (Oshino Village Tourism Association)
- Official Website: https://lake-yamanakako.com/spot/10486
Kawaguchi Asama Shrine
Kawaguchi Asama Shrine was established in 865 to appease Mt. Fuji's eruptions.
What makes this shrine famous are its 7 cedar trees, which are believed to be over 1,200 years old. These trees grow straight toward the sky without branching out, giving visitors a sense of dignity as they have watched over this shrine for centuries. Each tree has been given a name, so please be sure to check them out.
My top recommendation at this shrine is the viewpoint called "Tenku no Torii" (Heavenly Gate), which offers spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. Located up a mountain path behind the shrine, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Mt. Fuji, blue skies, and white clouds framed by the torii gate. After visiting the shrine, many travelers enjoy dining at Sushi Toyo, where the fresh fish pairs perfectly with memories of Mt. Fuji's majestic presence.
Please experience the power of Mt. Fuji at this historic shrine with its solemn atmosphere!
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- Date: April 25, 2025
- Access: Get off at "Kawaguchiko Station" and transfer to the Fujikyu Bus (bound for Kofu), then get off at "Kawaguchiko Post Office" bus stop
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://asamajinja.or.jp/