The Verdict
Sushidokoro Hitoshi is a sushi counter at 7-26 Komachi in Naka-ku, central Hiroshima, led by chef Hitoshi Takesue. Born in Tsushima, in Nagasaki Prefecture, in 1968 as the eldest son of a sushi chef, Takesue trained in Kyoto and then spent some sixteen years at Yamanaka, a well-known sushiya in Hakata, before opening his own counter in Hiroshima at his father-in-law's urging.
The signature here is the omakase nigiri course, where Takesue sets the order. The fish is sourced from the ports of Tsushima and Hakata, and the rice is seasoned with a blend of black and white vinegar for a deeper, more savoury edge than the usual single-vinegar shari. Lunch sets start from around 5,000 yen, with the omakase running roughly 9,000 to 12,000 yen, which makes it one of the better-value starred sushi counters in the country.
Sushidokoro Hitoshi earned one Michelin star in the MICHELIN Guide Hiroshima 2013 special edition, the only Michelin guide ever published for the city. Between the chef's Hakata training, the Kyushu-sourced fish and the blended-vinegar rice, it is a serious counter for the price, provided you go for the sushi rather than a broad izakaya spread.
What to Order
Order the omakase, where chef Takesue sets the nigiri course; it is the signature experience and the best way to read the counter. The fish is brought from the ports of Tsushima and Hakata, and the rice is seasoned with a blend of black and white vinegar that gives the nigiri a deeper, more savoury edge. Lunch sets start from about 5,000 yen, with the omakase around 9,000 to 12,000 yen, and there is a well-priced sake list to pair.
The Room
Sushidokoro Hitoshi is a compact counter at 7-26 Komachi in Naka-ku, about a five-minute walk from Chuden-mae tram stop in central Hiroshima. Seating centres on the sushi counter, where Takesue works in front of guests, with the focus squarely on the nigiri rather than a large dining room. It is the kind of intimate, chef-led room where a counter seat and the omakase are the point, so book the bar rather than aiming for a big table.
Why It Works to Impress a Guest
A counter seat at a Michelin-starred sushiya, with the chef setting each piece in front of you, is a confident choice for impressing a visiting client or marking a special meal without a Tokyo-level bill. The omakase keeps the table focused on the food, the value is unusual for a starred counter, and the intimacy of the room makes for an easy conversation between two or a small party of guests.
Not For
Not for large groups, vegetarians, or diners who want a sprawling izakaya menu with cooked small plates and a long drinks scene: this is a small chef-led sushi counter built around the omakase. Anyone uncomfortable with a set course chosen by the chef, or hoping for a late-night party atmosphere, should look elsewhere in Hiroshima's Nagarekawa nightlife district instead.
Reservations
Sushidokoro Hitoshi is a small counter, so book ahead, particularly for the omakase, and aim for a seat at the bar rather than a table. It is at 7-26 Komachi in Naka-ku, a short walk from the Chuden-mae tram stop, with lunch the easier and cheaper time to secure a place. Confirm the current course prices and any seating rules when you reserve, as a chef-led counter can change its offering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sushidokoro Hitoshi known for?
Sushidokoro Hitoshi is a Hiroshima sushi counter led by chef Hitoshi Takesue, known for its omakase nigiri course. The fish is sourced from the ports of Tsushima and Hakata, and the rice is seasoned with a blend of black and white vinegar. It earned one Michelin star in the 2013 Hiroshima guide.
Who is the chef at Sushidokoro Hitoshi?
The chef is Hitoshi Takesue, born in Tsushima, Nagasaki, in 1968 as the eldest son of a sushi chef. He trained in Kyoto, then spent about sixteen years at Yamanaka, a respected sushiya in Hakata, before opening his own counter in Hiroshima at the urging of his father-in-law.
How much does Sushidokoro Hitoshi cost?
Sushidokoro Hitoshi is good value for a starred counter. Lunch sets start from around 5,000 yen, while the omakase nigiri course runs roughly 9,000 to 12,000 yen per person. Sake is offered at reasonable prices. Booking the omakase at the counter is the recommended way to experience the chef's full course.
Does Sushidokoro Hitoshi have a Michelin star?
Sushidokoro Hitoshi was awarded one Michelin star in the MICHELIN Guide Hiroshima 2013 special edition, the only Michelin guide ever published for Hiroshima. Because Michelin has not produced a regular Hiroshima edition since, the 2013 special edition remains its formal Michelin recognition, and it is still widely cited as a starred Hiroshima counter.
Do you need a reservation at Sushidokoro Hitoshi?
Yes, booking ahead is advised because it is a small chef-led counter, and a seat at the bar is preferable to a table for the omakase. It sits at 7-26 Komachi in Naka-ku, a short walk from the Chuden-mae tram stop. Lunch is the easier and more affordable time to secure a place.
Also in Hiroshima
Explore the full Hiroshima restaurant guide, or compare other tables such as Seasonal Cuisine Nakashima, Akisaryo and Eizan. For occasion picks, see our impress clients guide.