Ito Ke no Tsubo: Coastal Sushi Auberge

Ito Ke no Tsubo (伊藤家のつぼ) is a true 'sushi auberge'—a restaurant with rooms—set in a renovated traditional house, or kominka, on a high coastal ridge in Manazuru. The counter seating faces the sea, offering a stunning backdrop for a memorable meal. This unique setting allows guests to dine, drink, and then sleep on-site in simple, traditional rooms.

The experience is built around a single omakase menu. It begins with a sequence of seasonal small plates in the kaiseki style (known as hassun), showcasing creative preparations and beautiful presentation. This is followed by around ten pieces of precisely crafted nigiri sushi. Reviewers consistently praise the focus on local fish from the nearby Manazuru port and Sagami Bay, with species like aji (horse mackerel), kinmedai (splendid alfonsino), akahata (blacktip grouper), and other rare catches frequently featured. The slightly small, well-formed rice (shari), seasoned with red vinegar, is a common point of praise, as are standout dishes like straw-seared tuna and rich monkfish liver (ankimo). The warm, personal service from the owner and staff completes the experience.

While the food receives near-universal acclaim, guests note some practical challenges. Reservations are extremely difficult to obtain, with waits often stretching from several months to over a year; many rely on securing last-minute cancellation slots. The restaurant's location is on a steep hill, making a taxi from the station a near necessity. The meal itself is a deliberately slow-paced affair, lasting between 2.5 and 3 hours, and all guests begin their course at the same time.

Despite the high demand, reviewers repeatedly describe the restaurant as excellent value. Omakase prices reported by guests in 2024–2026 were typically in the ¥9,500–¥11,550 range. Dinner and overnight stay packages were noted at around ¥14,000–¥19,250 per person. For the quality, creativity, and unique local sourcing, many feel the price is more than fair.

• Booking: Reservation only. Securing a table is extremely difficult and requires booking far in advance.
• Access: A 10-minute taxi ride (approx. ¥1,000–¥1,500) from JR Manazuru Station is recommended due to the steep uphill approach. Limited parking is available for those arriving by car.
• Payment: Credit cards (VISA, JCB, AMEX) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
• Seating: Seating is at the counter only. There are no private rooms.
• Menu: A single omakase course is served. The meal lasts approximately 2.5–3 hours.
• Corkage: Guests are permitted to bring their own wine or sake for a fee (from ¥2,000 plus tax).
• Lodging: Simple Japanese-style rooms with shared facilities are available for dinner guests who wish to stay overnight.
• Smoking: The entire establishment is non-smoking.