Shirahata in Shiogama (a traditional sushi restaurant)

For most foreign travelers in Japan, small coastal towns like Shiogama don't usually hold much appeal. What you can get here you could also find in better selection and for better prices in Tokyo, Osaka, or almost any other major city south of Tohoku. That is, except for sushi. 

The fishing industry is huge in Shiogama, and so is sushi. While almost any coastal Japanese town has some pretty good sushi options, Shiogama is known for having the greatest density of sushi restaurants per square kilometer.

The best, most personable and delicious of these that I have found is Shirahata Sushi. Just a three-minute walk from HonShiogama station, the place is truly convenient. The sushi-bar area is not terribly large, lending much to the cozy atmosphere of the establishment. There is also a private party area upstairs and a room with a few traditional style tables and chairs to the far left downstairs. 

The real selling point, other than the incredibly delicious sushi, is the personality of the chefs, who are more than happy to chat with customers, give advice about local things, and even joke around a little. They do it all while delivering some of the best sushi in the world, and for a price that would be insanely cheap in a larger city. For this small of a city, 3000 yen per plate of sushi may seem extravagant, but at this place you really do get what you pay for.

If you are in town to see the shrine or enjoy a ferry ride to Matsushima, why not come and try out your Japanese with a friendly Sushi genius while he prepares the most delicious sushi? Don't forget to try the maguro tuna, the fish for which Shiogama is quite famous!