When you think, "I want to have good sushi in Asahikawa," Sushi Minato is definitely a top contender. However, this is not a place you can just drop by! You need to make a reservation, and I had to book over two months in advance to finally visit. Honestly, it doesn’t have the casual vibe where you can just pop in; it’s a restaurant that requires proper planning. But that anticipation only raises your expectations. On weekdays, it might be a bit more relaxed, but weekends can get quite crowded.The Omakase course is JPY 12,000. At this point, I remind myself, "Today is a special day." The interior is centered around a minimalist counter with a warm wooden texture. There are also several private rooms, and I had the pleasure of using one. The dishes are served sequentially, but at the counter, you get to enjoy the sushi being prepared right in front of you, which is quite delightful.The lighting is calming, and it doesn’t have that overwhelming "luxury" pressure; instead, it exudes a quiet confidence that says, "Those who know, know." This atmosphere can be a bit nerve-wracking, in a good way. The service is attentive without being intrusive. The explanations of the ingredients are just enough, with a nice balance of not over-explaining. They also keep an eye on your pace, ensuring everything is served at the right moment—very thoughtful. I wonder if there’s a hidden camera somewhere? The sushi rice was slightly smaller and lacked cohesion, as about half of the pieces fell apart when lifted. It felt surprising for a restaurant with such a reputation. However, the quality of the fish was outstanding, with each piece showcasing freshness and a delightful bounce. The tuna was medium fatty and created a memorable moment. It had richness without being heavy, and the aftertaste faded smoothly. The white fish enhanced its umami while maintaining a pleasant texture, and the squid was expertly cut, providing a perfect balance of tenderness. It was fresh and not at all chewy.The nodoguro sushi was also incredibly delicious. The appetizers served before the sushi were all high-quality and played their roles well. In particular, the handmade soba was impressive, showcasing the effort put into the meal. I can only imagine how challenging it is to make soba every morning while serving sushi.For dessert, we had what seemed to be Furano melon, a refreshing sweet melon paired with a crème brûlée, which left me completely satisfied. Including the final dessert, I left feeling, "Wow, everything was delicious!" This type of cohesive experience is the most challenging to achieve, but considering the ambiance and service, the JPY 12,000 felt justified. In Tokyo, this level of quality would start at around JPY 25,000.However, I must emphasize again that you cannot just walk in without a reservation. This isn’t a place for spontaneous sushi cravings; it’s a restaurant you decide to visit on a specific day. In return, they truly deliver.It was a great meal. I definitely want to come back, but I can’t casually say, "Shall we go to Minato today?" Please make sure to reserve in advance before visiting!I’m grateful for this experience! Next time I come, I will definitely stop by again!