Tamaru Shoten Group, the brain behind Vancouver’s chicest Japanese restaurant.
Vancouver’s trendiest Japanese restaurants have one thing in common: the mysterious Tamaru Shoten Group. Their names don’t appear on restaurant websites, and finding information about them online is nearly impossible—yet they are the masterminds behind some of the city’s best Japanese dining experiences.
Imagine mouthwatering roe and sashimi-filled bowls over fluffy, hot white rice. Toyokan Bowl offers every seafood lover's dream—fresh from Japan! The group’s newest addition brings the same retro ambiance as its siblings but with a twist of 1970s Japan’s bowling fever. Try their Three Kinds of Bowls, which feature a different selection daily!
https://www.instagram.com/toyokan_bowl?igsh=MXdyYzVzcGJ0dzFqag==
OpenTable, Plaza Toyokan
For those looking for something beyond a simple sashimi bowl, head downstairs to Plaza Toyokan, where you’ll find experimental uni and seafood dishes with a twist. The menu matches the space’s fondness for silly childhood nostalgia trinkets (and volleyball!), featuring everything from uni pudding to sea urchin udon. It’s a UNIque experience!
https://www.instagram.com/plaza_toyokan?igsh=MXczMjl3ejBjZnQ5NA==
Instagram, takenaka_yvr
Takenaka began with a simple idea: a homemade lunch box by Mom. Created by Chef Shogo Takenaka, their journey started with a bento-to-go food truck, later expanding to an Onigiri Café and Uni Bar. Each location stays true to the essence of a hearty, simple, and nutritious meal. Their most personal restaurant yet, Takenaka is the only one with a backstory. Indulge in their affordable Omakase 4 Kinds Assorted Onigiri or the Takenaka Omakase Course, one of the most affordable Omakase options in Vancouver.
https://takenakavancouver.com/about/
“Sharing is caring" could be New Fuji’s dinner motto, considering the incredible assortment of à la carte options. Located by Kitsilano Beach, the combination of city pop vinyl, Godzilla figurines, craft cola cocktails, and truffle corn karaage makes for the perfect way to end the day after a beach stroll. Try their Japanese grill, especially the Dry-Aged Whole Mackerel hanging by the semi-open kitchen, or the Wagyu Long Yukhoe Sushi for a heartier meal.
As one of Vancouver’s favorite Japanese restaurants, Raisu is the perfect balance of all its siblings—the epitome of a Tamaru Shoten restaurant. When you walk up the stairs past the simple curtain, Raisu’s warm light envelops hungry customers with the faint smell of miso and staple Japanese goodness. Raisu specializes in Teishoku (Japanese set meals) and sake, featuring their limited Sho Ka Do Bento and Ocean Offerings Sushi Set. Their deconstructed take on bento focuses on perfecting each element of the meal with seasonal ingredients—whether it’s a perfectly crispy croquette or aburi yellowtail peach and Earl Grey salad. Don’t miss out on this season’s unique bento set.
OpenTable, Rajio
First dates can be intimidating, but not at Rajio, where awkward conversations turn casual over craft fruit-ginger cocktails and signature deep-fried skewers. The group’s most casual and intimate spot is decorated with light-up character masks and chalkboard walls, making it the perfect place for a quick night out after a 9-to-5. Rajio offers a wide selection of deep-fried skewers—from beef to mini ice cream puffs—all customizable to your liking!
Instagram, kingyo_izakaya_van
The group’s oldest sibling incorporates classic Japanese restaurant elements—bamboo trees sprouting from the long communal table, wooden chairs, and an open bar where you can watch the chefs prepare fresh sashimi with special tamari, soy, and wasabi (a rarity in Vancouver). Out of all its siblings, Kingyo most closely emulates a traditional izakaya, with classics like Uni Miso Udon and Crispy Chicken Karaage, crafted for the Canadian taste while keeping it’s authentic base. It’s the perfect spot for a Japanese night out—without the cost of a plane ticket. Plus, they boast the largest selection of drinks, from barley shochu to BC merlot!
OpenTable, Suika
Last summer, the devastating news of Suika’s closure due to maintenance was unfortunate. Who could forget the twinkling sake bottle chandelier hanging over the rustic open brick of bustling Granville Street? While Vancouverites wait for its uncertain future, Suika’s lingering presence as a go-to spot for tapas and meaty main dishes is deeply missed in the city’s food scene.
Vancouver’s cherry blossom season can make one long for a walk around Tokyo. Luckily, The Tamaru Shoten Group has brought a little piece of Japan to Vancity. What would you like to see next from the group?
Get the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox.