Address - Kanagawa-ken, Zushi-shi, Zushi 5-2-51 Opening hours - 11:00am to 3:00pm, 5:00pm to 10:00pm, closed on Mondays, second and third Thursdays Map - See directions Telephone - 0468 71 2401 Menu - In Japanese CC - No
Harada was an accidental find I made some time ago. Very close to Zushi station, it doesn't look like much until you enter and see the walls covered with what turns out to be one of the most comprehensive menus I have ever seen in any Japanese restaurant.
I mean, it's not elegant or even exceptionally clean, but the cook sure knows his business. Sushi, sashimi, grilled fish, nikomi, oden, salads, fried chicken, yakitori, unagi, tenpura, even Chinese dishes like Hoikoro: you want it, they have it. One of the first things you should try (I , intimidated by the bulk, never had the guts to) is the kakiaage, typical dish of the area: basically a variety of tenpura-don, but it might taste different.You can choose one of three kinds. Surprisingly, Zushi does'nt offer much in terms of Japanese food, so a reliable place like Harada is a lifesaver.
As at Yuuki, sets are far more interesting than in Tokyo, laden as they are with pickles and mysterious morsels. My personal favorite, which I heartily recommend, is Kinme no Nikomi, fish stewed in a mildly sweet sauce of sake and soy sauce.
Prices are moderate, usually in the 1000 yen range for a rich set the like of which is rare in Tokyo. Alas, Japanese, both written and spoken, are a must.How to get there:
Get out of Zushi station, cross the street in front of MacDonalds, turn right and walk about 50 meters: Harada's sign (in Japanese) is right in front of you.