A Special Event Featuring Nobuo Sakamoto, One of Awaji Island’s Leading Sushi Artisans 

October 13 (Tue) – December 24 (Thu), 2026 

This fall and winter, Sushi Minami welcomes Nobuo Sakamoto, owner of Awajishima Nobu and one of Awaji Island’s leading sushi artisans, for a special dining event. Across five selected dates from October through December, guests can experience an omakase course centered on seasonal fish from the waters around Awaji Island, prepared with Sakamoto’s distinctive approach to cutting, aging, and nigiri. 

An omakase course is a Japanese dining experience where the chef selects and prepares each dish based on the season, freshest ingredients, and their own expertise. At Sushi Minami, the course will introduce guests to local Awaji Island seafood, one piece at a time. 

Awaji Island has long been celebrated as Miketsukuni, the “Land of Food,” a place historically known for providing seafood and other delicacies to Japan’s imperial court. Its rich food culture is deeply connected to the surrounding seas and fertile land. At the intimate Sushi Minami counter, Sakamoto brings that connection to the table, carefully drawing out the natural character of each fish and pairing it with meticulously prepared sushi rice. With only six seats per session, the experience offers a close view of the craft behind every piece of sushi.

Meet Nobuo Sakamoto 

After refining his skills at renowned sushi restaurants across Japan, Nobuo Sakamoto returned to his native Awaji Island and opened Awajishima Nobu. His sushi features seasonal fish from the Seto Inland Sea, with each ingredient being treated with a carefully considered preparation and aging method to reveal its individual character. 

His delicate technique and attention to the balance between seafood and sushi rice have earned him recognition as one of Awaji Island’s leading sushi artisans. During this special event, guests can experience his craftsmanship directly at the Sushi Minami counter. 

The Special Omakase Experience 

The Sushi Minami special omakase course is built around the natural umami of seasonal seafood. Rather than treating every fish in the same way, Sakamoto considers the characteristics of each ingredient, selecting the preparation and aging method that best brings out its flavor. 

The experience unfolds at the counter, where guests can watch the sushi being prepared up close. A selection of sake and wine is also available, with recommendations chosen to complement the day’s course and enhance the umami of the seasonal seafood.

About Sushi Minami 

Located on the 2nd floor of THE PASONA natureverse retreat, Sushi Minami offers an elegant setting for discovering the bounty of Awaji Island’s surrounding seas. Produced by local sushi restaurant Awajishima Nobu, the restaurant focuses on locally caught fish, carefully prepared to reveal the distinctive character of each ingredient.

The intimate counter creates a direct connection between the guest and the craft of sushi, making each piece part of a deeper exploration of Awaji Island’s food culture. Outside the special event, Sushi Minami is open for lunch and dinner, with dinner available by reservation. 

Floor: 2F

Lunch: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM 

Dinner: 6:00 PM seating only, reservations required 

Closed: Wednesdays and Thursdays 

Event Dates & Details 

The special event will be held on: 

• October 13, 2026 (Tue) — Lunch 11:30 AM / Dinner 5:30 PM 

• November 3, 2026 (Tue, National Holiday) — Lunch 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM / Dinner 5:30 PM 

• November 27, 2026 (Fri) — Lunch 11:30 AM / Dinner 5:30 PM 

• December 1, 2026 (Tue) — Lunch 11:30 AM / Dinner 5:30 PM 

• December 24, 2026 (Thu) — Lunch 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM / Dinner 5:30 PM 

The Omakase Course is ¥30,000, including tax and service charge. Each session is limited to six seats. 

Extend the Experience with a Stay 

For guests who want to linger a little longer, an accommodation package combines the sushi experience with an overnight stay in an Ocean Deluxe room. The 60㎡ ocean-view room includes dinner by Nobuo Sakamoto, breakfast, and complimentary participation in the 7:00 AM Wellness Yoga session. 

After an evening savoring fresh sushi, return to your ocean-view room and let the night settle into a slower rhythm. The following morning, wake up to Awaji Island’s stunning sunrise and begin the day with wellness and breakfast before continuing your journey. 

Reserve Your Seat at Sushi Minami 

With just six seats per session, this special event offers a rare opportunity to experience the craft of Nobuo Sakamoto and the flavors of Awaji Island up close. 

Follow the seasons, discover the character of Awaji’s seafood, and experience sushi crafted by one of the island’s leading artisans. 

Reserve your lunch or dinner at Sushi Minami and discover the flavors of Awaji Island, carefully curated by Nobuo Sakamoto. 

THE PASONA natureverse retreat