20 Restaurants in Otaru and Hakodate, Hokkaido with Specialty Dishes Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Dec 04 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Hokkaido Hakodate Japanese Cuisine

20 Restaurants in Otaru and Hakodate, Hokkaido with Specialty Dishes

The Otaru and Hakodate areas are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Hokkaido and are known for its excellent seafood and other local foods. This article introduces recommended restaurants serving a variety of different specialty dishes.

See full listings of Japanese Cuisine restaurants found in and around Hokkaido and Hakodate.

1. Shabu-shabu Temujin (Hakodate / Shabu-shabu)

Shabu-shabu Temujin, a specialty restaurant by Jingisukan Temujin, offers a Taiwanese hot pot style that can be enjoyed even by a single diner. Guests can choose from three types of meat: beef, lamb, or Sangen pork from Kaminokuni-cho, Hokkaido, and pick from six types of soup stocks. A self-service corner provides a variety of dipping sauces and condiments for a customized flavor. The restaurant's interior, with its vibrant furnishings, exudes an exotic ambiance, making it a cozy space for family meals, casual dining, dates, or a solitary hot pot experience. Each visit offers a new taste and a unique hot pot experience.

Shabu-shabu Temujin

Open: [Monday, Wednesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm -10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: Inside HAKOVIVA, about a 2-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station
Address: 12-8, Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido Map
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2. Uni Murakami Hakodate Main Branch (Hakodate / Japanese Cuisine)

1. Uni Murakami Hakodate Main Branch (Hakodate / Japanese Cuisine)

This is a popular restaurant managed by a fresh uni (sea urchin) processing company that has been in operation for 60 years. Although almost all uni in distribution has an additive called alum, this restaurant serves additive-free uni. You’ll be amazed by the deep, sweet flavors of the signature menu item, [Fresh Uni-don] (rice bowl dish with uni) (regular 4,000 JPY, small 2,400 JPY)! It is packed with so much umami (savory Japanese flavor) that no soy sauce is necessary, but the homemade soy sauce with dashi (broth) further enhances the sweetness of the uni.

Uni Murakami Hakodate Main Branch

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 8:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) *From November to mid-April 9:00 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm)
[Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, National Holiday, Day before National Holiday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm) *Same between November and mid-April
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,800 JPY
Address: 22-1, Ote-machi, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido Map
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3. Yamasan Michishita Shoten (Hakodate / Japanese Cuisine)

2. Yamasan Michishita Shoten (Hakodate / Japanese Cuisine)

This is a popular restaurant located in Donburi Yokocho at Hakodate Morning Market, close to Hakodate Station. Sit back in their spacious interior and enjoy kaisendon (rice bowl dish with seafood) and teishoku (meal sets). The most popular menu item is the signature [Michishita-don (2,000 JPY)], a luxurious dish containing uni, ikura (salmon roe), scallop, and crab - the representative flavors of Hokkaido - all at once. The [Jumbo Cream Croquette with Crab] (680 JPY), which is packed with plenty of crab meat, is an addictive item with a fantastic combination of bechamel sauce and sweetness of crab.

Yamasan Michishita Shoten

Open: [Spring] Lunch 6:00 am - 2:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
[Winter] Lunch 7:00 am - 2:00 pm, Dinner 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Address: In Donburi Yokocho, 9-15, Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido Map
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4. Meimei-tei (Uoichiba-dori / Jingisukan)

3. Meimei-tei (Uoichiba-dori / Jingisukan)

This is a restaurant with a retro interior of brick walls where you can enjoy jingisukan (grilled mutton). It is known for its fresh lamb and mutton that have no gamey odors. The wonderful umami of the juicy meat may even change your image of jingisukan. The popular specialty menu is the all-you-can-eat [Premium Course] (3,980 JPY), with seven different types of meat including fresh lamb and Yakumo pork, as well as shrimps, and vegetables. There is an option to add bottomless drinks for 1,000 JPY, so it is recommended for those who want to eat and drink to their hearts' content.

Meimei-tei

Open: Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Address: In Hakodate Bay Bishoku Club, 12-8 Toyokawa-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido Map
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5. Kaikoubo (Hakodate / Izakaya)

This restaurant is known for the huge, 9-ton tank filled with fresh seafood in the middle of the floor. Because a wholesaler of crab and fish manages it, they can serve the freshest ingredients. There are private rooms in this large restaurant making it an ideal place for groups of any size. The [Live Squid] (from 1,500 JPY), which is a Hakodate specialty, is sashimi from live squid in the big fish tank so you can enjoy it fresh. The [Head Chef's Sashimi Assortment (from 2 persons)] (2,000 JPY) and [Crab Cooked Various Ways] (market price) that can be prepared according to your preference - boiled, charcoal grilled or as sashimi - are also popular.

Kaikoubo

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Address: 11-8, Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido Map
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6. Ikasei Main Branch (Chuo Byoin-mae / Japanese Cuisine)

5. Ikasei Main Branch (Chuo Byoin-mae / Japanese Cuisine)

Diners at this restaurant can enjoy the Hakodate’s specialty, squid, and other seasonal seafood. 12 private rooms can accommodate parties of two or more with a variety of options, such as horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu table) and tables, to be chosen to suit your party size. There is also counter seating where solo diners are welcome. The signature dish is [Ikasei Deep-fried Seafood and Vegetable Balls (650 JPY)] made by mixing minced squid, shrimp, scallops and vegetables and deep frying them without batter. The fluffy texture and the sweetness of the squid make them perfect accompaniments to sake (Japanese alcohol).

Ikasei Main Branch

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
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7. Kihara (Yunokawa Onsen / Sushi)

This is a restaurant with a luxurious atmosphere and a view of Tsugaru Strait where you can enjoy sushi. It prides itself in local ingredients procured from local fishermen, including its specialty [Hokkai Bafun Uni]. The sweetness and umami of the uni are enhanced by sprinkling homemade kelp-seasoned salt on them. There are, of course, other sushi made with seasonal ingredients, as well as a wide array of a la carte dishes, such as [Hair Crab Gelée] of crab meat and innards in gelatin and [Soft Simmered Ezo Abalone].

Kihara

Open: 11:30 am - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm) *Reservations required
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 12,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Address: 2-1-2, Yunokawa-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido Map
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8. Sushi Shimauta (Goryokaku Koen-mae / Sushi)

7. Sushi Shimauta (Goryokaku Koen-mae / Sushi)

This is a popular restaurant opened by a chef who trained at a famous Edo-style sushi restaurant in Tokyo. It is dedicated to serving wild fish caught near the shores of Hokkaido, and stocks absolutely no farmed fish. In addition, they prepare the ingredients only after the order is placed so that you can enjoy at their freshest. Its specialty [Premium Shimauta Nigiri] (3,300 JPY) is a set of 9 nigiri zushi (hand-formed sushi) made with the best ingredients of the day. The [Yakitate Tamago] (2,000 JPY for one, 1,200 JPY for half), a Japanese omelet made with brand-name eggs from Hokkaido is an outstanding dish with a hint of sweetness.

Sushi Shimauta

Open: [Friday - Sunday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 3:00 am (L.O. 2:40 am)
[Monday - Thursday] 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (L.O. 12:40 am)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: 5,000 JPY
Address: 1F, Green Estate, 22-11, Hon-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido (Map)

9. Umigaki Main Branch (Hakodate / Seafood Izakaya)

8. Umigaki Main Branch (Hakodate / Seafood Izakaya)

This is a restaurant where the owner, who was previously a fisherman, serves food he used to serve to his crew on the boat. The restaurant is designed like a stadium with an atrium from the first floor to the second so that you can enjoy the lively spectacle of the food being prepared in the kitchen. The signature [Ikasashi Dancing Squid] (from 990 JPY) is super fresh sashimi of squid cut from live ones taken from the tank. The plump texture can only be enjoyed in a town that is famous for its squid. The [Horsehair Crab] (from 2,990 JPY) procured directly from fishing ports when it is in season, is also an outstanding item packed with meat.

Umigaki Main Branch

Open: 5:00 pm - 00:00 am
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: 6-14, Matsukaze-cho , Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido Map
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10. Ikkatei Tabiji (Hakodate / Japanese Cuisine)

9. Ikkatei Tabiji (Hakodate / Japanese Cuisine)

This is a casual restaurant where you can enjoy Hokkaido seafood such as kaisendon and fish teishoku sets. The signature [Dancing Squid Bowl] (1,890 JPY) is made by cutting live squid taken from the tank in front of the customers and serving it on a bowl of rice. Not only is the texture and flavor of the fresh squid wonderful, but when eaten with the salty ikura (salmon roe), the sweet and savory umami that fills your mouth is so fantastic you may get hooked. The [Crab-filled Gratin] (630 JPY), made with a generous serving of crab procured directly from the wholesaler, bechamel sauce and cheese, is also highly recommended.

Ikkatei Tabiji

Open: 5:00 am - 3:00 pm *Open 6:00 am – 2:00 pm from end of October to end of April
Closed: None
Average price: 840 JPY
Address: Donburi Yokocho Market, 9-15, Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido Map
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11. Takinami Shokudo (Otaru / Japanese Cuisine)

10. Takinami Shokudo (Otaru / Japanese Cuisine)

This is a casual and welcoming restaurant where customers can enjoy a variety of flavors, including kaisendon, teishoku, sashimi and grilled fish. Its specialty, the [Wagamama-don] (from 1,800 JPY) is a kaisendon with a selection of 10 ingredients, such as homemade ikura, fresh uni, and seasonal items, from which you can choose three to four. There is also a choice of size, and customers can select a regular or small rice bowl. It is a fantastic dish in which you get generous servings of just the items you love. The restaurant is also popular for the freshly boiled seasonal [Fresh Crab].

Takinami Shokudo

Open: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (9:00 am - 3:00 pm on January 2nd and 3rd)
Closed: None (except New Year's Day)
Average price: 1,500 JPY
Address: In Sankaku Ichiba, 3-10-16, Inaho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido Map
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12. Kaiju (Hakodate / Seafood Izakaya)

This is a restaurant that is managed directly by a seafood company and is known for the freshness of their seafood. There is a large tank filled with local seafood such as crab, squid, and shrimp so that customers can enjoy freshly prepared seafood from Hakodate. The signature menu item, which is also its most popular, is the [Simmered Broadbanded Thornyhead from Rausu] (4,980 JPY). Broadbanded Thornyhead, which is a high-end fish that Hokkaido is known for, is simmered just in a broth made from kombu (kelp) so that the natural umami of the fish comes through. It is an outstanding dish with a rich sweetness and high-grade fat that melts in the mouth, so be sure to give it a try. The restaurant has a wide-ranging menu, including kaisendon, sushi, teishoku, and a la carte dishes.

Kaiju

Open: 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (Food L.O. 10:00 pm, drinks L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: 4,000 JPY
Address: 24-6, Toyokawa-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido Map
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13. Otaru Masazushi Main Branch (Otaru / Sushi)

12. Otaru Masazushi Main Branch (Otaru / Sushi)

This is a long- established sushi restaurant with a history of over 70 years. It is dedicated to serving locally produced, carefully selected ingredients so you can enjoy sushi with toppings caught that day prepared right in front of your eyes. In particular, the wild Pacific bluefin tuna, which is the pride of the restaurant, is outstanding. Whole Pacific bluefin tuna that is more than 300 kg are purchased from boats in the Atlantic Ocean off Canada when they are in season in November, so you can enjoy sweet, outstanding tuna regardless of the time of year. [Masazushi Takumi] (5,500 JPY), a set of 12 nigiri zushi including the otoro (fatty tuna) is great bang for the buck with toppings that change depending on the time of the year.

Otaru Masazushi Main Branch

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
*May change due to National Holidays and events
Average price: 3,500 JPY
Address: 1-1-1, Hanazono, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido Map
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14. Sushi Kou (Otaru / Sushi)

A restaurant where you can relax and enjoy sushi in a historic stone storehouse. It is dedicated to serving fresh ingredients at prices that are more accessible than at other restaurants. The chefs will accept single orders of nigiri zushi, so you can try a variety of items that catch your eye. If you're not sure what to order, go for the nigiri set. The rice bowls topped with an abundance of seafood are particularly popular. The uni in the [Uni-Ikura Don] (3,300 JPY) is fresh saltwater uni with no solidifiers - a carefully selected ingredient that is the pride of the owner. The rich flavors of this outstanding uni can only be experienced in Hokkaido.

Sushi Kou

Open: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm) *May change depending on availability of ingredients
Closed: Wednesday, January 2 - 4
Average price: 2,500 JPY
Address: 2-2-6, Ironai, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido Map
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15. Shikama (Otaru / Sushi)

This is a restaurant that serves seafood caught off the shores of Hokkaido, including plenty from around Otaru. If you are there when items such as uni, mantis shrimp or Botan shrimp from Otaru are in season, be sure to order them! You are sure to be amazed by the freshness and flavors of the local ingredients. A popular menu item here is [Shikama Nigiri] (3,200 JPY). It is a great way to enjoy luxury ingredients, such as uni, ikura, crab, and fatty tuna as well as fresh shellfish. There are also creative dishes made with fresh seasonal ingredients so you can thoroughly enjoy the flavors of the season.

Shikama

Open: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm) *Closed 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm on weekdays
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Address: 1-2-5, Hanazono, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido Map
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16. Sushi Yoshi (Otaru / Sushi)

This is a sushi restaurant that serves fresh fish carefully selected by the keen eye of the owner, who is a seasoned fisherman. It can easily become full with the many regulars that travel from afar for the sushi and other dishes made with this dedication to quality, so we suggest to make reservations as advice. The recommended menu item is [Miyama] (13,000 JPY, must be reserved at least two days in advance), a chef's selection course made by the owner using an abundance of seasonal ingredients. It is a supremely satisfying course with small side dishes, sashimi, grilled fish, steamed dish, 8 nigiri zushi, soup and dessert.

Sushi Yoshi

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm), Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:45 pm (L.O. 8:45 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Address: 1-10-9, Ironai, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido Map
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17. Otaru Kita Tougarashi Main Branch (Otaru / Jingisukan)

16. Otaru Kita Tougarashi Main Branch (Otaru / Jingisukan)

This is a jingisukan restaurant beloved by locals. The fresh lamb served here is imported from Australia and is from lamb that is 6 months to 10 months old so it has little odor and the meat is soft. The jingisukan is cooked on original pots with tall sides so that plenty of vegetables fit in and the umami of the meats and vegetables can be retained. The signature menu item is the [All-you-can-eat-and-drink Course] (4,000 JPY). It is a great deal with bottomless rice, fresh lamb, bean sprouts and onions as well drinks such as draft beer, shochu (Japanese alcohol), sake and red wine.

Otaru Kita Tougarashi Main Branch

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
[Sunday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: None *Except December 31 and January 1
Average price: 2,000 JPY
Address: 1-10-7, Hanazono, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido Map
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18. NEW SANKO Main Branch (Otaru / Western Cuisine)

17. NEW SANKO Main Branch (Otaru / Western Cuisine)

This is a spacious restaurant with a variety of seating options, such as a beer hall and private rooms with horigotatsu, where you can enjoy a variety of different types of cuisines. The specialty is the [SANKO Seafood Grilled Noodles with Thick Sauce] (900 JPY), said to be the comfort food of Otaru. The thick, starchy sauce full of seafood, such as shrimp and squid, and vegetables coats the crunchy noodles, and you can enjoy it steaming hot till the last bite. There are many more popular items such as [All-you-can-eat-and-drink Two Types of Jingisukan (2 hours)] (4,200 JPY) and [SANKO Gozen] (1,780 JPY), a set that includes tempura, sushi, and more.

NEW SANKO Main Branch

Open: 11:30 am - 9:30 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None *Except January 1
Average price: [Dinner] 1,500 JPY / [Lunch] 900 JPY
Address: 1-3-6, Inaho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido Map
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19. Tsurukichi (Otaru / Izakaya)

This is a restaurant where you can enjoy fresh, locally caught seafood, grilled over charcoal as robatayaki, or as sashimi or sushi. There are many seating options, such as the counter surrounding a large hearth in the center of the restaurant, rooms with horigotatsu, and private rooms, so you can enjoy meals in a Japanese atmosphere for a variety of different occasions. The signature menu item is the robatayaki of [Hokke] (Okhotsk atka mackerel) (1,280 JPY). The huge and fatty hokke, measuring over 30cm in length, goes perfectly with sake. The [Magurogushi] (tuna skewer) (490 JPY for 2) and [Hotate-gushi] (scallop skewer) (490 JPY for 2), both of which are seared and served as rare, are also recommended.

Tsurukichi

Open: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: 2,500 JPY
Address: 1-8-23, Hanazono, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido Map
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All of these specialty dishes are distinguished by their freshness. Be sure to get your fill!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.