A Culinary Journey Through Hokkaido: Discover the Finest Flavors of Sapporo

What Kind of City Is Sapporo, the Capital of Hokkaido?

Located about 800 kilometers north of Tokyo, Sapporo is Japan’s fifth-largest city and a thriving urban center.

Home to numerous branches of major domestic and international corporations, Sapporo also plays a vital role as a center of business. The city’s dining scene rises to meet the expectations of these discerning professionals, offering an abundance of restaurants that satisfy even the most cultivated palates. Many of these establishments showcase Hokkaido’s unique local ingredients—products found far from Tokyo’s reach—creating flavors that captivate gourmets from around the world.

The Allure of Sapporo’s Cuisine

The heart of Sapporo’s culinary appeal lies in the bounty of the surrounding seas. As one of Japan’s foremost regions for crab and sea urchin, Hokkaido provides an abundance of pristine seafood. Hokkaido’s vast expanse also makes it one of Japan’s foremost agricultural regions, where the cool northern climate nurtures exceptional produce such as asparagus—ingredients that inspire refined seasonal dishes.

Sushi – Edomae-Style Craftsmanship, Reimagined in Hokkaido

Sushi Miyakawa

A restaurant of exceptional pedigree, Sushi Miyakawa proudly holds three Michelin stars and ranks among Japan’s Top 100 Sushi establishments on a major gourmet platform. Chef-owner Masaaki Miyakawa, the visionary behind the counter, honed his craft at the celebrated Sushi Yoshitake in Tokyo’s Ginza, where he served as head chef of its branch before returning to his native Hokkaido. In 2014, he opened his own restaurant in Sapporo, which was awarded three Michelin stars shortly after its debut—an achievement that instantly established its reputation among Japan’s finest.

The restaurant offers only an omakase (chef’s choice) course, reflecting Chef Miyakawa’s unwavering pursuit of perfection. Reservations are accepted by phone only, beginning on the first business day of each month for dates through the end of the following month. Guests are kindly asked to observe the restaurant’s dress code; beach sandals, athletic wear, and shorts are not permitted.

View Details

Sushisai Wakichi

Awarded two Michelin stars and recognized among Japan’s Top 100 Sushi establishments on a major gourmet platform, Sushisai Wakichi is the creation of Chef-owner Mitsuaki Tamura, who opened the restaurant in 2007 and earned his first two Michelin stars in 2012.

The restaurant is celebrated for its sushi rice, crafted from two types of red vinegar, which perfectly complement the carefully selected seasonal seafood, resulting in harmonious and unforgettable flavor combinations. The dining experience is offered exclusively as an omakase course. Reservations are accepted only via the restaurant’s official website; phone bookings are not available.

View Details

Himeshara

Nestled just west of Sapporo’s bustling downtown in the tranquil Maruyama neighborhood, Himeshara belongs to a distinguished cluster of fine dining establishments. The restaurant has earned two Michelin stars and is recognized among Japan’s Top 100 Sushi venues on a major gourmet platform.

Chef-crafted courses feature meticulously selected ingredients, offering both small appetizer-style dishes and sushi. A hallmark of Himeshara is its remarkably small sushi rice, thoughtfully sized so that each piece can be enjoyed in harmony with the restaurant’s curated selection of premium sake. The course is designed for diners to experience the delicate interplay between sushi and sake, with every bite highlighting their perfect pairing. Reservations are available through the OMAKASE platform.

View Details

Sushidokoro Arima

Awarded one Michelin star and recognized among Japan’s Top 100 Sushi establishments on a major gourmet platform, Sushidokoro Arima is helmed by Chef-owner Masataka Arima, who demonstrates a steadfast commitment to sourcing only the finest local ingredients. Even the tuna is carefully selected from Hakodate’s prime catch, while the majority of other seafood also comes from Hokkaido’s waters. In homage to Hokkaido’s historical name, Ezo, regular patrons affectionately refer to the restaurant’s offerings as “Ezo-mae” sushi, a northern counterpart to traditional Edomae-style sushi. The dining experience is offered exclusively as an omakase course, and reservations are accepted by phone only.

Crab and Sea Urchin

Hokkaido is renowned for a wide range of local specialties, but its crab and uni (sea urchin) stand out as some of the finest in Japan. Here, we introduce restaurants where diners can fully savor these exceptional delicacies at their peak of freshness.

Kyodoryori Oga

Although categorized as an izakaya—a casual Japanese tavern where drinks are served alongside small, flavorful dishes—Kyodoryori Oga offers a refined experience, allowing diners to fully enjoy Hokkaido’s local specialties in private, tranquil rooms. The restaurant has also been recognized among Japan’s Top 100 Izakaya on a major gourmet platform.

Upon entering, guests are greeted by a large aquarium, home to seasonal varieties of live crab, which are prepared fresh for the table. The sweetness of the raw crab sashimi is exceptional and a must-try. Other seasonal seafood is also displayed in the tanks, and diners are encouraged to consult with the staff to select the freshest ingredients for their meal.

View Details

Kani Sienne Kitanohanare

dining experience devoted entirely to these local treasures. Guests enjoy private rooms where skilled chefs prepare the crab right before their eyes, demonstrating a variety of ways to savor this delicacy. From sashimi and grilled preparations to other inventive dishes, the restaurant ensures that every aspect of the crab’s flavor is celebrated. Reservations can be made through the OMAKASE platform.

View Details

Hakodate Uni Murakami, Nippon Life Insurance Sapporo Building

Operated directly by a sea urchin processing company, this specialty restaurant offers an unparalleled experience for connoisseurs of uni (sea urchin). Expert chefs, intimately familiar with every nuance of the ingredient, craft a variety of exquisite sea urchin dishes. Above all, diners are encouraged to savor the additive-free uni. Unlike conventional uni, which is treated with myoban (alum) to extend shelf life, additive-free uni is extremely delicate and prone to losing its shape quickly. Thanks to direct sourcing from the harvest site with minimal delay, the restaurant can showcase the purest uni in abundance. These dishes provide a rare opportunity to taste sea urchin in its most natural and pristine form—a delicacy that even many Japanese rarely experience.

View Details

Jingisukan

Jingisukan is a style of grilled lamb, considered a soul food of Hokkaido. In Sapporo, specialized restaurants celebrate this local tradition, offering carefully selected cuts of lamb cooked to perfection over the grill.

Sapporo Jingisukan Shirokuma

Sapporo Jingisukan Shirokuma is a refined specialty restaurant that serves premium lamb sourced directly from Hokkaido farms. The city hosts only this single location, which exclusively features lamb from the highly regarded Charomen Sheep Farm in Shiranuka, Hokkaido—a producer whose meat is celebrated for its quality. Every detail, from the carefully selected ingredients to the grilling pans themselves, is thoughtfully considered. By elevating the traditional Hokkaido comfort food of Jingisukan, the restaurant delivers a dining experience that satisfies even the most discerning palates.

View Details

Savor the Evening at a Bar

After a memorable dinner in Sapporo, lingering at a bar to enjoy the night is highly recommended. The city is home to numerous distinguished establishments, including the legendary Bar Yamazaki, founded in 1958, where experienced bartenders craft exquisite cocktails.

Recommended Bars in Sapporo

Bar Yamazaki

Founded in 1958, Bar Yamazaki is a venerable institution and has been recognized among Japan’s Top 100 Bars on a major gourmet platform. Even in Tokyo’s Ginza, a city famed for its bar scene, few establishments boast such a long and distinguished history. The bar has welcomed renowned figures from both Japan and abroad. The legendary first-generation owner-bartender, Tatsuro Yamazaki, continued to stand behind the counter well into his nineties. Today, the bar is guided by Akihiro Suzuki, a chief bartender trained under Yamazaki, who continues to uphold the establishment’s high standards. Visitors are especially encouraged to try the cocktail “Sapporo”, a signature creation born at this historic bar.

View Details

The Bar Nano Femto

Femto has quickly established itself as one of Hokkaido’s premier cocktail destinations. It is recognized among Japan’s Top 100 Bars, one of only four in Hokkaido to receive this distinction alongside Bar Yamazaki. While embracing the hallmarks of an authentic cocktail bar, the establishment showcases Hokkaido’s rich local ingredients in both its drinks and small plates. Guests can enjoy inventive cocktails infused with regional flavors, as well as a rotating selection of seasonal cheeses sourced from across the island.

View Details

Finish Your Night with a Fruit Parfait

In Sapporo, a unique culinary tradition has emerged: after enjoying dinner and drinks, locals often end their evening with a fruit parfait, a custom known as “Shime Parfait”. Today, the city is home to many establishments offering this indulgent treat, but here we highlight the pioneering shop that helped establish this delightful nocturnal ritual.

Parfait, Coffee, Sake –Sato

As mentioned, Parfait, Coffee, Sake – Sato is widely regarded as the pioneer of Sapporo’s Shime Parfait culture. The restaurant uses carefully selected seasonal fruits, and every component of the parfait—including ice cream, sorbet, mousse, and baked elements—is crafted in-house with meticulous attention to detail. The resulting parfaits are as visually stunning as they are delicious, with each ingredient enhancing the others to create a harmonious and exquisite flavor experience.

View Details

No Sapporo Gourmet Tour Is Complete Without Ramen – Perfect for Dinner or Lunch!

When visiting Sapporo, one cannot miss the city’s iconic Sapporo ramen. While excellent bowls can be found throughout the city, here we highlight two establishments personally favored by the author. Be prepared for lines at these popular spots, as their reputation draws both locals and travelers alike.

Higuma Yokocho Honten

In Sapporo’s Susukino district, a narrow street known as Ramen Yokocho is home to a cluster of ramen shops. Among them, Higuma has been serving diners since 1972 in a tiny, seven-seat counter establishment. Unlike many popular Sapporo ramen shops that have expanded into chains, Higuma maintains only one additional branch at the Sapporo Central Market. Each bowl of soup is prepared individually in a large wok upon order, a tradition that has remained unchanged for decades. This dedication and authenticity make Higuma a place where visitors can truly experience the essence and origins of Sapporo ramen.

View Details

Hachinoki

Located in Hassamu, a district slightly outside central Sapporo, Hachinoki is a popular ramen shop founded in 2016. Despite being relatively new, it has already been recognized among Japan’s Top 100 Ramen establishments. The restaurant is helmed by Takemi Anazawa, who trained at the legendary Sapporo ramen house Sumire before opening his own shop. Lines are to be expected, but the miso ramen is a must-try. Its rich, savory broth blends harmoniously with Hachinoki’s original miso blend, creating a depth of flavor that is both satisfying and memorable. The custom-made noodles, with their perfect texture, complement the soup beautifully. As a charming signature touch, a message from the chef appears at the bottom of the bowl if you finish the broth—so, if you can, savor every last drop.

Summary

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is a land abundant with exceptional flavors. In its bustling capital, Sapporo, these culinary treasures converge, captivating all who visit. Even many Japanese return repeatedly to savor its offerings. Visitors are encouraged to fully indulge in Sapporo’s gourmet scene.