5 Hokkaido Casual Dining Spots for Exceptional Seafood Cuisine Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-date: Nov 06 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Seafood Hokkaido Hakodate Otaru

5 Hokkaido Casual Dining Spots for Exceptional Seafood Cuisine

Hokkaido, the northernmost region of Japan, is surrounded by the Sea of Okhotsk, the Japan Sea, and the Pacific Ocean, making it a region abundant in seafood. Many travelers visit Hokkaido specifically for its fresh seafood. From crab and sea urchin to squid, salmon, and salmon roe, the variety of seafood Hokkaido boasts is endless. Here, we introduce a restaurant where you can casually savor the bounties of the sea from Hokkaido.

See full listings of restaurants found in and around Hokkaido, Hakodate, and Otaru.

Hakodate Kaisen Izakaya Yan-shugyoba Nidaime Shoueimaru

Nidaime Shoueimaru in Hakodate is cherished by locals and tourists. Owner and former fisherman, Mr. Maeda, sources fresh seafood from nearby ports for his diverse menu of sashimi, grilled, and deep-fried dishes. Specialties include "atka mackerel sashimi" and "live squid sashimi," made from seafood caught in the Minami-Kayabe sea. The restaurant offers over 50 dry Japanese sake varieties and a wide range of accompaniments. Its quaint fisherman's house-style decor and warm hospitality promise an enjoyable Hakodate evening.

Hakodate Kaisen Izakaya Yan-shugyoba Nidaime Shoueimaru

Open: [Weekdays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm), [Saturday, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm), [Sunday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: From Matsukaze-cho Station on route 2/5 of City Tram, go toward Hakodate Station of JR Hakodate Main Line. It's located next to the Kikusui Koji alley's entrance on the street's right side.
Address: 10-3, Matsukaze-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido Map
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Nihon no Teppen KANI CLUB Wakkanai Gyoko Chokuso

Enjoy fresh crab delivered directly from Wakkanai at a reasonable price.

Located a 10-minute walk from Chitose Station, Nihon no Teppen KANI CLUB Wakkanai Gyoko Chokuso is a restaurant where you can savor freshly caught crabs. As the name suggests, the crabs are landed and directly delivered from Wakkanai Fishing Port in Wakkanai, located at the northernmost tip of Japan. You can enjoy these crabs through boiling, grilling, and sashimi preparation. The hair crab, snow crab, and king crab grown in the Okhotsk Sea are particularly flavorful. Indulge in the seasonal crab with the "Grilled Luxurious Crab Set."

5 Casual Dining Spots to Enjoy Exceptional Seafood Cuisine in Hokkaido

While crab specialty restaurants are often associated with a high-end and luxurious image, this establishment, themed as a Neo-Izakaya, offers a stylish and welcoming atmosphere, making it easy for travelers to enter. The spacious interior is accommodating, allowing even those with strollers to enter without any issues, making it family-friendly. With a variety of crabs, seafood, seasonal vegetables, and an extensive drink menu, this restaurant provides a casual setting where you can easily enjoy the delicious flavors of Hokkaido.

Nihon no Teppen KANI CLUB Wakkanai Gyoko Chokuso

Open: [Tuesday-Thursday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) / [Friday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm) *Open weekdays from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm upon reservation / [Saturday] 2:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm) / [Sunday] 2:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: About 10 minutes walk from JR Chitose Station
Address: 1-6, Saiwaicho, Chitose-shi, Hokkaido Map
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Hakodate Seafood Izakaya Uomasa Goryokaku Main branch

A reservation-better seafood izakaya to enjoy local ingredients.

Located a 2-minute walk from Goryokaku Koen-mae Station, Hakodate Seafood Izakaya Uomasa Goryokaku Main branch is an izakaya supported by local customers. The chefs are all seasoned veterans with over 10 years of experience, and the restaurant is known for the stability and reliability of its dishes. The "Home-Made Atka Mackerel Salted and Dried Overnight," prepared from scratch in the kitchen and dried in a dedicated area, is delicious down to the skin, with a thick and moist texture. The "Sashimi of Live Squid" requires advance reservation and offers a delightful chewy texture.

The serene and modern Japanese-themed interior of the restaurant features exclusively sunken kotatsu-style private rooms. These private rooms, suitable for both small groups and larger parties, accommodate everyone from the elderly to children, allowing guests to relax without worrying about their footing. The detached-style private rooms provide a perfect atmosphere for enjoying a peaceful meal. There are also banquet rooms available that can accommodate varying group sizes. Due to the high demand, especially on weekends, it is advisable to make reservations in advance.

Hakodate Seafood Izakaya Uomasa Goryokaku Main branch

Open: [Monday - Thursday, Sunday, National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm) [Friday, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,500 JPY
Access: 161 meters from [Goryokaku Koen-mae Station]
Address: 4-8 Honcho, Hakodate city, Hokkaido Map

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Uni Senmonten Yoichiya Otaru Unga Branch

Irresistible for uni lovers: compare and enjoy uni from various regions.

Located near the Otaru Canal, Uni Senmonten Yoichiya Otaru Unga Branch is a restaurant that offers a selection of Uni carefully chosen from various regions, including Hokkaido. The "5 Best Sea Urchin Comparison Bowl" allows you to savor Uni from different regions each day, making it a luxurious delight for Uni enthusiasts. If you want to indulge in a variety of seafood, the "Yoichiya Seafood Bowl Special" is highly recommended, overflowing with a generous assortment of ingredients.

Blending into the streets of Otaru, lined with buildings exuding a sense of history, is an atmosphere reminiscent of a stone-built warehouse. Upon passing through the noren curtain and entering, the interior transforms into a modern and tranquil space. With an inviting ambiance suitable for solo visitors, it's also popular among travelers. The carefully selected Uni and seafood are sure to satisfy both the stomach and the soul. Why not create lasting memories of your journey by savoring the premium Uni generously piled on a bowl?

Uni Senmonten Yoichiya Otaru Unga Branch

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] 10:00 am - 8:00 pm (L.O. 7:30 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: 6-minute by car from the Sasson Expressway Otaru IC / 60-minute from Sapporo City via National Route 5 / 15-minute walk from Otaru Station
Address: 2-18, Sakai-machi, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido Map
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Hakodate Dining Gaya

Indulge in the luxurious experience of enjoying freshly boiled live crabs from the in-house tank.

Located just a short walk from Hakodate Station West Exit, Hakodate Dining Gaya is an izakaya where you can savor fresh seafood from the nearby seas of Hakodate. As it is a seafood wholesaler directly operated by Hakodate Asaichi Morning Market, the freshness of the seafood is outstanding. You can enjoy dishes made with Hokkaido ingredients, such as freshly boiled crab, lively sashimi of fish, nigiri sushi, and yakitori skewers made with Yubari Sakura Hime chicken. Don't miss the three limited sets and seafood bowls available during lunchtime.

The interior of the restaurant is equipped with both counter seats and private rooms. Whether you're a family, a small group, or a larger party, you can enjoy your meal without worrying about your surroundings. Additionally, there is a large aquarium in the restaurant. Upon receiving your order, they cook lively crabs, scallops, and fish from the aquarium. The taste of freshly boiled crab is exceptional. It takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes from ordering to serving, but the deliciousness is worth the wait.

Hakodate Dining Gaya

Open: [Opening hours] 17:00 - 00:00 (last order 23:00). The above hours may vary depending on the season. / Lunch 11:30 - 14:30 (last order 14:00)
Closed: -
Average price: [Dinner] 2,000 JPY
Access: A 2-minute walk from the west exit of JR Hakodate station. When facing Mt. Hakodate from the west exit, you will see the restaurant sign. Hakodate Morning Market Area entrance.
Address: 8-14 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido Map

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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.