Update-date: Jan 23 2024
Categories:
Hokkaido
When one thinks of Hokkaido's winter flavors, red king crab comes to mind. The plump springiness of the body, firmed in the cold waters of the Sea of Okhotsk, is simply irresistible. It is in season in both spring and winter, but the upcoming cold winter season is when one can taste the tightly packed meat. Here are 5 truly authentic restaurants where guests can enjoy rare, Hokkaido produced Red King Crab.
Hakodate Station - Hakodate Dining Gaya
Live crab from a water tank boiled on the spot and served hot
Located a 2 minute walk from Hakodate Station, Hakodate Dining Gaya is a Hokkaido seafood izakaya bar located next to Asaichi(morning market) in front of Hakodate Station. They have giant water tanks that let them always serve fresh seafood. Among them, they have 3 tanks dedicated to crabs. The "Whole Red King Crab", featuring live crabs from the water tank boiled and served hot directly after ordering, is highly recommended. This luxurious dish unique to Hokkaido winters is worth trying once for crab fans.
The 1st floor has 15 counter seats along with 6 private rooms (If connected, 3 private rooms can be used by a max capacity of 22 people). The 2nd floor has 6 private rooms with sunken kotatsu tables, and can be used by a max capacity of 50 people. This restaurant has good access and large capacity, and at the same time maintains the relaxing feel of its private rooms - making it great to use in a wide range of situations, from eating out with families or in groups, to banquets.
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
More Details Reservation
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
More Details Reservation
Chitose Station - Kaisen Ichiba
Substantial and large legs and claws. Enjoy the pleasures of quickly taking apart the packed crab body!
Located a 10 minute walk from Chitose Station. Kaisen Ichiba is a restaurant that lets guests freely enjoy fresh seafood produced in Hokkaido. Their "Large Red King Crab," a boiled crab that is extremely filling, is also extremely fresh as it is directly shipped from markets. The crab is carefully cut to make it easy to eat, so taking the meat quickly is very enjoyable. The exquisite salt seasoning draws out the flavors of the ingredients themselves, and guests will find themselves digging in with their chopsticks with Japanese sake or beer in one hand.
This restaurant has a home-like atmosphere in which guests are soothed by the smiles of the friendly head chef and staff. Besides the counter seats, they also have chair seats in tatami rooms which are quite comfortable. Their Japanese sake and cuisine are all Hokkaido-made, and in particular, one can feel the difference in the water used for beer brewed in Hokkaido. Limited to guests who drink alcohol. Guests who make reservations or visit before 6:30PM get free red king crab or hairy crab, making for delightful customer service.
Kaisen Ichiba
TEL: +81-50-5384-6049
Address: 2-32-2, Nishiki-cho, Chitose-shi, Hokkaido
Address: 2-32-2, Nishiki-cho, Chitose-shi, Hokkaido
Access: 10 minutes walk from Chitose station
Otaru Station - Robataya Tsurukichi Denuki Koji Branch
Fragrant and plump crab legs that can be enjoyed at the counter which feels like a food stall
Located a 10 minute walk from Otaru Station, Robataya Tsurukichi is a restaurant located next to Nichigin-dori Street, which continues along a canal. The "Grilled Red King Crab Legs" are cooked on a specially made grill with far infrared effects that guests can look forward to. The sweet flavors of this dish are further increased by grilling it after boiling it once, giving it plump textures. This dish is recommended and highly satisfying, with its tightly packed meat.
The fragrant scents of the Robatayaki drift in the air from the grill facing the street. The cozy restaurant interior features only counter seats, with an atmosphere that makes guests feel like they are at a food stand. A comfortable space that is recommended for both solo drinking and for regular dates. The Crab Meal, with its excellent cost performance, becomes quickly familiar to guests. Besides the crab, their Robatayaki food, mainly focused on seafood caught in the Otaru suburbs, can be enjoyed with local sake.
Robataya Tsurukichi Denuki Koji Branch
TEL: +81-50-5385-6134
Address: 1-1-17, Ironai, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido, Located in Otaru Denuki Koji
Address: 1-1-17, Ironai, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido, Located in Otaru Denuki Koji
Access: 10 minutes walk from Otaru Station
Hosui-Susukino Station - Katsu Kani no Hanasaki
Only in Hokkaido! A restaurant that lets guests luxuriously and fully enjoy the delicious flavors of crab
Located a 1 minute walk from Hosui-Susukino Station. Katsu Kani no Hanasaki is a restaurant that carefully selects large and live red king crabs from Hokkaido. Here, guests can try the Fully Enjoyable Crab course, served with various cooking methods being prepared before their eyes. The textures and sweetness of the same cuts change depending on how they are heated. Guests can enjoy rare cuts such as the "fundoshi(the part of the tail)," said to be the most delicious part of red king crab.
This reservation-only restaurant is located on the 5th floor of the building. Located in the most prominent shopping area in Sapporo, here guests can enjoy courses in a relaxed atmosphere. A large part of the appeal is the restaurant owner cooking right in front of guests' eyes. While enjoying the same sense of presence as a live performance, guests can hear explanations on how to enjoy the food, and enjoy the delicious flavors of the red king crab served gradually in the best cooked condition.
Katsu Kani no Hanasaki
TEL: +81-50-5870-4548
Address: 5F, Mimatsumuraoka Bldg, Minami 5-jo Nishi 2, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Access: 1 minute walk from Hosui-Susukino Station
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
