5 Izakayas in Hakodate, Hokkaido, that boast the best ingredients Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Nov 26 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

5 Izakayas in Hakodate, Hokkaido, that boast the best ingredients

Surrounded by the Tsugaru Straits, the Pacific Ocean, and Eruption Bay (Uchiura Bay), Hakodate boasts the best seafood in Hokkaido. Hakodate is known for its many specialties. To enjoy a wide variety of ingredients to the fullest, one should go directly to an izakaya with an extensive menu. Here are five popular Hakodate restaurants that specialize in seafood dishes.

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

1. Hakodate Marukan Gyogyobu Umigaki Main Branch

Just a 3-minute walk from Hakodate Station sits a large seafood izakaya offering an authentic fisherman's menu, curated by the owner, a former fisherman. The traditional "Atka Mackerel dried overnight" is a highlight. Fresh fish from the port, like the "live squid" so fresh it's still moving when served as sashimi, can be seen in the tanks at the counter. Course meals are recommended to fully savor these fresh ingredients. With counter seats, sunken kotatsu seats, tatami rooms, and private rooms, it caters to various occasions.

Hakodate Marukan Gyogyobu Umigaki Main Branch

Open: Dinner 4:30 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:45 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Hakodate Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line
Address: 8-2, Matsukaze-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido Map
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2. Hakodate Minnano Izakaya Suzuya

Hokkaido seafood and charbroiled yakitori are the specialty items on the menu. Plenty of local sake is available.

Hokkaido seafood and charbroiled yakitori are the speciality items on the menu. Plenty of local sake available.

Hakodate Minnano Izakaya Suzuya is known for its fresh seafood, mainly from Hokkaido, and charcoal-grilled yakitori. The menu offers a variety of popular fresh seafood dishes, such as the "Live Squid Sashimi," in which a whole live squid from the Tsugaru Straits or other areas is sliced right in front of your eyes. Note that this performance is only available for table seating.

The location is an attraction, with a streetcar running right in front of the restaurant. Inside the restaurant, where a large fish tank is set up, there are table seats where you can watch the Ika Senninn, as he is commonly called, work his hands, and semi-private sunken kotatsu-style tatami rooms where you can stretch out your legs and relax. The ceiling, decorated with table lanterns, is also impressive. Here, you can immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere reminiscent of a festival.

Hakodate Minnano Izakaya Suzuya

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 7-minute walk from Hakodate station on JR line, 3-minute walk from Hakodate Ekimae station on Hakodate City Tram
Address: Capitol Bldg. 1F, 6-11, Shofu-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido Map
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3. Syunmi Karoku

Enjoy the blessings from the sea and mountains near Hakodate. The restaurant also offers a limited selection of Hakodate's famous sake.

Syunmi Karoku offers a variety of dishes that make the most of fresh seafood caught in the surrounding seas and other ingredients that are available only on that particular day. The restaurant offers a variety of Hokkaido delicacies, such as the beautifully presented "Thinly Sliced Japanese Squid" and "Seared Deer Leg," made from high-quality venison caught in the suburbs of Hakodate.

All of the counter seats and table seats are zashiki style with a sunken kotatsu. The relaxed atmosphere is comfortable and inviting. A wide selection of alcohol is also available, including Hakodate's locally brewed sake, "Asahi Super Dry Extra Gold" served at below freezing temperatures, and "Freezing Highball".

Syunmi Karoku

Open: [Monday-Friday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm)[Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Wednesday, Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk (116m from ) from Goryokaku-koen-mae Station on Hakodate City Tram
Address: 1F, Ikegaki Bldg, 31-8, Honmachi, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido Map

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4. Sake and Sakana Kozaru

A great place to stop by on the way home from sightseeing in Goryokaku for delicious sake and finger foods.

Sake to Sakana Kozaru is located near Goryokaku, a popular attraction in Hakodate. The restaurant offers a variety of a la carte dishes that are ideal as accompaniments to alcoholic beverages, such as "Jidori Tataki (chicken tartare)” imported from Kyushu, “Grilled Chicken Liver" that is mild and has no peculiar taste, and "Dashi Maki Tamago (Japanese omelet)” that has a gentle flavor. Please enjoy all the specialties.

You can choose from counter seating along the open kitchen, table seating for around 4 people, or private rooms, depending on the number of people in your party. The restaurant has a relaxed yet friendly atmosphere that makes it welcoming. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of sake from all over Japan, with 15 to 20 varieties available each season. Be sure to check out the store's recommended brands.

Sake and Sakana Kozaru

Open: [Wednesday - Friday, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) [Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: 5 minutes walk from Goryokaku koen mae station
Address: 10-13, Honmachi, Hakodate, Hokkaido Map
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5. Izakaya Futami Sakaba

An izakaya offering fresh seafood, where you can taste the catch of the day.

Izakaya Futami Sakaba serves seafood directly from the fishing ports of Ekkobai Bay in Hokkaido, known as a sea of abundance. You can enjoy fresh sashimi platters selected by our chefs, and other delicacies unique to Hokkaido that arrive daily. Start with a toast with the "Evening Drinking Set," which includes a choice of one drink and six finger foods!

The main seating area is counter seating, where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere of the izakaya. You can enjoy an enjoyable time amidst lively conversation. There are also sunken kotatsu-style tatami rooms that can accommodate up to 15 people. We have over 20 varieties of sake, mainly from Hokkaido, carefully selected from breweries all over Japan, and a wide variety of small 180-ml bottles, so you can taste a little bit of each with your group.

Izakaya Futami Sakaba

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays ] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Goryokaku-koen-mae Station
Address: Dai-7KH Bldg., 5-18, Honmachi, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido Map
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6. Fresh Seafood Ikasei Main Branch

Freshly caught squid from the neighboring waters is the specialty! A wide selection of dishes, from sashimi to creative dishes!

Freshly caught squid from the neighboring waters is the speciality! A wide selection of dishes from sashimi to creative dishes!

Hakodate is one of Japan's largest producers of squid. The signature dishes at Katsugyo Ryouri Ikasei Main Branch are Hakodate's seafood. The sashimi of fresh squid caught that day in the restaurant's aquarium is exquisite. In addition to sashimi, the restaurant also offers a wide variety of other dishes and a menu featuring seasonal Hokkaido ingredients.

The restaurant is equipped with 12 private rooms, mainly with sunken kotatsu-style seating, which can be used by two people. Counter seating is also available in front of the restaurant's signature water tank. We recommend choosing from the 30 brands of sake selected from breweries all over Japan, including about 10 brands of Hokkaido's local sake, to be enjoyed with the specialty menu. The relaxed atmosphere is also an attraction.

Fresh Seafood Ikasei Main Branch

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] 5:00 pm - 0:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm) [Sunday, National Holidays] 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY
Access: Just steps from Chuobyouinmae station, Hakodate City Tram.
Address: 2-14, Honcho, Hakodate, Hokkaido Map

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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.