10 Must-Visit Food Spots in Hokkaido in 2021, Plus a Shiraoi Travel Guide

When traveling to Hokkaido, besides the beautiful scenery, the most captivating thing is Hokkaido's cuisine. Today, I will introduce you to the must-try foods from various places in Hokkaido. Have you tried any of these?

First, a travel guide for Shiraoi Town

Does anyone know about Shiraoi Town in Hokkaido? In July 2020, the largest national Ainu Museum in Hokkaido was established in Shiraoi, becoming a topic of discussion across Japan. So let me share a bit about Shiraoi Town.

First, there is a hamburger alliance store in Shiraoi Town, which is a local specialty. Don't underestimate a small burger; it will definitely leave you wanting more!! Key point: Shiraoi beef is one of the representative wagyu of Hokkaido. The burgers in Shiraoi Town use Shiraoi beef patties, and the price is reasonable—worth a try.

Another unique winter activity in Shiraoi Town is ice fishing. No gear needed; everything can be rented, costing around 2,300 yen for a set. Ice fishing is truly a lot of fun!!!

Now, back to the main topic—let's bring on the food!

When visiting Hokkaido, you'll definitely want a delicious seafood rice bowl. "Kikuyo Shokudo" is a long-established restaurant founded in 1956, very famous and covered by many media outlets. In Hakodate Morning Market, there are a main branch and a sub-branch, both open from 05:00 to 14:00 (06:00 to 13:30 from December to April). Note that they are open all year round except on New Year's Day (when Japan celebrates the New Year). Their signature dish is the "Ganso Hakodate Bademon." It's quite luxurious, featuring fresh salmon roe, sea urchin, scallops, and more. The price is a bit high, but being able to enjoy seven types of fresh Hokkaido ingredients at once is definitely a great deal, don't you think?

Address: 11-15 Wakamatsucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido

When in Hokkaido, you can't miss out on crab! I recommend "Ebi Kani Kassen Sapporo Main Store." It's a 3-minute walk from Susukino Station, with 120 seats. Business hours are from 16:00 to 24:00. They offer banquet sets (generally orderable for 2 or more people; basically, it's a set meal where the restaurant arranges the dishes—no need to order individually) and a 90-minute crab buffet. That's just too satisfying!!! Prices vary by season and your choice of options.

Address: 12F, F-45 Building, Minami 4-jo Nishi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Did you know that soup curry actually originated in Sapporo as a local food? Curry soup is a dish characterized by being a soup compared to regular curry. The origin of soup curry is said to be this shop, "Magic Spice." Since its establishment in Sapporo in 1993, this shop has been beloved by many. The atmosphere here is exotic. The spiciness of the curry has seven levels: "Awakening," "Meditation," "Stupefaction," "Nirvana," "Extreme Bliss," "Sky," and "Void." You can choose the level of spiciness you can handle. Japanese people aren't good with spicy food, but the spiciness of soup curry will definitely give you a new understanding. You often see the words "extremely spicy," but I think it's just for show, haha—it's actually more like sweet and not spicy at all.

Address: 8 Minami 6-2 Hongodori, Shiroishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

As a souvenir from Hokkaido, "LeTAO" remains consistently popular. After all, the cheesecake "Double Fromage" is very famous, and I think many people fall in love with it after one bite. It's sold not only throughout Japan but also overseas and online. The reason for its popularity is the "miraculous texture" that captivates people.

Why must you eat LeTAO in Hokkaido? Because the store has limited items! In fact, this cake is a raw double cake that can only be purchased at the main store in Otaru. That fluffy texture is irresistible. Try it once, and you'll know it's incomparable to defrosted sweets.

Address: 7-16 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido

Hokkaido's classic foods are not limited to seafood. There's also Genghis Khan! (Why it's named after the great leader of the Mongolian people, I have no idea, haha.) It's no exaggeration to say it's the soul food of Hokkaido people. The shop is called "Jingisukan Hitsujikai no Mise 'Itadakimasu.'" This is the only lamb specialty shop in Hokkaido. Its biggest appeal is getting high-quality meat at affordable prices. Even if you've never had Genghis Khan before, since you're in Hokkaido, let's taste the delicious authentic meat.

Address: 1-6 Minami 5-jo Nishi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

6. Sapporo's cute dessert "Shirokuma no Crepe"

Long-loved, especially by girls who can't resist it. I absolutely recommend "Shirokuma's Crepe." It's a very refined shop, with desserts in adorable bear patterns. But they're closed on Mondays and Fridays. They open at 12:00, and close once the crepes sell out, so it's best to go early.

Address: 5-30 Kita 7-go, Nango-dori (Kita), Shiroishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

As far as I know, the founder is Chinese. "Lucky Pierrot" is definitely good and cheap. Everyone in Hakodate knows it. Currently, there are 17 shops, and you can't get it outside of Hakodate.

To date, the Chinese Chicken Burger is the most popular menu item. It's 14 cm tall. In addition, their fries are also distinctive, topped with cheese and sauce, served in a cup. They also have rice bowls and other menus. It's Hakodate's number one local burger shop.

Address: Turn right outside Hakodate JR Station, across from Hakodate Morning Market.

I think even people who have never been to Hokkaido know about their souvenirs. In Sapporo, there is a theme park called "Shiroi Koibito Park." There are factory tours, handmade candy experiences, and a garden—it's especially dreamy. It will definitely leave you with wonderful memories. Since it's a theme park, there are many spots great for photos. The soft ice cream shop in the park has a white chocolate flavor that is absolutely delicious. There's also a souvenir shop with many limited-quantity items.

Address: 2-2-11-36 Miyanosawa 2-jo, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

When your trip ends and you're returning home, be sure! Be sure! Be sure! Leave plenty of time for shopping at New Chitose Airport. Whether it's souvenirs to take home or instant foods, you can find everything at the airport. You'll definitely be unable to stop eating and shopping.

Jaga Pokkuru (French fries) are always my favorite, and at the airport, there's even a freshly fried version.

If you love chocolate, everyone knows "Royce Chocolate World." It's located on the 3rd floor of New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. This is a world of chocolate. You must stop by to leave your final memories of Hokkaido.

The beauty of Hokkaido—there's so much to write about that it never ends. I'm happy to share with everyone, and I hope you all can come to Hokkaido to visit. Amid the hustle and bustle of the city, give yourself a week to purify—come to Hokkaido!! You'll definitely want to come back for a second visit after the first one.

Travelogue directory:

1. Preface

2. Shiraoi Hamburger Alliance

3. Winter Fishing on Poroto Lake in Shiraoi Town

4. 1. Seafood Rice Bowl at Kikuyo Shokudo in Hakodate

5. 2. Crab Buffet at Ebi Kani Kassen Sapporo Main Store in front of Sapporo Station

6. 3. Soup Curry Originator Magic Spice in Sapporo

7. 4. Otaru Dessert LeTAO

8. 5. Genghis Khan (Lamb) at Jingisukan Hitsujikai no Mise 'Itadakimasu' in Sapporo

9. 6. (Misnumbered in original) Skipping? Actually original has 6. Sapporo cute dessert Shirokuma no Crepe then 7. Hakodate Burger Lucky Pierrot then 8. Sapporo's Back Garden Shiroi Koibito Park then 9. New Chitose Airport then 10. Royce Chocolate World Airport Store

10. 7. Hakodate Burger Shop Lucky Pierrot

11. 8. Sapporo's Back Garden Shiroi Koibito Park

12. 9. New Chitose Airport

13. 10. Royce Chocolate World Airport Store

14. Conclusion

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