The food of Hokkaido is one of the northern island's biggest attractions, especially the high quality seafood caught in its cold waters and the agricultural products grown on its wide farmlands.
Seafood
Hokkaido is renowned for the high quality and freshness of its seafood, as the cold waters surrounding Japan's northernmost prefecture are ideal for fish and sea vegetation.
Within the prefecture some areas are particularly famous for a certain product, such as the uni (sea urchin) of Rishiri and Rebun. Some other highly celebrated seafood products are kani (crab), ika (squid), ikura (salmon roe) and hotate (scallops).
A popular way to sample the prefecture's famous seafood is visiting a fish market and having a donburi (rice bowl) breakfast. Typical toppings are fresh uni (sea urchin), ikura (salmon roe), ika (squid) or a combination thereof. Popular markets include Sapporo's Nijo Market, Hakodate's Morning Market and Kushiro's Washo Market.
Dairy Products
Thanks to its expansive countryside, Hokkaido is able to support a massive dairy industry. The prefecture produces about half of the country's milk, of which about 60% is used for drinking while the rest is processed into other dairy products like butter, cheese, yoghurt and ice cream.
Dairy products from Hokkaido enjoys a very strong brand value across Japan, and many butter and milk packages prominently advertise their ties to the northern prefecture.
Inside Hokkaido, travelers may notice that dairy products are used in dishes more often than elsewhere in the country. For instance, ramen is frequently served with a slice of butter on top. And one of the most popular local souvenirs are butter cookie sandwiches, which consist of two cookies with butter and raisins in the middle.
Produce
As with dairy products, Hokkaido is able to support extensive farming thanks to its large size, relatively small population and favorable soil and climate.
For example, it produces almost ten times as much wheat as any other prefecture. Among other farm products readily associated with Hokkaido are potatoes, corn, onions and melons.
Ramen
Ramen is a noodle soup dish that has its origins in China, but was imported to Japan during the Meiji Period (1868-1912) and then Japanized. It is popular throughout the country, but is also well known as a specialty of Hokkaido.
The soup base, noodles and toppings used for ramen vary across Japan, and even within Hokkaido there are variations between the regions. While Sapporo is known for its miso based broths, salt based broths are more common in Hakodate and soya sauce based ones in Asahikawa.
Like in the rest of the country, ramen shops are among the most numerous types of restaurants, found across cities and along major roads. Tourists can find an entire collection of ramen shops in the Ramen Village in Asahikawa or the Ramen Republic and Ramen Yokocho in Sapporo.
Genghis Khan (Jingisukan)
Named after the man who founded the Mongol Empire in the early 13th century, Genghis Khan is a dish consisting of meat (usually mutton) and vegetables cooked on a dome shaped metal grill in the middle of the table. The meat is usually dipped in a shoyu based sauce and eaten right off the grill.
Genghis Khan can be enjoyed at specialized restaurants across Hokkaido. One of the best places to enjoy it is the atmospheric beer hall at the Sapporo Beer Museum.
Beer
Beer has become the most popular alcoholic beverage in Japan since it was introduced from Germany in the beginning of the Meiji Period (1868-1912). Sapporo Beer, one of the first and most popular beer brands in Japan, was founded in Hokkaido and dates back to the opening of Japan's first brewery in 1876.
Travelers can learn about the history of beer in Hokkaido at the Sapporo Beer Museum, and enjoy a beer tasting afterwards. Beer tastings can also be enjoyed at a small tasting bar at the Sapporo Factory shopping center, the former site of the original brewery.
Featuring 3-star accommodation, The Base Sapporo Susukino is located in Sapporo, 13 km from Shin-Sapporo Station and 20 km from Otarushi Zenibako City Center. Each accommodation at the 3-star hotel has city views and free WiFi. The property is 2.7 km from Sapporo Station, and within 700 metres of the city centre. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. At The Base Sapporo Susukino each room has bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Susukino Station, Odori Park and Odori Station. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 9 km from The Base Sapporo Susukino.
Set in Sapporo and with Sapporo Station reachable within 6.5 km, Guesthouse OYADO SAPPORO offers a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a bar. The property is around 10 km from Shin-Sapporo Station, 24 km from Otarushi Zenibako City Center and 40 km from Otaru Station. Susukino Station is 4 km from the guest house and Sapporo Dome is 4.7 km away. With a shared bathroom, certain units at the guest house also provide guests with a city view. Sapporo TV Tower is 4.9 km from Guesthouse OYADO SAPPORO, while Sapporo Convention Centre is 5.2 km away. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 14 km from the accommodation.
Featuring 2-star accommodation, VILLA KOSHIDO kotoni is situated in Sapporo, 15 km from Otarushi Zenibako City Center and 17 km from Shin-Sapporo Station. With free WiFi, this 2-star hotel offers a shared lounge and a 24-hour front desk. The property is non-smoking and is set 5.1 km from Sapporo Station. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. The units feature a wardrobe. Otaru Station is 31 km from VILLA KOSHIDO kotoni, while Former Hokkaid? Government Office is 5 km away. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 8 km from the accommodation.
Conveniently located in the centre of Sapporo, Hotel Classe Stay Sapporo offers free WiFi and a shared lounge. This 3-star hotel offers luggage storage space. The property is non-smoking and is set 2.7 km from Sapporo Station. At the hotel, all rooms include a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Popular points of interest near Hotel Classe Stay Sapporo include Susukino Station, Sapporo TV Tower and Odori Station. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 9 km from the accommodation.
Set 3 km from Sapporo Station, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sapporo Nakajima Koen offers 4-star accommodation in Sapporo and has a restaurant. Featuring a shared lounge, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking is available on site. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. All guest rooms at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sapporo Nakajima Koen come with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a safety deposit box. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at the accommodation. Speaking English and Japanese, staff are willing to help at any time of the day at the reception. Popular points of interest near Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sapporo Nakajima Koen include Susukino Station, Odori Park and Odori Station. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 10 km from the hotel.
Set in the Sapporo City Centre district in Sapporo, 41 PIECES Sapporo offers 4-star rooms with free WiFi. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 800 metres from Sapporo TV Tower, 800 metres from Sapporo Clock Tower and less than 1 km from Former Hokkaid? Government Office. The property is 100 metres from the city centre and 1.9 km from Sapporo Station. All units in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a bidet and free toiletries, the units at 41 PIECES Sapporo have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and certain rooms will provide you with a terrace. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Susukino Station, Odori Station and Odori Park. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 9 km from 41 PIECES Sapporo.
Keio Prelia Hotel Sapporo is attractively set in the centre of Sapporo, and features a fitness centre, free WiFi and a shared lounge. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Private parking is available on site. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. The rooms have a wardrobe. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at Keio Prelia Hotel Sapporo. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Sapporo Station, Hokkaido University and Kita-Juni-Jo Station. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 8 km from Keio Prelia Hotel Sapporo.
Attractively situated in the centre of Sapporo, ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking. This 3-star ryokan offers luggage storage space. The ryokan has a sauna and a 24-hour front desk. The rooms in the ryokan are fitted with a flat-screen TV. The rooms include a kettle, while certain rooms are fitted with a balcony and others also boast city views. At ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo rooms have bed linen and towels. The accommodation offers 3-star accommodation with a hot spring bath. Popular points of interest near ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo include Sapporo Station, Former Hokkaid? Government Office and Odori Park. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 9 km from the ryokan.
Villa Sapporo Honobono features city views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Sapporo, 11 km from Sapporo Station. Fitted with a terrace, the units offer air conditioning and feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bidet and free toiletries. A fridge and microwave are also provided, as well as a kettle. After a day of skiing or cycling, guests can relax in the garden or in the shared lounge area. Shin-Sapporo Station is 16 km from the aparthotel, while Otarushi Zenibako City Center is 27 km away. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 18 km from Villa Sapporo Honobono.
Located in Sapporo, Experience Sapporo provides 3-star accommodation with private balconies. Built in 2020, this 3-star hotel is within 3.9 km of Sapporo Station and 13 km of Shin-Sapporo Station. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. All units are equipped with air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a desk. Every room is fitted with a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and slippers. At the hotel the rooms have bed linen and towels. Experience Sapporo offers 3-star accommodation with a hot tub. Otarushi Zenibako City Center is 19 km from the accommodation, while Otaru Station is 35 km away. The nearest airport is Okadama Airport, 11 km from Experience Sapporo.