Top Hokkaido Foods and Secret Spots You Must Try – Based on 3 Trips (2025)

There are places that come back to you long after the journey ends—
not just in photos, but in fleeting moments, through the air, the sounds, even the scent.

Hokkaido is full of such landscapes—more than just memories, they drift through your mind like the warmth of a dream, without clear shape or form.

In this post, I won’t talk about the flashy tourist spots or trending gourmet food.
Instead, I’ll share the places I’ve actually visited—those quiet gems that made me think,
“I want to go back there someday.”

This list is purely based on my personal experience and impressions.

Must-Try Hokkaido Foods You Can’t Miss

In this article, I’ll introduce a carefully selected list of foods that truly made me think,
“I want to eat this again.” — dishes I encountered while traveling through Hokkaido.
Each one left a strong impression on me, not only for its taste, but for how it became tied to the memories of my journey.

Seafood Dishes and Kaisendon (Seafood Rice Bowls)

Seafood in Hokkaido stands out for its exceptional freshness and flavor.
Thanks to the proximity to fishing ports, you can enjoy incredibly fresh seafood at almost any restaurant.

What’s even more surprising is the price.
Luxurious items like sea urchin, salmon roe, and scallops—often considered high-end in Tokyo—are available in Hokkaido at surprisingly reasonable prices.

One of the greatest joys of dining in Hokkaido is being able to enjoy top-quality seafood at local prices, not tourist prices.

Here’s the raw shrimp.

Next up is the uni and ikura rice bowl.

Ramen Sumire

When it comes to Hokkaido ramen, miso is the star—and Ramen Sumire is one of the most iconic shops representing this style.
A long-established restaurant based in Sapporo, Sumire is beloved by both local regulars and tourists alike.

What makes their ramen unique is the layer of lard covering the surface of the soup.
This lard traps the heat, so there’s hardly any steam rising. But once you take a careful sip, the deep, rich miso flavor fills your mouth.
The ginger is subtle but distinct, adding a refreshing aroma.

Because of the lard layer, the soup stays hot until the very last bite.
The medium-thick curly noodles absorb the broth beautifully, and they pair perfectly with toppings like tender chashu pork and crisp bean sprouts.
The chashu, in particular, is slow-cooked to perfection—making this bowl of ramen incredibly satisfying and well-balanced.

Store Information

Store Name	Sumire Nakanoshima Main Branch
Address	7-28, Nakanoshima 2-jo 4-chome, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business Hours	11:00–15:00 / 16:00–21:00 (Summer Hours)
Regular Holiday	Monday (If Monday is a national holiday, closed the following day)
Access	Approx. 5-minute walk from Nakanoshima Station (Subway)
Parking	Available

Raw Pacific Saury Sashimi

I had this raw Pacific saury (sanma) sashimi at a fisherman’s restaurant called Tomimaru.
The fish was rich in fat, with a smooth, almost buttery texture.
With every bite, the umami flavor spread in my mouth—absolutely irresistible.
It’s a simple dish, but the incredible freshness makes it truly stand out.

Sapporo Classic

If you come to Hokkaido, Sapporo Classic is a beer you should try at least once.
This Hokkaido-exclusive brew offers a crisp, refreshing taste perfectly balanced with the rich flavor of malt.
It has the sharpness unique to lagers, with a subtle smoothness.
It pairs well with all kinds of food, but it’s especially great with seafood.
Enjoying a beer beloved by locals, right in its hometown, makes the experience all the more special.

Seicomart’s Katsudon

Seicomart is a local convenience store chain in Hokkaido known for its surprisingly tasty gourmet offerings. While it’s not exclusive to Hokkaido anymore—having expanded into parts of the Kanto region—it still proudly holds the top spot among regional favorites. One of the most popular items is the katsudon: a bowl of rice topped with a thick pork cutlet and fluffy egg soaked in a sweet-savory broth. The balance is spot-on, and it’s no wonder this dish is a fan favorite. Often overshadowed by the katsudon, the tonkatsu bento is also worth mentioning. It’s flavorful and tender, with a freshly fried aroma and satisfying volume. If you spot a Seicomart on your journey, be sure to give their local meals a try.

Unforgettable Scenic Spots in Hokkaido You’ll Want to Visit Again

Hokkaido is filled with unique charm that varies from region to region. In this article, I’ll introduce a carefully selected list of sightseeing spots I’ve personally visited—places that made me think, “I want to come back here someday.” While the selection is entirely based on my own experience, I hope it offers some inspiration when planning your trip. Hokkaido is the kind of place that makes you want to return again and again. What follows is a personal list of spots, organized by area, that left a lasting impression and made me genuinely want to go back. It’s a completely subjective selection, but every location is somewhere I truly enjoyed visiting. I hope this helps both first-time visitors and Hokkaido regulars alike.

Wakkanai Forest Park | A Hidden Spot to Enjoy Nature and Scenic Views in Japan’s Northernmost Town

Located in Wakkanai City, Hokkaido, Wakkanai Forest Park is a natural park well-known among locals but still relatively undiscovered by tourists. It’s a serene hidden gem where visitors can enjoy the unique landscapes of Japan’s northernmost region and experience a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere.

The View from the Observatory is a Must-See!

Atop a hill within the park, the Forest Park Observatory offers sweeping views of the town of Wakkanai, Sōya Bay, and on clear days, even Mount Rishiri (Rishirifuji) in the distance.

Sunset is especially recommended. The sky and sea glow in shades of orange, and the panoramic view unfolding in the quiet atmosphere is truly breathtaking. With few visitors, you can take your time and fully enjoy the scenery.

Encounter Wildlife Too

You may also come across wild animals such as Ezo deer and squirrels.

Ororon Line and the Otonrui Wind Farm

On clear days, you can see the silhouette of distant islands and even Mount Rishiri on the horizon. With relatively low traffic and very few traffic lights, this route is ideal for a pleasant motorcycle or car touring experience. Along the roadside, a large number of wind turbines line the landscape, creating a distinctive and symbolic scenery that defines the Ororon Line.

Mount Rishiri (Rishirifuji)

Mount Rishiri, often called Rishirifuji, is a 1,721-meter-high volcanic mountain located on Rishiri Island in Hokkaido. Positioned near the center of the island, it stands almost completely isolated, and its beautifully symmetrical, cone-shaped silhouette is one of its most distinctive features. On this day, the weather was perfect, allowing us to capture stunning photos of the mountain.

Kaminoko Pond

Kaminoko Pond is a small spring-fed pond located in Kiyosato Town, Hokkaido. Surrounded by forest, the area is minimally developed as a tourist spot, preserving its natural beauty. The pond’s water is incredibly clear—so transparent you can see all the way to the bottom. It has a bluish tint, and on sunny days, it glows quietly like blue ink dropped into the water.

Fallen trees lie submerged in the pond, but they remain unrotted and clearly visible, likely due to the low temperature and exceptional clarity of the spring water. The surroundings are remarkably quiet, with few artificial sounds—only the rustling of leaves in the wind and the gentle murmur of water. The mystical atmosphere naturally encourages visitors to speak in hushed tones, maintaining a constant sense of serenity.

Lake Mashu

Lake Mashu is a caldera lake located in eastern Hokkaido. Known for its exceptionally clear water and frequent misty conditions, it is often referred to as “the foggy Lake Mashu.” Visiting during less crowded times especially highlights its quietness and the vast, serene space that surrounds it.

Oshinkoshin Falls

Oshinkoshin Falls is located near the entrance of the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido. The wide cascade of water conveys both power and beauty at once. Thanks to its easy accessibility as a tourist destination, many people visit the site—but standing before the falls, one can’t help but be overwhelmed by the sheer force of nature.

Golden Road

The Golden Road is a national highway running along the Pacific coast of Hokkaido. True to its name, it stretches approximately 33.5 kilometers along the coastline, offering a scenic drive. The road runs alongside steep coastal cliffs. While there may not be any standout landmarks or specific attractions, the entire route itself can be considered one continuous, beautiful landscape.

Hunbe Falls

Hunbe Falls is located along the Golden Road, about a five-minute drive from the Hiroo Bridge toward Erimo. This quietly flowing waterfall may have a modest drop, but the gentle sound of its pure water brings a sense of calm to those who visit.

Lake Tōya

Lake Tōya is a caldera lake located in central Hokkaido, with a calm surface that reflects the surrounding mountains and seasonal scenery. The water is crystal clear, and on sunny days, the blue sky and clouds are mirrored like a painting. Unfortunately, I forgot to take photos of the lake itself—so all I have are pictures from the fireworks festival.

Mount Muroran

Mount Muroran, located in the city of Muroran, Hokkaido, is a popular hiking destination for beginners and intermediate climbers alike. Although its elevation is a modest 732 meters, the well-maintained trails make it an easy and enjoyable hike, offering the beauty of nature throughout all four seasons.

From the summit, you’ll be treated to a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean. On clear days, you can see not only the city of Muroran and Muroran Port but even as far as Mount Komagatake in the distance. In spring, the fresh greenery is stunning, and in autumn, the vibrant foliage attracts many hikers and photographers.

At the foot of the mountain, there are campgrounds and hot spring facilities, providing a perfect place to relax after the hike. With convenient access from both Sapporo and Hakodate, it’s a highly recommended spot for a day trip into nature.

There Are Views in Hokkaido You’ll Long to See Again

The landscapes you witness, the air that brushes your skin, the flavors that linger on your tongue, the sounds that fill your ears—
Before you know it, you find yourself longing to stand once more beneath that same sky.
Having a place that stirs such feelings in you may be one of life’s most precious gifts.