Sapporo is the largest and liveliest city in the Hokkaido region. It's no surprise that many tourists, including Japanese travelers themselves, come here to relax. Sapporo is home to many local restaurants that use fresh ingredients from the surrounding area and support local farmers. Here are 8 delicious and affordable restaurants you shouldn't miss in Sapporo.
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This affordable sushi restaurant is a well-known chain with many branches across Sapporo and Tokyo. It originated in Nemuro, a famous port city on the east coast of Hokkaido. One easy-to-reach branch is in the restaurant zone on the 6th floor of Stellar Place, in the JR Sapporo Station building. When you arrive, walk all the way to the left, where you'll see a long line of people waiting. Take a queue ticket and wait to be seated. Once inside, you'll find an English sushi menu with prices. The sushi comes on a conveyor belt, so simply take any plate you like. It's great value, and a must-visit for sushi lovers.
Access : Take the train to Sapporo Station, then go to the 6th floor of the JR building, Stellar Place zone.
For other branches, check the official website:
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Sapporo Junren is a ramen restaurant near Sumikawa Station that has been open for more than 50 years. It's famous for its miso ramen, a well-known Hokkaido specialty. The broth, made from fermented soybeans, has a light saltiness with a slight tang, topped with bite-sized pork, sweet corn that balances the broth's flavor, and bamboo shoots and tofu that add extra depth. Both locals and tourists line up in large numbers for a bowl of this miso ramen.
Access : Take the train to Sumikawa Station, then walk about 5 minutes.
Photo from Official toriton-kita1.jp
If you'd rather skip the long line at Nemuro Hanamaru, this restaurant is a great alternative, with equally good quality and low prices. Inside Toriton, you'll find many Japanese diners enjoying sushi plates that circulate on a conveyor belt. Highlights include aburi salmon mayo (grilled salmon with mayonnaise), pickled mackerel sushi, unagi sushi (eel sushi), and generous king crab sushi, starting from just 130 yen. This restaurant has many branches across Hokkaido and Tokyo, with about 10 locations in Sapporo alone.
Access : Take the train to Nishi Nijuhatchome Station; the restaurant is about 500 meters from the station.
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Besides miso ramen, Sapporo is also known for another type of ramen: curry ramen, or soup curry for those who prefer not to eat noodles. Okushiba Shoten is one of the most popular restaurants among both locals and tourists. Its soup curry is made with shrimp as the main ingredient, giving it a rich, sweet flavor. Combined with fresh local vegetables, it tastes even better. You can also choose your own toppings, such as seafood, beef, or pork.
Access : Take the bus to the Nishi-sen 9-jo tram stop.
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Photo from Official kushidori.com
If you're tired of sushi, ramen, and crab buffets, try switching things up with yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). Kushidori is Sapporo's most famous yakitori restaurant, with 5 branches in the city. Expect to wait at least 10 to 15 minutes in line, but it's well worth it. Besides classic grilled chicken yakitori, the menu also includes grilled mushrooms, grilled liver, and many other items you may not have tried before. The highlight is "Soshu," a shochu cocktail mixed with the restaurant's own sweet syrup recipe, which pairs perfectly with yakitori. Just head to whichever branch is nearest, since there are many locations across Hokkaido.
Access : Take the train to Sapporo Station.
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Another famous dish worth trying in Sapporo is jingisukan, or Genghis Khan grilled lamb. Jingisukan Daruma is a small restaurant tucked away in an alley not far from the subway. You may need to wait in line for a bit, as it's one of the most popular spots among locals, thanks to its fresh lamb, crisp side dishes, and affordable prices. Grill the lamb until it's just tender, not overcooked, and pair it with a cold Sapporo beer for a satisfying meal you won't want to rush.
Access : Take the train to Susukino Station.
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If you love tonkatsu, don't miss Tadumura Tonkatsu, located on the 8th floor of Daimaru department store. You'll often see long lines here. The highlight isn't just the crispy, large pork cutlets, but also the tonkatsu sauce, which comes with sesame seeds you can grind yourself and add to taste. If you're not a fan of pork, try the seafood tonkatsu instead—it's just as delicious. Prices start from just 1,000 yen, making it both affordable and tasty, so it's no surprise to see crowds lining up, especially at lunchtime.
Access : Take the train to Sapporo Station, then walk to Daimaru department store.
Photo from Official g-nanda.com
Last but definitely not least is the crab leg buffet at Nanda in the Susukino district. Crab legs are piled high for guests to enjoy, along with nearly 100 other seafood dishes and more. It's an all-you-can-eat buffet with just two seatings a day: lunch and dinner. The lunch session lasts 70 minutes and costs around 4,000 yen, while the dinner session lasts 100 minutes and costs around 5,100 yen.
Access: On the B2F level of the Cyber City building at Susukino Station.
If you're going in a large group, we recommend making a reservation on the official website: http://g-nanda.com/reservation/
Want to know just how delicious these restaurants are? Try them out for yourself. We guarantee you'll love them, and their affordable prices will help you save a lot on your trip.
