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“Hokkai Shabu-Shabu,” located in the heart of Susukino, Sapporo, is a well-regarded, lesser-known establishment known as the birthplace of lamb shabu-shabu.
Its greatest feature is a lamb shabu-shabu hot pot that combines huge visual impact—”lamb meat” sliced extremely thin with unique techniques and piled high into a mound—with the entertainment of swishing the meat through the hot pot to eat it.
Want lamb beyond Genghis Khan in Susukino—is the shabu-shabu really that striking?
Hokkai Shabu-Shabu’s mountain of ultra-thin lamb looks different from the start. Photo guide to how the original shop does it.
In this article, we introduce the highlights of Hokkai Shabu-Shabu based on photos from the author’s own visit.
Highlights of “Hokkai Shabu-Shabu”
The Tower of Thinly Sliced Lamb Meat Is Spectacular
Lamb meat sliced extremely thin appears piled high in a mound on a plate. Looking truly like a tower of meat, its spectacular look has a huge impact.
Just passing it through a boiling hot pot for a few seconds turns the meat soft and white, making it ready to eat. You can barely notice the odor unique to lamb; you can enjoy its tender texture and the umami of the lamb that spreads the more you chew. Even a piled-high amount of meat can surprisingly be polished off in no time.
3 Types of Condiments for Changing the Flavor
Three types of “condiments” are provided so you can enjoy the meat to the very end without getting tired of it: plentiful “grated garlic,” “momiji oroshi” (grated radish with chili pepper) with a comfortably sharp kick, and crisp “chopped green onions.” Adding these to the secret sauce dramatically transforms the flavor.
At first enjoying the sweetness of the sauce itself, then adding punch with garlic midway, or refreshing it with momiji oroshi, lets you change flavors to your liking—a delightful point. The pairing of lamb fat and grated garlic in particular is outstanding.
For those heading out to enjoy “Susukino” afterward, be careful not to eat too much “grated garlic”!
A Lively Shabu Hot Pot Built for Sharing
Another highlight of Hokkai Shabu-Shabu is that everyone can gather around a single hot pot and get lively together—perfect for drinking parties with friends or corporate banquets. In cold Hokkaido, lamb shabu-shabu has the merit of letting several people gather around a warm hot pot.
Although the lamb shabu-shabu meat is sliced thin, it is half-frozen, so it can be picked up as is. However, it falls apart quickly. Lifting it all at once and throwing it into the hot pot brings excitement, and because the meat goes in all at once, you can have a fun time talking noisily with everyone.
Location & Access for “Hokkai Shabu-Shabu” Susukino Store
Location
“Hokkai Shabu-Shabu Susukino Main Store” is located right in the middle of Sapporo’s entertainment district, Susukino.
In a convenient location about a 2-minute walk from Subway Namboku Line “Susukino Station,” being right near the station makes it easy for people to gather even on bad-weather days or before and after banquets, and getting to a second party is extremely convenient as well. Riding the elevator up, a lively space unique to long-established shops opens up before you.
Information for “Hokkai Shabu-Shabu” Susukino Store
| Item | Details |
| Store Name | Hokkai Shabu-Shabu Susukino Main Store |
|---|---|
| Address | 7F Keiai Bldg., South 4 West 4, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido |
| Access | Right near Exit 2 of Subway Namboku Line “Susukino Station” (1 min on foot) |
| Business Hours | 16:00–23:00 (L.O. 22:30) |
| Closed Days | New Year holidays (Check for details) |
| Seating Capacity | 150 seats (Hori-gotatsu private rooms, counter, night view seats available) |
| Average Budget | Around 4,000 JPY to 5,000 JPY |
“Frequently Asked Questions” for “Hokkai Shabu-Shabu” Susukino Store
Question
Is it better to make a reservation?
Answer
Because it is a popular store, advance reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and during tourist season. With its large seating capacity, it can accommodate large banquets as well.
Question
I’m not good with the smell of lamb; is it okay?
Answer
Because carefully selected, fresh lamb is used, there is almost no distinctive odor. Even people who usually dislike Genghis Khan are often surprised, saying, “I can eat the one here!”
Question
Are there all-you-can-eat options?
Answer
Yes. The all-you-can-eat course bundled with lamb shabu-shabu, vegetables, tawara rice balls, and finishing ramen is the most popular.
Question
Can a solo diner enter?
Answer
Because counter seats are available, solo dining is also possible. There are also people who enjoy “solo lamb shabu-shabu.”
Question
Is it easy to visit even with children?
Answer
Because there are hori-gotatsu-style private rooms and tatami seating, families with small children can also enjoy a meal comfortably with peace of mind.
Summary: “Hokkai Shabu-Shabu” Susukino Store
“Hokkai Shabu-Shabu,” which colors Sapporo Susukino’s nights, is a famous shop filled with the tenderness that changes how you think of lamb, and the fun of gathering around a hot pot with everyone.
- Overwhelming Meat Tower: The look of lamb meat sliced extremely thin and piled high into a mound is indeed outstanding in impact. Just swishing it quickly through the hot pot lets you enjoy melting umami.
- Flavor Changes to Your Liking: Adding “garlic,” “momiji oroshi,” and “green onions” to the secret sauce is designed so you can eat through to the end without getting tired of it.
- Optimal for Banquets and Drinking Parties: The time spent noisily tossing meat into the hot pot with a large group is guaranteed to be exciting. The good location near Susukino Station is also a highlight.
- Reassuring Even for Beginners: With almost no lamb-specific odor, it is a shop that can be recommended broadly—from people who dislike Genghis Khan to solo travelers and families.
“Hokkai Shabu-Shabu” is not only delicious, but also has an entertainment quality where you can share the experience with everyone. When visiting Sapporo, please take on this “meat tower” and spend a supreme night!
Sapporo’s Curb Market and Nijo Market! Which is Recommended? Highlights, Directions, Precautions,
Sapporo and Hokkaido are bursting with delicious food. While eating at restaurants in Sapporo is fantastic, visiting the markets that support Sapporo’s food culture is just as thrilling.
Sushi You Definitely Want to Eat When Going to Sapporo! Introducing Recommended Sushi Restaurants
Sapporo, located close to New Chitose Airport—the air gateway of Hokkaido—is a "city of gastronomy" where highly fresh seafood gathers from various parts of the prefecture. Sushi in particular is one of the delights you cannot miss when visiting Sapporo.
Sapporo's sushi is undeniably delicious. In the gourmet paradise of Hokkaido, the umami of seafood that has grown robust in the cold northern seas is second to none.
Part of the charm of Sapporo's sushi dining scene is the coexistence of diverse styles, ranging from high-end establishments to casual conveyor-belt sushi spots you can easily drop by. Because seasonal toppings change throughout the year, you can enjoy discovering new flavors no matter when you visit. When you go to Sapporo, be sure to step into a sushi restaurant at least once.
Sapporo is a city where Hokkaido's delicious seafood gathers. Among all, the seafood from the northern seas—with its firm, flavorful fish and shellfish—is simply extraordinary.
A wonderful hotel in Sapporo featuring an all-you-can-eat seafood breakfast.
While there are plenty of hotels in Sapporo, you can choose one that perfectly fits your budget and how you want to enjoy your trip—ranging from budget-friendly accommodations meant simply for sleeping, to hotels featuring hot springs (large public baths) and buffet-style breakfasts with all-you-can-eat seafood. However, it can be quite difficult to make a choice without knowing the best recommendations.
Since you're going out of your way for a special trip, you definitely don't want to regret your hotel choice. You want to carefully weigh your options and stay somewhere wonderful. For anyone feeling this way, our top recommendation is Dormy Inn PREMIUM Sapporo, where you can enjoy seafood bowls to your heart's content for breakfast.
＼Recommended Hotel "Dormy Inn PREMIUM Sapporo"／
Above all, the all-you-can-eat seafood breakfast is simply irresistible! Complete with an onsen (large public bath) and situated in the absolute best location right along Tanukikoji, it’s a hotel you’ll want to stay at at least once to savor the hot spring and breakfast experience.
＼Hotel Reservations Are First Come, First Served／
Worried about room availability? Book early!
Whether you stay near "Sapporo Station" for easy airport access and JR day trips, stay near Odori Park for business convenience, or stay in the "Susukino" area to enjoy the famous Jingisukan (grilled mutton) and nightlife bars to your heart's content—choosing a hotel that matches your travel purpose is a key factor in making your stay in Sapporo fulfilling.
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Author: Boon
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