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“Hokkai Shabu-Shabu,” located in the center of Susukino, Sapporo, is a famous, 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—with “lamb meat” sliced extremely thin using unique techniques piled high into a mound—along with the entertainment factor of swishing the meat around in the hot pot to eat it.
In this article, we introduce the charms of Hokkai Shabu-Shabu based on photos actually taken and experienced by the author.
Charms of “Hokkai Shabu-Shabu”
The Tower of Thinly Cut 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 visual 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 feel the odor unique to lamb meat; you can enjoy its tender texture and the umami of the lamb meat 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 Flavor Changes
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 from the middle, or refreshing it with momiji oroshi allows you to change flavors to your liking, which is a delightful point. The compatibility between lamb meat fat and grated garlic in particular is outstanding.
For those going out to play in “Susukino” after this, be careful not to eat too much “grated garlic”!
A Shabu Hot Pot That Everyone Can Eat Loudly and Cheerfully Together
Another charm 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 allowing several people to 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 collapses quickly. Lifting it up all at once and throwing it into the hot pot brings excitement, and because meat goes in all at once, you can spend a fun time talking noisily with everyone.
Location and Access of “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 favorable 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, making movement to second parties extremely convenient as well. Riding the elevator up, a lively space unique to long-established shops expands before you.
Information of “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 seasons. Since seating capacity is large, it can accommodate large banquets as well.
Question
I am not good with the odor of lamb meat; is it okay?
Answer
Because carefully selected lamb meat of good freshness is used, there is almost no unique 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 menus?
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 single person enter the store?
Answer
Because counter seats are prepared, single-person use is also possible. There are also people who enjoy “solo lamb shabu-shabu.”
Question
Is it easy to use 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 tenderness that changes the concept of lamb meat and the fun of gathering around a hot pot with everyone.
- Overwhelming Meat Tower: The visual of lamb meat sliced extremely thin 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 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 charm.
- 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 possesses an entertainment nature where you can share the experience with everyone. When visiting Sapporo, please challenge this “meat tower” and spend a supreme night!
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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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