TOP 10 FOODS YOU MUST TRY IN HOKKAIDO

sourced from : https://galireo.com/products/detail.php?product_id=185

The northern island in Japan, Hokkaido is known for its unique variety of sea foods.
Not only sea food, but also agricultural products such as a sweet corn, potato, milk and etc...
I hereby share 10 foods you must try while you stay in Hokkaido.

1. GENGHIS KHAN


sourced from http://ryu-corporation.com/garyou.html

Genghis Khan is a famous local cuisine in Hokkaido.
It's a Japanese unique BBQ of mutton and lamb.
You know, the lamb meat in Hokkaido is very fresh as there are a lot of farms.
Genghis Khan is cooked by a dedicated pot which is made of cast iron and has a unique helmet shaped hill in the center.
Put fresh lamb meats on the center of the pot and vegetables on the lower edge.
The meat juice will be dropped to vegetables. It tastes so rich and juicy!!



2. SUSHI




sourced from http://www.excite.co.jp/News/lifestyle/20141231/Ignite_61359.html

SUSHI in Hokkaido is greatly FRESH!!
There are a lot of fishing ports around and you can enjoy the fresh sushi everywhere.
Sushi topping ingredient is so big and thick in Hokkaido!
And remember that Hokkaido rice is tasty as well.
Sushi in OTARU and HAKODATE is specially recommended!



3. KAISEN-DON



sourced from http://www.recruit-hokkaido-jalan.jp/guide/g01926

You want to have Uni(sea urchin), Ikura(salmon roe), Crab, Tuna, Salmon and all the sushi!!
All in one bowl "KAISEN-DON"!!
Fresh, Big and Thick sashimi are fully laid down on the rice bowl!



4. UNI-DON (SEA URCHIN)


sourced from https://retrip.jp/articles/3021/

OMG!! Look at this!! Full of blissful Uni on a bowl!
You can have a full of fresh Uni only in Hokkaido! Enjoy the rich Uni flavor!



5. SOUP CURRY


sourced from http://gurutabi.gnavi.co.jp/i/i_4/

Soup curry is so popular among local Japanese.
You may see a long queue at some famous soup curry shop.
A soup is simmered deliberately with a lot of Hokkaido vegetables.
Soup curry will warm your body and heart up at snowy night.



6. CRAB


sourced from https://retrip.jp/items/100651/

Okhotsk Sea is famous for crab produce district.
Because of freezing cold sea water, their meets are so thick and creamy!
We Japanese love to have a simply boiled crab with ponzu sauce to enjoy its own rich flavor.
Must Must Try!

7. BUTA-DON (PORK BOWL)


sourced from https://retrip.jp/articles/3021/

Hokkaido is famous for sea food though, do not forget that meats are so fresh as same as seafood!
It's one of the popular local cuisine in Hokkaido.
A sauce flavor is slightly different at each districts.
And It's so affordable price if you try in the provinces.


8. SQUID SASHIMI


sourced from https://retrip.jp/items/101000/

You will see a lot of fresh squids at the morning market in Hokkaido.
The more transparent the color is, the more fresh the squid is!
Fresh squid tastes soooo creamy and texture!



9. JAGA-BUTTER 


sourced from http://girlschannel.net/topics/478603/

Did you know that Hokkaido is so famous for potato as well??
Milky Hokkaido butter on the baked Hokkaido potato.
It's soooo simple but tastes fantastic!!
Try it our on your snack time!


10. SAPPORO RAMEN

 
sourced from https://www.travelbook.co.jp/topic/550?p=2

Yes, Even Ramen is great here, perfect Hokkaido!
There are a lot of Ramen shop. but you must try Sapporo Miso Ramen!
You see a looooong queue at famous shops.
Japanese Ramen freak don't mind to queue for an hour to enjoy their favorite Ramen!



The foods in Hokkaido is volume and really yummy!!
You will definitely love and enjoy the foods in Hokkaido!

GOJAPAN!

HOKKAIDO: FANTASTIC ICE VILLAGE AT HOSHINO RESORTS TOMAMU

Image sourced from http://news.walkerplus.com/article/70017/

The hotel "HOSHINO RESORTS TOMAMU'" opens the dreamy and fantastic Ice village this year.
There are Ice skating rink, Ice restaurant, Ice bar, Ice chapel, Ice hotel and a lot of spots to enjoy at the village. It opens from 1 December 2015 to the middle of March 2016.

ICE SKATE RINK


Image sourced from http://news.walkerplus.com/article/70017/

ICE SKATE RINK is a symbol of the ICE VILLAGE located at the center of the village.
Enjoy skating with the beautiful lights at a romantic night.

Business hour : 17:00-21:45
Entrance fee: Adult 1,000 yen / Child 7-11yrs old 500 yen / Child under 6yrs old  free of charge

ICE HOTEL

 
Image sourced from http://www.snowtomamu.jp/special/icevillage/event/index_en.html

The Ice hotel room made of ICE!
You can stay over night at the hotel. Experience the "Frozen" Ice world!
The rooms are limited. Go to website and reserve the room! (web reservation (Japanese)

Price : 20,000 yen per pax for a night.
Check-in time: 23:00 /  Check-out time : 8:00

ICE SCHOOL


Image sourced frorm http://www.snowtomamu.jp/special/icevillage/event/index_en.html

Join the class "Ice Glass making" and "Snow Crystal replica making" supported by Hokkaido university. They also have a class" Maple Trophy" which is a Canadian sweet.
You can have a unique activity in Tomamu resorts.

Business hour: 17:30/18:30/19:30/20:30 (50mins)
Class fee : Ice glass making  1,500 yen with one drink
                  Snow Crystal replica making  1,500 yen
                  Maple trophy  500 yen

ICE RESTAURANT


Image sourced from http://www.snowtomamu.jp/special/icevillage/event/index_en.html

The tables and chairs at Ice restaurant are made of Ice!
Let's have a hot cheese fondue party with a glass of hot apple wine!

Business hour : 17:00-22:00

ICE BAR


Image sourced from http://www.snowtomamu.jp/special/icevillage/event/index_en.html

Enjoy an ice glass of cocktail with your loved one.
The bar house, tables,chairs and bar counters... all are made of ice!

Business hour : 17:00-22:00
Price range : Alcohol from 1,000yen-  / Hot beverage from 500 yen-


ICE SLIDER

Image sourced from http://www.snowtomamu.jp/special/icevillage/event/index_en.html

ICE CHAPEL

Image sourced from http://www.snowtomamu.jp/special/icevillage/event/index_en.html

ICE THEATER

An image sourced from http://www.snowtomamu.jp/special/icevillage/event/index_en.html

The Ice Village opens only from 1 Dec'15 to the middle of March'16!
Don't miss having a wonderful experience of the world of Ice in Tomamu!
Find more details on the website (English) Official Website


An image sourced from http://www.snowtomamu.jp/special/icevillage/areamap/index_en.html

7 FREE NATURAL HOT SPRING (UNISEX) IN HOKKAIDO

http://find-travel.jp/article/1823

Natural hot springs are highly popular in Japan.
Travelers visit hot spring resorts to have relaxations on their body and mind.
Today, I introduce 7 FREE  natural hot spring spots in Hokkaido.
Please take note that the spots I introduce today are UNISEX hot springs!

1. IWAOBETSU ON-SEN


http://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid/199766/spot/216455/

A famous hot spring spot in Okhotsk area.
It's opened and maintained by the hotel "Chi no Hate"

Business hour: 11:30-18:00　*Close from November to April.
Swimwear: Possible
Parking : Yes (for free)
Address: Iwaobetsu On-sen, Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido

2. Fukiage Open-Air Bath


http://www.kitakaido.com/daisetsu/k_furano/kamifurano_12.html

A very popular hot spring spot among Japanese local people.
A lot of people visit the place and enjoy taking a bath here.

Business hour : 24hours
Swimwear : Possible
Parking : Yes(for free)
Entrance fee : for free
Shampoo & Soap : Prohibited
Address: Fukiage On-sen, Kamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido

3.SESEKI ON-SEN


http://kodoweb.mobi/?cid=66

The Seseki hot spring is maintained by a local fisherman.
This hot spring is very special.It's usually under the sea water. and It appears only at low tide in summer time.
Taking a bath at Seseki On-sen is available only at low tide (2hours) from 1 July to 15 September every year.
Hot spring in the sea sounds like you are in paradise!!

Business hour : at low tide from 1 July to 15 September
Swimwear: Possible
Parking : Yes (for free)
Entrance fee: for free
Shampoo & Soap : prohibited
Address: Seseki, Rausu-cho, Menashi-gun, Hokkaido

4. KARAMATSU ON-SEN


http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/akadake5/19088217.html

Karamatsu hot spring is maintained by local people.
Hot spring is located just beside the river in the nature.
There is a simple dressing room for female.
It's a natural On-sen though, the place is well maintained by local people.
Therefore please maintain the place clean. (Some break the facilities or take the stone away)

Business hour : 24 hours (closed in winter season)
Swimwear : prohibited. possible to wrap your body with a towel.
Parking : Yes (for free)
Entrance fee : for free
Shampoo & Soap : prohibited
Address: Yourouushi,Nakashibetsu- cho, Shibetsu-gun, Hokkaido

5. SHIKA ON-SEN


http://www.henari1.jp/T-1E-005.htm

Actually there are a lot of natural hot spring spots in Shikaribetsu area.

This time, I introduce one of the well maintained natural hot spring spot.

SHIKA ON-SEN is located at the camping center.

The hot spring is maintained and cleaned by local people in summer.

Business hour: 24 hours (closed in winter season)

Swimwear : Possible

Parking : Yes

Entrance fee : for free

Shampoo & Soap : prohibited

Address: Shikaribetsu, Shikaoi-cho, Katou-gun, Hokkaido

6. KAWAKITA ON-SEN

http://www.hikyou.jp/detail.php?shid=30083

There used to be some hot spring resorts here. But they were collapsed due to typhoon.

The local people set up the simple natural hot spring spot here.

The place is well-maintained by local and there is dressing rooms for male and female.

And the bathes are separated for male and female.

Business hour : 24 hours

Swimwear : prohibited. can wrap your body with a towel)

Parking: Yes

Entrance fee : for free

Shampoo & Soap : prohibited

Address: Kawakita, Shibetsu-cho, Shibetsu-gun, Hokkaido

7. MIZUNASHI KAIHIN ON-SEN

http://hakodate-cape.com/index_mizunasisyousai.html

The hot spring appears only at low tide.
Click the below to check the schedule of low tide at the hot spring.
low tide schedule from April'16 to March'17
There is simple dressing rooms for male and female

Business hour : At low tide
Swimwear : possible
Parking : Yes
Entrance fee : for free
Shampoo & Soap : prohibited
Address: Esan misaki, Hakodate city, Hokkaido

Natural hot springs are kept clean by local people for a long time.
Please maintain the places clean to keep beautiful hot spring places and Enjoy taking a bath in the nature!!

8 GREAT JAPANESE FOODS COST YOU LESS THAN 500 YEN IN OSAKA

You must be so excited to have wonderful experiences in Japan on your coming trip!

Beautiful cities, temples, foods, hot springs and etc...

However you might need to care about cost as well. Accommodations and transportation in Japan already cost you a lot. But you still wanna have a romantic dinner with your loved one at a nice restaurant.

Okay!, then save money on your lunch! But still great meal.

I, a local Japanese, will share 8 restaurants which offer you a great lunch deal less than 500 yen! Wow!

Here we go!

1. MESHIYA - MIYAMOTO MUNASHI

LUNCH TODAY'S SPECIAL - 463 YEN(excl.tax) (only for take away)

http://www.ug-munashi.jp/menu.html

MIYAMOTO MUNASHI has a lot of outlets only in the west part of Japan.

http://www.juso-friendly.or.jp/shop/miyamotomunashi.html

The TODAY'S SPECIAL menu are usually changed monthly. 

This restaurant always fulls with salary men, office ladies and students!

Why? It's because the meal less than 500 yen is not only TODAY's SPECIAL but also.....

TAMAGO DON - 362 YEN(excl.tax)

http://www.ug-munashi.jp/menu.html

It's simmering egg on the rice with toppings of  herbs and spring onions.

We Japanese love the taste combination of egg and rice so much!

And look at the price, It's even cheaper than TODAY'S SPECIAL. MUST TRY!

■MIYAMOTO MUNASHI- JR KYOBASHI Branch

Add: 3-10-3, Higashi nodamachi, Miyakojima-ku, Osaka city

Phone: +81-6-6354-7674

Web: http://www.ug-munashi.jp/menu.html

2.GYOZA NO OHSHO

RAMEN (TONKOTSU Soup) - 480YEN (excl.tax)

http://ms06r2.blog.shinobi.jp/Entry/1247/

This is a famous Chinese fast food restaurant originally from Kyoto.A lot of franchisesall over Japan.

http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/takeuchiyou1963/37097206.html
The foods are served very quickly and taste great!
You may go Ramen with.....

GYOZA - 220YEN(excl.tax)

http://retty.me/restaurants/brands/BRA55/

Japanese gyoza is one of the MUST TRY foods during your stay.
Gyoza is the signature food of this restaurant. It's so crispy and juicy as well!
It's one of the best finger foods going well with beer!!

GYOZA NO OHSHO SHINSAIBASHI Brach
Add: 1-4-27, Shinsaibashi-suji, Chuohku, Osaka city
Phone: +81-6-6241-9011
Web: http://www.ohsho.co.jp/index.html (English, Chinese and korean menus)

3. GUSTO 
LUNCH TODAY'S SPECIAL - 499YEN(excl.tax) 10:30-17:00 on weekdays only
http://www.ebisubashi.or.jp/shop/151.html

Enjoy a western food in Japanese style. The meal are served with rice and soup.
You can request for a slice of french french loaf instead of rice.
In addition......FREE REFILL of soup!!
Take note that lunch deals are served 10:30-17:00 on weekdays only.

GUSTO-NUMBA branch (Open for 24hours)
Add: 3-5-1, Namba, Chuohku, Osaka city
Phone: +81-6-6630-8290
Web: http://www.skylark.co.jp/gusto/index.html



4. SUKIYA
GYU-DON - 350YEN(excl.tax)

http://www.sukiya.jp/menu/in/gyudon/100100/index.html

You might be familiar with SUKIYA since it has some branches over the world.
Sukiya is a famous beef bowl restaurant and one of the biggest Gyu-don chain in Japan.
Gyu-don is served in a minute and beef are so tender and flavorful.
You may enjoy a beef bowl with slices of red ginger which is set on a table.

SUKIYA-CHAYAMACHI Branch
Add: 1-52, Chayamachi, Kita-ku, Osaka city
Web: http://www.sukiya.jp/

5. YOSHINOYA
JAPANESE CURRY  - 350YEN(excl.tax)


http://calorie-ranking.seesaa.net/article/259467813.html

Another famous Gyu-don restaurant in Japan.
Stewed with plenty of vegetables. It tastes very rich and spice flavors.
Japanese curry is not that spicy.

YOSHINOYA SHINSAIBASHI Branch
Add: 2-8-7, Shinsaibashi-suji, Chuohku, Osaka city.
Phone: +81-6-6214-7870

6. KOUGARYU TAKOYAKI 
TAKOYAKI-SAUCE-MAYO (10PCS) - 350YEN

http://mcha-jp.com/4951

TAKOYAKI is Osakan street food and MUST-MUST TRY when you visit Osaka.
KOUGARYU is one of the most famous Takoyaki shop in Osaka where there is always a long line.

http://www.kougaryu.jp/shop/

Octopuses are very fresh and crunchy. And sauce and mayonnaise are specially home-made.
For Takoyaki beginner, here is a wiki about Takoyaki.
Takoyaki is a ball-shaped Japanese snack made of a wheat flour-based batter It is typically filled with minced or diced octopus (tako), tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion. Takoyaki are brushed with takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise, and then sprinkled with green laver (aonori) and shavings of dried bonito.(-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takoyaki)

KOUGARYU TAKOYAKI - FLAG SHIP STORE
Add: 2-18-4, Nishi Shinsaibashi, Chuohku,Osaka city
Phone: +81-6-6211-0519
Web: http://www.kougaryu.jp/

7.KURAZUSHI
5 PLATES OF SUSHI - 500YEN(excl.tax)

http://www.kura-corpo.co.jp/menu/

YES SUSHI!!!
KURAZUSHI is a famous sushi-go-round restaurant.
Not only KURAZUSHI but also a lot of other brand ones around the city.
Basically 1 plate(2 sushi) costs you 100 yen each. So simply have 5 plates for 500yen!!
Oh....you may not be able to feel full with 5 plates of sushi?
Then I have a solution.....

You have 4 plates of sushi and order a.....
http://www.kura-corpo.co.jp/menu/
simple bowl of UDON - 130YEN.(only on weekdays)

or.............................................................................

Have 2 plates of sushi and order a
http://www.kura-corpo.co.jp/menu/
RAMEN WITH SEAFOOD SOYA SOUP - 350YEN.

Oops sorry 50yen over the budget!
But you must be fully satisfied!

KURAZUSHI-SUNROUTE UMEDA
Add: 3-9-1, Toyasaki, Kitaku, Osaka city.
Phone:+81-6-6292-3052
Web: http://www.kura-corpo.co.jp/

8. WASHOKU SATO
TODAY'S SPECIAL - 590YEN 11:00-15:00 on weekdays only
http://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270404/27046097/

Washoku-Sato is a famous Japanese family restaurant.
They have variety of Japanese foods such as steam-boat Shabu-Shabu, Sukiyaki and home-cooking menu.
It costs 90yen over the budget though, it's volumy and taste great!
I love the Miso soup there!

WASHOKU-SATO UTAJIMA
Add: 3-1-28, Himezato, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka city
Phone: +81-6-6475-3805
Web: http://sato-res.com/sato/


Now, you can tell not all the Japanese foods are expensive.
There are a lot of affordable and yummy meals around the city in Japan!
GO JAPAN and EAT A LOT!!!