Experience the spirit of Japan at an izakaya that serves delicious seafood.
Facing two seas – the Sea of Japan and Okhotsk Sea – on either side of the Soya Strait,
Wakkanai is one of Japan's leading seafood treasure troves.
As a wide variety of freshly caught delicacies of the sea can be found there, the level of izakayas is, of course, high.
Savor plump, lip-smacking seafood along with Japanese sake that complements the flavors,
while enjoying the quintessential Japanese atmosphere that makes it all the more delicious.
Lots of delicious seafood
Wakkanai boasts the most prolific North Pacific giant octopus catch in Japan,
and the shabu-shabu dish that utilizes that octopus is a well-known delicacy,
but many other types of seafood are also landed in the city throughout the year.
Among these, the catches of Atka mackerel, scallops and sea cucumber are some of the most prolific in Japan.
In addition, large amounts of king and horsehair crab are also landed, and the varieties and amounts of marine products,
such as Rishiri kombu and Rebun sea urchin – including those from neighboring communities in the Soya region – are said to be unprecedented throughout the whole of Japan.
Wakkanai boasts the most prolific North Pacific giant octopus catch in Japan, and the shabu-shabu dish that utilizes that octopus is a well-known delicacy, but many other types of seafood are also landed in the city throughout the year. Among these, the catches of Atka mackerel, scallops and sea cucumber are some of the most prolific in Japan. In addition, large amounts of king and horsehair crab are also landed, and the varieties and amounts of marine products, such as Rishiri kombu and Rebun sea urchin – including those from neighboring communities in the Soya region – are said to be unprecedented throughout the whole of Japan.
Freshly caught and reasonably priced
Wakkanai is where lots of blessings from the seas are gathered. For the residents,
one of the joys of the city is the ability to savor freshly caught seafood,
not in luxurious establishments but in local izakayas. Being able to eat delicious seafood at reasonable prices is one of the unique appeals of Wakkanai.
When visiting an izakaya, be sure to look out for Wakkanai brands such as “Soya octopus”, “Soya scallops”, “Soya mozuku” (vinegared seaweed), “Wakkanai Atka mackerel” and “Wakkanai ginkgo grass”.
Shellfish nurtured in the Soya Strait, where the currents are strong, are small but firm, and have a distinctive savory and sweet taste that is delicious when eaten either grilled or raw.
The best season for Wakkanai Atka mackerel is summer.
Landed on the same day as they are caught, the fish are the freshest and plumpest you can wish for.
Wakkanai is where lots of blessings from the seas are gathered. For the residents, one of the joys of the city is the ability to savor freshly caught seafood, not in luxurious establishments but in local izakayas. Being able to eat delicious seafood at reasonable prices is one of the unique appeals of Wakkanai. When visiting an izakaya, be sure to look out for Wakkanai brands such as “Soya octopus”, “Soya scallops”, “Soya mozuku” (vinegared seaweed), “Wakkanai Atka mackerel” and “Wakkanai ginkgo grass”. Shellfish nurtured in the Soya Strait, where the currents are strong, are small but firm, and have a distinctive savory and sweet taste that is delicious when eaten either grilled or raw. The best season for Wakkanai Atka mackerel is summer. Landed on the same day as they are caught, the fish are the freshest and plumpest you can wish for.
Perhaps you can find some local gems
When you’re not sure what to eat, it’s best to ask the proprietor or staff of the establishment.
Many local izakayas rely on the local people for their business, and many have unique or little-known dishes on their menus. Being able to encounter such dishes not found in travel magazines and guidebooks is another charm of Wakkanai.
Enjoy fresh delicacies of the sea in warm and welcoming izakaya’s amid an enka-like atmosphere, and satisfy both your stomach and your soul.
When you’re not sure what to eat, it’s best to ask the proprietor or staff of the establishment. Many local izakayas rely on the local people for their business, and many have unique or little-known dishes on their menus. Being able to encounter such dishes not found in travel magazines and guidebooks is another charm of Wakkanai. Enjoy fresh delicacies of the sea in warm and welcoming izakaya’s amid an enka-like atmosphere, and satisfy both your stomach and your soul.
Establishments where it can be eaten
- Kaisendon Uotsune
-
Minato 1-6-28 (Wakkanai Fukukou Market)
6:30～9:00/11:00～15:00
73-0120 - Teppen Diner
-
Minato 1-6-28 (Wakkanai Fukukou Market)
6:30～9:00/11:00～15:00
73-0120 - Kurumaya Genji
-
Chuo 2-8-22
11:00～13:30／17:00～19:00
0162-23-4111 - Northern Taste Takechan
-
Chuo 2-8-7
17:00～22:00
0162-22-7130 - Nara-zushi
-
Chuo 2-13-3
11:30～22:30
0162-23-6131 - Sushitatsu
-
Chuo 3-2-3
17:30～22:00
0162-23-5631 - Sushi Restaurant Hesomagari
-
Minato 4-12-21
11:00～21:00
0162-22-7230 - Sushi Restaurant Minami
-
Daikoku 2-2-14
17:00～21:30
0162-24-4448 - Sushi-go-round Wakkanai Hanaichimonme
-
Shiomi 5-46-13
11:00～22:00
0162-34-7377 - Sushi-no-Tenkatsu
-
Daikoku 2-8-7
17:30～23:00
0162-73-1612 - Minatoya Diner
-
Noshappu 2
8:00～18:00
0162-22-9636 - Noshappu Diner
-
Noshappu 2
10:00～17:00
0162-23-5729 - Restaurant Yoshioka
-
Chuo 2-7
18:00～24:00
0162-22-6364 - Four Seasons Dining an-non
-
Kaiun 1-2-2
17:30～21:00
0162-23-8111 - Teppanyaki Hamanasu
-
Kaiun 1-2-2
17:30～21:00
0162-23-8111 - Seafood Restaurant Yumehiroba
-
Kaiun 2-1-5
11:00～20:30
0162-24-5366 - Japanese-style Seafood Barbecue Uroko-Tei
-
Chuo 5-6-8
9:00～21:00
0120-211-911 - Restaurant Izumi
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Daikoku 2-13-11
11:30～20:00
0162-22-4141 - Mamiyado
-
Soyamisaki
10:00～16:00
0162-76-2453 - Oshokujidokoro Musashi
-
Tomioka 4-12-2
11:00～22:00
0162-34-2343 - Local dish Amimoto
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Chuo 1-3-18
17:00～23:00
0162-22-3177 - Izakaya Itsumi
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Chuo 2-5-10
17:00～23:00
0162-22-1121 - Kitchen Club Saiko
-
Daikoku 2-1-9
17:00～23:30
0162-24-5111 - Tsubohachi Minami Wakkanai Branch
-
Daikoku 2-7-32
17:00～24:00
0162-23-2482 - Northern Seafood Robata-Uokichi
-
Daikoku 2-7-32
17:00～23:00
0162-24-7641 - Izakaya Yoji
-
Daikoku 2-8
17:00～22:00
0162-22-5557 - Ezo Banya
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Daikoku 2-12-2
17:00～23:00
0162-22-3207
*Opening hours of establishments may differ according to each season.
*For more details on opening hours and holidays, please contact the establishment in question, directly.