Inside Hokkaido’s ultimate foodie road trip: the tastiest tables, must-stop pit stalls, and legendary tempura and ice cream masters

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by CN Traveller, click this post to read the original article.

If you’re planning a trip to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, make room on your itinerary—and your appetite—for a delicious culinary adventure. From Sapporo’s casual street eats to elegant seafood spots along the coast, Hokkaido offers a dining scene that’s as icy-cool as its climate and as rich as its natural scenery.

Start your journey in Sapporo, where restaurants like Sapporo’s Menya Yukikaze serve bold miso ramen in tiny, welcoming spaces. For tempura that elevates the humble fried dish, head to Iwanami Tempura Kappo in the city’s fashionable Maruyama neighbourhood. Each delicately battered piece reflects a strong commitment to local ingredients and timing.

If you’re on the road, Hokkaido’s michi-no-eki, or roadside stations, serve more than just rest stops. These hubs offer ice cream flavoured with lavender, asparagus, or melon, alongside fresh produce and snacks made from regional specialties. Niseko, primarily known for skiing, is another hotspot for food lovers—try Singaporean chef Will Goldfarb’s donuts or the fresh milk from Niseko Takahashi Dairy Farm.

Seafood lovers should add Wakkanai and Hakodate to their list. In Hakodate, the morning markets brim with sea urchin and squid harvested just hours earlier, while Wakkanai, close to Russia’s Sakhalin Island, specialises in Kamui clams and crab hot pot. Don’t miss the tasting menus at Ferris Wheel in Otaru, a modern Japanese-French fusion restaurant committed to showcasing Hokkaido’s seasonal produce.

Throughout Hokkaido, you’ll discover that good food isn’t just about taste—it’s about tradition, seasonality, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re sampling farm ice cream on the roadside or gourmet tempura in a tucked-away dining room, the island offers culinary treasures worth exploring and savouring.