Asahikawa, Hokkaido’s second-largest city, offers travelers a variety of dining options with 2,200 restaurants, especially in the area around Asahikawa Kaimono Koen Shopping Street(旭川買物公園通り) north of the station. The city is celebrated for its rich culinary offerings, with two must-try dishes that stand out. One is Jingisukan(ジンギスカン), a popular grilled mutton dish named after Genghis Khan, where tender pieces of mutton are cooked on a special dome-shaped skillet alongside vegetables, offering a hearty and unique flavor. The other iconic dish is Shoyu Ramen(醤油ラーメン), known for its rich, soy sauce-based broth that is darker and more robust compared to other ramen varieties. Typically topped with slices of pork, bamboo shoots, and green onions, Asahikawa’s Shoyu Ramen is a must-try for ramen enthusiasts, offering a satisfying and flavorful experience that reflects the city’s bold food culture.
- Specialty Dishes
- Jingisukan (Grilled Mutton)
- Shoyu Ramen (Soy Sauce Ramen)
[Dinner Restaurants]Asahikawa-旭川 - Google マイマップ
Asahikawa-旭川
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1. Jingisukan Daikokuya-大黒屋成吉思汗
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Jingisukan Daikokuya in Asahikawa is a popular spot for those craving authentic and high-quality lamb barbecue, known as jingisukan. The restaurant is highly sought after, often requiring reservations well in advance, and it frequently has long wait times. However, the wait is worth it for the succulent, tender lamb that is expertly prepared and free from the gamy odor often associated with lamb. The most popular cuts, such as the shoulder loin, are particularly praised for their balance of flavor and tenderness. The service is attentive, with staff sometimes grilling the meat at your table and offering thoughtful touches like free drinks for children. While the prices have risen over the years, many find the experience and quality of the food justify the cost. The vibrant atmosphere, combined with the delicious food, makes Daikokuya a must-visit for those in Hokkaido, especially for lamb lovers.
2. Matsuo Jingisukan-松尾ジンギスカン 旭川支店
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Matsuo Jingisukan, located in Asahikawa’s Shopping Park, offers a traditional and satisfying Genghis Khan (mutton grilled on a hot plate) experience. Known for its seasoned lamb and mutton, this restaurant provides a flavorful take on a Hokkaido specialty that even those hesitant about lamb can enjoy. The meat is marinated in a ginger sauce, which eliminates any strong odors and enhances the taste. Diners particularly enjoy the tender lamb, which pairs well with the vegetables cooked in the meat’s juices, adding depth to the dish. The cozy seating arrangements, including semi-private booths, make it a comfortable spot for solo diners and groups alike. Though some find the lunch portions modest, the quality of the meat and the nostalgic flavors make it a popular choice among locals and tourists. With options like udon noodles and crispy sausages, the menu offers variety, ensuring a satisfying meal for all.
3. Sukiyaki Sankosya-すき焼 三光舎 旭川店
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Sukiyaki Sankosya in Asahikawa is a revered establishment known for its exquisite sukiyaki, making it a popular choice for both special occasions and regular dining. The restaurant offers a variety of high-quality beef options, including the luxurious Matsusaka beef, which diners consistently praise for its melt-in-the-mouth tenderness and rich flavor. The sukiyaki is prepared at your table by attentive staff, who skillfully blend a secret miso-infused warishita sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and savoriness. The ambiance is enhanced by traditional Japanese decor, with private rooms and horigotatsu seating, ensuring a comfortable and intimate dining experience. Despite its high-end nature, the warm service and attention to detail make every visit memorable. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely lunch or a celebratory dinner, Sukiyaki Sankosya offers an unforgettable taste of classic Japanese cuisine.
4. Ramen Aoba-旭川らぅめん青葉
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Ramen Aoba in Asahikawa is a storied establishment with a long history dating back to 1947. Known for its traditional Asahikawa-style ramen, the shop offers a nostalgic dining experience that has drawn both locals and visitors for decades. The signature dish, shoyu (soy sauce) ramen, features a rich, double-layered broth made from a blend of pork, chicken, and seafood, giving it a deep, umami flavor. The soup is topped with a layer of lard, keeping it hot until the last bite, and served with firm, curly noodles that perfectly complement the savory broth. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with the friendly staff, including the elderly couple who manage the front of the house, often engaging in lively conversation with customers. Despite the sometimes long waits and quirky service, many patrons appreciate the authentic, unchanging flavor of the ramen, which has become an iconic representation of Asahikawa’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, Ramen Aoba offers a comforting and satisfying bowl of ramen that resonates with the charm of old-school Japanese eateries.
5. Ramen Santoka Asahikawa Head Branch-らーめん山頭火 旭川本店
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Ramen Santoka’s Asahikawa Head Branch is a celebrated ramen establishment known for its signature shio (salt) ramen, which has captivated both locals and tourists alike. The creamy, white-toned pork-based broth offers a rich and flavorful experience, setting it apart from the typical clear broth varieties. The ramen is both satisfying and addictive, with the smooth yet umami-packed soup perfectly complementing the firm, curly noodles. Toppings include tender chashu, wood ear mushrooms, green onions, and a unique addition of a pickled plum, which adds a subtle tartness that balances the richness of the soup. The restaurant itself is modern and clean, with a welcoming atmosphere despite the frequent long lines of eager customers, including many international visitors. Santoka’s reputation extends beyond Japan, with its ramen being available worldwide, often in the form of instant noodles attempting to replicate the restaurant’s distinctive flavor. However, many fans insist that the experience of enjoying a bowl at the original Asahikawa branch is unparalleled, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area.
6. Asahikawa Isen-あさひ川井泉２条店
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Asahikawa Isen is a well-known tonkatsu restaurant that has been serving delicious meals for decades. The establishment, now in a new and more modern setting, continues to attract both locals and visitors with its high-quality dishes. Many customers recall fond memories of enjoying Isen’s tonkatsu from years ago, praising the tender and flavorful cuts of meat, particularly the special rosu katsu, which is renowned for its balance of lean meat and minimal fat. The restaurant offers a comfortable dining experience with options like the assortment set meal, which includes various fried items such as hire katsu, menchi katsu, and ebi cream korokke, all prepared with a light and crispy coating that doesn’t overwhelm the palate. The staff’s attentive service, coupled with the availability of free refills on rice, miso soup, and cabbage, adds to the overall satisfaction of dining at Isen. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a special occasion, Isen’s consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere make it a top choice for tonkatsu lovers in Asahikawa.
7. Keishuu-慶州
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Keishuu is a popular yakiniku restaurant that offers a satisfying dining experience with a wide variety of grilled meats and Korean-inspired dishes. The restaurant is known for its lively atmosphere, often filled with regulars who greet each other warmly. The menu features favorites like yukhoe (beef tartare), salted horumon (offal), and different cuts of beef, all grilled over charcoal. While the service can be slow during busy times, and the space sometimes fills with smoke due to the lack of individual exhaust vents at each table, the quality of the food makes up for it. Dishes like the Korean-style gomoku somen (five-ingredient noodle soup) are praised for their rich flavors, with a broth made from beef bone stock and vegetables. Despite the occasional wait, customers appreciate the affordability and the authentic taste of the food, often returning for the tender meats, flavorful sauces, and the overall experience of a good meal shared with friends or family.
8. KIKUZEN-石焼すてーき菊膳 (きくぜん)
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KIKUZEN offers a unique dining experience with its hot pot and teppanyaki courses, though some customers find the pacing a bit slow and prefer a more streamlined service. The restaurant, situated in Asahikawa’s bustling area, is spread across different floors, each offering a distinct dining style, from stone-grilled steak on the third floor to teppanyaki on the fourth. The semi-private rooms provide a comfortable, distanced setting for diners. The quality of the meat, including options like Furano Wagyu sirloin and Hokkaido cow tongue, is generally good, though some feel it’s best enjoyed occasionally due to the higher price point. The seafood dishes and crab porridge are particularly well-received, with the latter being a delightful way to end the meal. The restaurant’s clean and elegant interior, combined with the use of high-quality Wagyu beef, makes it a worthy choice for special occasions, even if some items, like the steak bento, may feel a bit greasy for some tastes. Despite minor service hiccups and the occasional unavailability of premium cuts like Matsusaka beef, KIKUZEN remains a popular spot for those seeking a refined meat and seafood experience in Asahikawa.
9. Coffee stand container
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Coffee Stand Container, located along Kaimono Park in Asahikawa, offers a cozy atmosphere with a touch of pop art, making it a delightful spot for coffee lovers. The friendly male owner runs the shop solo, and the interior is adorned with charming, creative decorations. The café features a selection of homemade muffins and other treats that pair wonderfully with their coffee offerings. The café’s signature drink is a café latte, complete with beautiful latte art that adds a touch of warmth to your visit. The banana muffin with raisins is a standout, moist and flavorful, while the scone, often featuring white chocolate, provides a satisfying crunch. The ambiance, combined with the quality of the drinks and snacks, makes it a perfect place to unwind. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a quiet moment inside or grab a coffee to go, Coffee Stand Container is a must-visit spot in Asahikawa.