10 carefully selected spots where you can enjoy gourmet food unique to Wakkanai, the northernmost tip of Japan

Wakkanai, renowned as Japan's northernmost city, is a popular tourist destination in Hokkaido that many people aspire to visit at least once. With its endless, majestic landscapes and unique monuments, the city offers a wealth of sights. Having once served as a gateway to Russia, Wakkanai retains a foreign atmosphere with remnants of Russian-language signs. This historical and cultural background is also reflected in Wakkanai's cuisine. Let's introduce 10 carefully selected gourmet spots where you can savor Wakkanai's unique dishes and sweets while pondering the city's history.

1. Vin Steak House

When you think of a restaurant in Wakkanai, surrounded by the northernmost sea in Hokkaido, you immediately imagine fresh seafood, right? However, this steakhouse, "Vin," is actually one of the most popular restaurants in Wakkanai, competing for the top spot in the city's gourmet scene! Conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from Wakkanai Station, Van is the only steakhouse in Wakkanai and serves Soya beef, a top-quality brand of beef produced in the northernmost part of Hokkaido. Reservations are often required, making it the perfect gourmet spot for dates or treating yourself.

The menu offers A, B, and C courses, all featuring Soya beef, a Wakkanai brand that is rarely found elsewhere. This meat is aged for a full two weeks, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy steaks that cut like butter. The simple seasoning of salt and pepper allows you to savor the pure flavor of the meat, and it's so delicious that even when it cools down, it remains a favorite among both tourists and locals.

The interior features warm and subdued lighting, with a retro atmosphere accentuated by brick partitions. Enjoy the unique meat that can only be found here while sipping on a glass of wine.

2. Kitano Aji Shin Takachan

A famous restaurant where you can enjoy Wakkanai's specialty, tako shabu (boiled octopus), is "Kitano Aji Shin Takachan," located just a short walk from Wakkanai Station. This popular restaurant serves a variety of seafood dishes caught in the northernmost sea of Wakkanai, and its spacious interior allows for a relaxed dining experience even during peak hours. The tanks near the entrance are home to various seafood such as king crabs, hairy crabs, surf clams, and oysters, building excitement even before you eat.

The menu offers a wide range of dishes including a la carte, set meals, sashimi, nigiri sushi, and karaage (fried chicken). With a variety of alcoholic beverages available, it can be enjoyed as both a restaurant and an izakaya (Japanese-style pub). The must-try dish is undoubtedly Wakkanai's specialty, "tako shabu." The thinly sliced, semi-frozen octopus is cooked quickly in hot water, resulting in an incredibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth texture that belies its reputation as an octopus.

"Kani shabu" (boiled crab), also originating from Wakkanai, is another highly recommended dish. You can also savor other fresh seafood caught in the Okhotsk Sea, such as sweet shrimp and sea urchins.

3. Ramen Aoi Tori

"Ramen Aoi Tori" is a renowned ramen shop that enjoys immense popularity in Wakkanai. While their signature dish is "shio ramen" (salt-based ramen), they also offer shoyu ramen (soy sauce-based ramen) and miso ramen. The interior features a single table and a few counter seats, creating a nostalgic and relaxing atmosphere.

As a renowned salt ramen shop, their shio ramen is truly exceptional. The soup is so clear that you can see the bottom of the bowl, which is quite striking. The base of the soup is made with chicken and kelp, resulting in a very clean and refreshing taste. The perfect harmony between the soup and noodles creates a sophisticated and light flavor.

4. Wakkanai Milk

"Wakkanai Milk" is produced from cows raised in the vast lands of Wakkanai, which enjoys a cool climate. It is a beloved local brand of milk made exclusively from fresh raw milk and is sold at "Wakkanai Fukuko Market," a Japanese complex facility that houses souvenir shops, hot springs, and restaurants. In addition to the original Wakkanai Milk, which allows you to savor the authentic flavor of the milk, the market also offers various gourmet items made with Wakkanai Milk, such as soft serve ice cream.

To preserve the milk as close to its freshly squeezed state as possible, it is pasteurized at a low temperature of 65 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes, allowing the original flavor of the milk to be preserved. This unique low-temperature pasteurization method, known as non-homogenized pasteurization, results in a rich and creamy texture similar to cream, yet with a refreshing and slightly sweet taste.

The soft serve ice cream is also very popular and has a rich flavor. The ice cream is packed all the way to the bottom of the cone, ensuring you can enjoy it until the very last bite. Since the rich flavor of the milk is concentrated, the product has a short shelf life, making it a local delicacy that can only be enjoyed in Wakkanai. As souvenirs, you can take home "Wakkanai Condensed Milk Candy," "Castella Maru," and "Cheesecake" made with Wakkanai Milk, so be sure to visit this shop.

5. Sushi Ryu

"Sushi Ryu," a popular restaurant renowned for its fresh seafood dishes, is one of the top seafood restaurants in Wakkanai. Located about a 5-minute walk from Wakkanai Station, you can find this establishment by following the approach to Ryōtokuji Temple, a large bronze statue located directly west of the station.

The chef's recommended menu is the "Captain's Recommended Sōya Course," where you can savor the freshest seasonal ingredients procured that day. In addition to sushi, dishes like broiled silver cod in miso, sea urchin salt, and red king crab roe are also exquisite. The chef's kind consideration, such as customizing dishes to suit individual preferences, has led to a growing number of repeat customers.

Serving dishes made with seasonal ingredients caught in the Wakkanai Sea, such as spot prawns and surf clams, this restaurant is highly popular among both locals and tourists. With a homey atmosphere, it's a place where you can relax and enjoy your meal whether you're alone or with family. As the catch varies from day to day, it's advisable to call at least 30 minutes before your visit.

6. Seafood Robatayaki Uroko Tei

The popular restaurant, "Seafood Robata Uroko Tei," is attached to a small market, allowing you to always savor the freshest seafood landed at Wakkanai port. Located by the sea, you can enjoy the beautiful view of Wakkanai Port while dining.

The signature "Uroko-ichi Don" is packed with a variety of flavors, including the standard sea urchin and salmon roe, as well as fresh, seasonal seafood procured that day. The "Sea Urchin Don" is also luxurious, using two types of sea urchins: bafun uni and murasaki uni, allowing you to enjoy their crisp sweetness and rich flavor. Besides seafood bowls, the thick and voluminous "Hokke" (Atka mackerel) is also very popular.

Another attractive feature is the complimentary coffee service for those who dine during breakfast or lunch hours from 9 AM to 2 PM. It's the perfect gourmet spot to enjoy the atmosphere of Wakkanai's port town. The warm interior, featuring brown wood, provides a relaxing space. With a seating capacity of 50, including counter and table seats, it can accommodate large groups.

7. Dino's

While not widely known, Wakkanai had a US military base in Nosappu from the post-war period until 1972. "Dino's," a restaurant located just a short walk from Wakkanai Station, allows you to feel the history of this base. With its yellow exterior and the Italian tricolor flag as a landmark, the interior has a retro atmosphere reminiscent of an old-fashioned Japanese coffee shop. There are five counter seats, three 4-person tables, and one 6-person table.

The signature menu item is the "Sloppy Joe," an extra-large grilled hamburger. It's a historic gourmet dish that has been served since the days of the military base. The bun is a massive 18 centimeters in diameter, often surprising customers. The 100% domestic beef patty is also huge, but the combination of meat sauce and melted cheese on top is simply divine! Served on a hot plate, it stays warm for a long time.

There are also various other American dishes such as pizza and pasta. Enjoy a moment at this popular restaurant while feeling the history of the former US military base at the northernmost point of Japan.

8. Hitoshi no Mise

"Hitoshi no Mise" is famous for its "kani meshi" (crab rice) and is located in front of Wakkanai Station. The unique font of "Hitoshi no Mise" written on the exterior of the shop immediately catches your eye. The interior has a homey atmosphere like a local diner, with counter seats, table seats, and a 5-person sunken seating area, making it welcome for families with children.

The menu mainly features crab dishes using fresh crab caught in the Okhotsk Sea. The most recommended gourmet dish is the "kani don" (crab bowl). This popular menu item is packed with a voluminous amount of fresh crab mixed with plenty of eggs, covering the rice completely. You can also enjoy other classic crab dishes such as the "kani meshi," "kani ramen" (crab ramen), and "kani soba" (crab soba). "Kani meshi" is also available for takeout, making it popular as an ekiben (train bento) or ferry bento.

9. Mamiya Dou

Near Soya Misaki, a famous tourist spot in Wakkanai City, lies Mamiya-do, renowned for its scallop ramen. Adorned with numerous autographs from celebrities, this establishment has earned a reputation as a popular spot frequented by many. The log house-style building with its large scallop sign is easily recognizable, and the crab sign in front of the shop boldly declares, "Ramen gets better the further north you go." Inside, you can enjoy a meal while admiring the magnificent Okhotsk Sea, creating a wonderful atmosphere.

Mamiya-do's most recommended dish is the "Scallop Ramen," available in both soy sauce and salt-based flavors. The soup, made with a flavorful scallop broth, is the highlight of this menu item. Furthermore, the addition of a whole scallop adds to the luxuriousness of this ramen. The curly noodles perfectly intertwine with the soup, allowing you to savor every bite of this exquisite dish. This is a must-visit spot for anyone touring Soya Misaki.

10. Orange Egg Kitakara Store

Within the "Kitakara" facility, attached to Wakkanai Station, you'll find the "Orange Egg" store, specializing in sweets made with Wakkanai's unique Yuchi potatoes. A highly recommended item is the piping hot and fluffy "Jaga Pie," made with Yuchi potatoes. Additionally, the "Poterana" is so popular that it's even available for mail order. This frozen baked custard is made with whole Yuchi potatoes, Hokkaido-produced red eggs, and fresh cream. It's best enjoyed semi-thawed.

The store also sells soft serve ice cream, making it a popular spot to take a break. The "Soya Salt Soft Serve" is a refreshing treat with a hint of sweetness, and the crunchy, small blocks of salt add a delightful texture. This dessert is a big hit with both locals and tourists alike. With a variety of other recommended sweets and snacks unique to Wakkanai, this is a must-visit destination.

◎Summary

Wakkanai boasts a plethora of popular gourmet spots offering a wide range of cuisines. Each establishment showcases the city's unique ingredients, such as branded meat, branded milk, and fresh seafood. By savoring the original flavors of Wakkanai, you'll create unforgettable memories of your trip. We encourage you to visit these exquisite gourmet spots in the "northernmost city" and experience the local cuisine for yourself.