Hokkoku is a mid-sized izakaya in Susukino's entertainment district that specialises in pairing Hokkaido seafood with Hokkaido and Tohoku sake. The menu features zangi fried chicken, scallop butter soy, sashimi platters, potato cheese rolls, and seasonal specials. The sake list includes Hokkaido breweries such as Otokoyama (Asahikawa) and Kikus ui. A lively, authentic place for a long evening of small plates.
Susukino Izakaya Hokkoku is a mid-sized izakaya in the heart of Sapporo's Susukino entertainment district, one of the most vibrant night-time dining and drinking areas in northern Japan. The izakaya format — small plates ordered continuously through an evening, paired with sake, beer, and shochu — is perfectly suited to Hokkaido's extraordinary larder, and Hokkoku has built its reputation on making that pairing as deliberate as possible.
The seafood menu rotates with Hokkaido's fishing calendar. Year-round fixtures include a Hokkaido sashimi platter of whatever is freshest that day — typically salmon, flounder, scallop, and sea urchin when available — and scallop grilled in the shell with butter and shoyu (a preparation that brings out the scallop's natural sweetness beautifully). Zangi Hokkaido fried chicken, potato cheese rolls using Tokachi dairy, and seasonal grilled fish round out the menu. The kitchen's approach is unfussy and confident: the ingredients are good enough to need little embellishment.
The sake list is the restaurant's most distinctive feature. Hokkaido's sake industry is smaller than those of Niigata or Nada but produces characterful breweries: Otokoyama (Asahikawa), one of Japan's most respected dry sake labels; Takasago; and Kikusui. The list also extends into Tohoku breweries from Yamagata and Iwate, whose cold-climate brewing styles suit Hokkaido seafood well. Staff can guide visitors through the selection in simple English.
Hokkoku is most enjoyable as an evening anchor — arrive at 18:00 or 19:00, order widely across two to three hours, and use it as the foundation of a Susukino evening that might continue to bars and the nearby Ramen Yokocho.
Good to know
- Known for
- Hokkaido seafood and sake selection
- Reservations
- Recommended for groups
Highlights
- Hokkaido sake brewery selection
- Wide Hokkaido seafood izakaya menu
- Lively Susukino atmosphere
- Reasonably priced for quality
Tips for visiting
- Ask the staff about the seasonal special fish for the day
- The Otokoyama dry sake from Asahikawa pairs perfectly with scallops
- Izakayas in Susukino can close late — ideal for long evenings
Accessibility
The restaurant is in a standard Susukino entertainment building accessible from street level. Izakaya interiors typically have mixed seating — floor-level table seats and raised table seating. Visitors with mobility requirements should request a raised table when reserving.
Frequently asked questions
What is the izakaya format and how does ordering work?
An izakaya is a Japanese pub-restaurant where small dishes are ordered continuously throughout the evening rather than as a fixed sequence of courses. Diners typically start with drinks and a few dishes, then continue ordering as the evening progresses. There is no set order; the pace is self-directed.
What sake should visitors try at Hokkoku?
Otokoyama from Asahikawa is the signature Hokkaido sake — a dry, clean label that pairs excellently with fresh seafood. Kikusui from Niigata (also available) is slightly sweeter and broader in appeal. Asking staff for a recommendation based on food choices is the most reliable approach.
Is Hokkoku suitable for visitors who do not drink alcohol?
Yes. Non-alcoholic options including tea, soft drinks, and fresh juices are available. The food menu stands entirely on its own and a non-drinking visit to an izakaya is perfectly normal in Japan.
How much does a typical evening at Hokkoku cost per person?
With several rounds of dishes and two to three drinks per person, expect to spend approximately ¥3,000-¥4,500 per person. The mid-range pricing reflects the quality of the Hokkaido produce on the menu.
Is an advance booking required at Hokkoku?
Reservations are recommended for groups of four or more, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. Couples and small groups may find seats available without a reservation during the week, but a call-ahead is advisable during peak summer and winter seasons.