Tokachi, Obihiro (Hokkaido)
Local Guide
Enjoy Obihiro and Tokachi, a treasure trove of food, with an exquisite lunch

The Obihiro/Tokachi area of Hokkaido, with its vast fields and pastures, is one of Japan's leading agricultural regions and a veritable treasure trove of food. Here are some mouth-watering lunches where you can enjoy the flavor of locally grown meat and vegetables.

A "Michelin Guide" Bib Gourmand tonkatsu restaurant.

The “Shabu-Katsu Set Meal,” which pairs perfectly with the special Japanese-style grated daikon radish sauce
The “Shabu-Katsu Set Meal,” which pairs perfectly with the special Japanese-style grated daikon radish sauce

A tonkatsu specialty restaurant that uses pork from Tokachi. Renowned for its meat—so tender it can be cut with chopsticks—and its crispy batter, it was selected as a Bib Gourmand restaurant in the 2012 and 2017 editions of the “Michelin Guide Hokkaido.”The owner’s recommendation is the “Shabu-katsu”—made by stacking about 25 ultra-thin slices of ribeye (typically used for shabu-shabu) like a mille-feuille, coating them in batter, and deep-frying. It has a light, crispy texture, and you’ll be amazed by the tenderness and natural sweetness of the meat.“I want people to enjoy pork in a variety of ways,” says the owner, who created this dish—one of the restaurant’s popular limited-quantity menu items.

The secret of the flavor is the blend of animal and vegetable oil and homemade bread crumbs.

The clean restaurant has an unpretentious, homey atmosphere.
The clean restaurant has an unpretentious, homey atmosphere.

The owner is particular about using a blend of two types of animal and one type of vegetable oil for light frying. The secret to the delicious taste is to coat the tender lean meat with sweet fat with homemade breadcrumbs that have been left to rest for three days, and fry it first at a high temperature for crispiness, followed by slow frying at a lower temperature to cook the meat through to the inside. The familiar loin and filet cutlets are excellent, but the "Tonkatsu-ya no Ton-don" (pork cutlet shop's pork bowl), a daring twist on Obihiro's famous pork bowl, is also popular. The juicy taste of the pork cutlet on rice topped with the sweet and spicy pork bowl sauce is also noteworthy.

Local Guide
Supporters

The moment you put our signature triple-fried pork cutlet in your mouth, you will feel happiness. The fried shrimp was also a perfect match with the tartar sauce!

Tonkatsu Masa
  • Address 15-15-1, Higashi 1-jo-minami, Obihiro, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction 5 minutes drive from JR Obihiro Station
  • Business Hours 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00 PM–7:30 PM
  • Closed Sunday
  • TEL 0155-23-5188
  • Parking Free of charge

Enjoy Tokachi brand pork "Dorobuta" with local beer!

"Doro-buta Rib Eye Steak" (300g)—a simple way to savor the rich flavor of the meat

The restaurant is owned by the owner, who raises "Dorobuta," a brand of pork that represents the Tokachi area, where the pork culture is deeply rooted, on his own farm. The pigs are raised on pasture in the vast Tokachi land, and are said to consume plenty of nutrients such as nuts and minerals contained in the natural soil, resulting in meat with a suppressed odor characteristic of pigs. The restaurant offers a one-plate daily lunch using "Dorobuta," homemade cured ham and sausages, Tokachi cheeses and vegetables, as well as Obihiro's local beer. You can fully enjoy the bounty of the Tokachi land.

Cheerful dinner in a country-style restaurant

A large hall with a vaulted ceiling where large groups can relax comfortably.
A large hall with a vaulted ceiling where large groups can relax comfortably.

The exterior of the restaurant has a strong impact, with an illustration of a "Dorobuta" welcoming diners. The interior of the restaurant, with its atrium and 120 seats, is on a grand scale, and the elaborate country-style interior will make you feel happy. In the corner of the restaurant, there is a sales corner where you can purchase homemade sausages, ham, bacon, and other products made from "Dorobuta. A time spent choosing souvenirs will be a fun and memorable experience.

Local Guide
Supporters

The Dorobuta Loin Steak has a strong flavor and sweetness. The Neapolitan special and the fried rice special have been a staple of the menu for a long time and are also highly recommended.

Rancho El Paso
  • Address 6-13-20, Nishi-Jurokujo-Minami 6-chome, Obihiro City, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction Approx. 10 min. from JR Obihiro Station by car
  • Business Hours 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (last order 2:30 p.m.), 5:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. (last order 9:30 p.m.)
  • Closed Days Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, closed the following day)
  • TEL 0155-34-3418
  • Parking Free of charge

Directly managed by a fresh fish restaurant, hearty bowls of seafood

Morning Seafood Bowl. Since it’s limited to 20 servings, it often sells out, so we recommend arriving early.
Morning Seafood Bowl. Since it’s limited to 20 servings, it often sells out, so we recommend arriving early.

The “Obihiro Regional Wholesale Market” is a major distribution hub in the Tokachi region, where agricultural and marine products from the Tokachi area, as well as foodstuffs from both within and outside Hokkaido, converge.Located on the second floor of Ichirin in the Tokachi Obi Plaza Outdoor Market on the premises is “Market Cafeteria Fuji-zen.” Originally a cafeteria for middlemen and others working from early morning, it is now open to the general public as well.As a sushi restaurant directly operated by a fresh fish shop, its freshness is guaranteed. Among the menu items, the “Morning Sushi Set” is particularly popular for its “Morning Seafood Bowl,” generously filled with large pieces of tuna, scallops, and negitoro (tuna with scallions). Since only 20 sets are available starting at 6:30 a.m., it’s recommended to arrive early.

Enjoy the spirit of craftsmanship and the liveliness of the market

We welcome a wide range of guests/customers, from solo diners to couples, groups of friends, families, and large parties.
We welcome a wide range of guests/customers, from solo diners to couples, groups of friends, families, and large parties.

The spacious interior seats about 100 people. True to the style of a market cafeteria, you purchase meal tickets from a vending machine. The menu features luxurious options such as nigiri sets and seafood rice bowl sets, all offered at prices significantly more affordable than market rates. After your meal, we also recommend taking your time to enjoy shopping on the first floor.

Local Guide
Supporters

The menu is very extensive with both a sushi section and a set meal section. I was surprised at the volume of the tendon! The sea urchin bowl was also very generous and the sea urchin melted in my mouth!

Market Shokudo Fujizen
  • Address Obihiro Local Wholesale Market, 1-5-1, Nishi 21-jo Kita, Obihiro, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction Approx. 15 min. by car from JR Obihiro Station
  • Business Hours Morning Hours: 6:30 AM–9:00 AM (Last Order: 8:45 AM)
    Lunch Hours: 10:00 AM–1:45 PM (Last Order: 1:15 PM)
  • Closed Days Sundays, holidays, and Wednesdays
  • TEL 0155-37-2500
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Notes Business days follow the opening schedule of the Obihiro Regional Wholesale Market

Deeply nostalgic curry with roux sauce from a long-established restaurant

The signature “Indian Curry.” It comes with a variety of toppings, and you can choose from five levels of spiciness.
The signature “Indian Curry.” It comes with a variety of toppings, and you can choose from five levels of spiciness.

For more than 50 years since the first store opened in Obihiro in 1968, this curry roux store has been a soul food for Obihiro residents. There are three types of curry roux: "Indian roux," which is made with plenty of beef and aged with dozens of spices; "Basic roux," which brings out the flavor and sweetness of onions; and "Vegetable roux," which contains potatoes, carrots, and onions, all with a nostalgic and deep flavor. The "Basic Roux" has a sweet taste, while the "Vegetable Roux" has potatoes, carrots, and onions.

A casual favorite of Obihiro citizens

The posters of Hollywood stars decorating the restaurant were the idea of the restaurant's former president, who was a movie buff.
The posters of Hollywood stars decorating the restaurant were the idea of the restaurant's former president, who was a movie buff.

For the 13 locations in and around Obihiro, the “Machinaka” branch in the city center has easy directions from Obihiro Station and is a convenient spot for tourists to casually enjoy local flavors.Although it’s so popular that long lines form at lunchtime, the food is served quickly and tables turn over fast, so the wait to be seated isn’t too long. This restaurant is so beloved in Obihiro that some locals even bring their own pots to take their meals home.

Local Guide
Supporters

The aroma of the spices will increase your appetite! Although it was very hearty, I finished it in no time at all.

Curry Shop Indean
  • Address Machinaka Branch: 10-1-1 Nishi 2-jo Minami, Obihiro City, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction 5 min. walk from JR Obihiro Station
  • Hours of operation 11:00-21:00
  • Closed Days December 31, January 1 (May be temporarily closed for training or other reasons)
  • TEL 0155-20-1818
  • Parking Free of charge (3 cars)

Chicken rice, a cheap and tasty traditional taste

The “Chicken Rice Set Meal” features a refreshing ginger flavor that you’ll never get tired of
The “Chicken Rice Set Meal” features a refreshing ginger flavor that you’ll never get tired of

Founded in 1969. The spirit of the predecessor, who wanted to "give people a full meal at a reasonable price," has been passed down to the second generation, and the restaurant has long been loved for its tasty and hearty dishes. The "Chicken rice bowl" is synonymous with the restaurant. The sweet and spicy chicken meat goes well with the rice and the ginger flavored sweet and spicy chicken meat, making your chopsticks go faster and faster. The set meal comes with zangi (deep-fried chicken) and salad, and is a satisfying meal. The menu also includes yakitori (grilled chicken), chicken hot pot, rice dishes, noodles, a la carte dishes, sweets, and more.

Enjoy the playful interior design and hospitality

A warm welcome awaits you in the fun interior handmade by the first and second generations.
A warm welcome awaits you in the fun interior handmade by the first and second generations.

The exterior of the restaurant is Western-style, but once inside you will find a warm, retro Showa-style atmosphere. Most of the interior is handmade, including stained glass and furniture made from scrap wood. The private rooms have unique names such as "Mexico" and "Tomariki," and the elaborate interior design of each room is a delight to the eye. The ordering system using nostalgic black or pink phones is also unique. Families and groups, as well as solo diners, will have a great time here.

Local Guide
Supporters

The chicken minced meat in the rice is superb! It tastes nostalgic. The room is private, so it is safe to bring children.

Chicken Ito
  • Address 28-2-8 Nishi 5-jo Minami, Obihiro City, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction 5 minutes drive from JR Obihiro Station
  • Business hours 11:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
  • Closed Wednesday
  • TEL 0155-22-3076
  • Parking Free of charge

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.