1. “Hasegawa Store,” a local convenience store in the Southern Hokkaido area

Hello. I’m Nao Takai, a food writer who has sampled dishes at over 5,000 restaurants across Hokkaido. While I introduce Hokkaido’s culinary delights on a daily basis, there’s one thing I never fail to buy whenever I visit Hakodate: the yakitori bento from Hasegawa Store. Loved by everyone from locals to tourists, this bento is actually packed with fascinating details—the more you learn about it, the more interesting it becomes.

Founded in 1958 (Showa 33), “Hasegawa Store” is a local convenience store chain in the Southern Hokkaido region, operating 14 locations in and around Hakodate.Affectionately known locally as “Hasesto,” its larger stores boast a sales floor area and product selection comparable to that of a supermarket.

The signature item that has become synonymous with Hasesto is its famous “Yakitori Bento,” introduced in 1978. This dish features yakitori coated in sauce and topped with nori on a bed of rice, and has become a massive hit, selling over 1 million meals annually.

For this report, we visited the “Nakamichi Store”—Hasesto’s first location and its largest branch.As soon as you step inside, the first thing that catches your eye is the familiar sign modeled after the yakitori bento packaging. At the open grill station, staff members deftly turn the skewers, cooking the yakitori to juicy perfection right before your eyes.

The sizzling sound of the meat cooking and the aromatic scent of the sauce wafting through the air… This immersive experience feels less like a convenience store and more like the atmosphere of a full-fledged yakitori specialty shop. Incidentally, they also sell “frozen yakitori,” which is convenient for takeout.

The shelves are lined with a wide variety of in-house items, including bento boxes, rice balls, and bread. When we spoke with the staff, they told us that these handmade items account for a full 70 percent of their sales.

Even as major convenience store chains expand into the area, Hasesto continues to maintain its unique position through its original menu and overwhelming love for the local community. I really hope you’ll visit the store to experience that vibrant atmosphere, which is an indispensable part of life in Hakodate.

2. It’s Not Even Chicken!? What Is Hakodate’s Soul Food, the “Yakitori Bento”?

A “yakitori bento” is typically a bento featuring yakitori—chicken skewers coated in sauce and topped with nori—served over rice. However, this one doesn’t feature chicken—it’s actually skewers of “pork”! I’m sure many of you were surprised when you opened the lid. This is tied to the food culture of the Southern Hokkaido region.

Southern Hokkaido, including Hakodate, has long been a region where pig farming thrives. Since pork was cheaper and more readily available than chicken, the culture of “yakitori = pork” took root. The bento lid features a cute illustration of a “little pig,” subtly hinting that the meat inside is pork.

The origins of the yakitori bento date back to one late night in 1978 (Showa 53). A drunk customer asked Fumio Hasegawa, the founder who was manning the register at the time, “Don’t you have any bento boxes?”Combining the rice and nori the shop had on hand with the yakitori he’d started grilling as a snack, he improvised and created the bento on the spot.

Born from a serendipitous flash of inspiration, this bento has now become one of Hakodate’s signature soul foods. Not only locals but also many tourists visit the shop in search of this flavor.

The yakitori is never prepared in advance; each skewer is grilled one by one after an order is placed, ensuring it’s served fresh off the grill. The skewers are also carefully assembled to achieve the perfect balance of lean and fatty meat. Since grilling begins only after an order is placed, there’s a short wait, but it’s well worth it to enjoy a bento that’s piping hot every time.

And the secret ingredient that further enhances this deliciousness is “Hakodate Wine” red wine. By giving the meat a quick spritz of it midway through grilling, it’s said to mellow the flavor and tenderize the meat. This unwavering commitment to making the most of local ingredients is what underpins the taste of Hasesto, which has been loved for many years.

3. A Guide to Choosing Your Favorite Flavor from 5 Varieties

One of the joys of the yakitori bento is choosing from five different flavors: “Tare,” “Salt,” “Salt Tare,” “Spicy-Savory,” and “Miso Tare.” Even with the same item, the impression changes completely depending on the flavor you choose, so you’ll never get tired of it no matter how many times you eat it.

Here, for those of you who find yourselves thinking, “I can’t decide which one to get…,” we’ll explain some tips on how to choose!

[Sauces] First up is this one! By far the most popular choice

For first-timers, we recommend the overwhelmingly popular “Tare” flavor. The sweet-and-spicy, aromatic sauce pairs perfectly with the lean pork! It coats the nori and rice thoroughly, leaving you feeling fully satisfied.

[Salt] A simple yet profound flavor favored by “connoisseurs”

Next on our list is “Salt,” which is highly popular among connoisseurs. Actually, this “Salt” isn’t just plain salt and pepper. A subtle hint of garlic is used as a secret ingredient, creating an exquisite flavor that’s light yet stimulates your appetite. If you want to simply enjoy the meat’s fat and robust umami, “Salt” is the only choice.

In addition to the classic sauce and the “salt” option favored by connoisseurs, the menu also features the “Salt Sauce” with a hint of tartness, the “Miso Sauce” made with white miso, aged miso, and a dash of doubanjiang, and the “Umami-Spicy” sauce, whose heat builds gradually and becomes addictive.Each had its own distinctive flavor, but the “Umakara” in particular delivered more of a kick than I expected. Be sure to choose one that suits your mood and taste.

4. More Customizable Than You Think! Sizes, Toppings, and Variations

It’s a very simple yakitori bento, but it actually offers a wide range of customization options. From size and toppings to combining the five seasonings I just mentioned, the possibilities are endless.

Here, we’ll share some customization tips to help you find your very own perfect bento.

There are 5 sizes to choose from

The first step in customizing your order is choosing the size. The basic options are “Mini, Small, Medium, Large, and Jumbo,” but in fact, not only does the amount of rice vary, but so do the number of skewers and the ingredients.

The most popular choice is the “Small (200g of rice),” which comes with three skewers of pork.The “Medium (250g of rice)” includes three pork skewers plus one vegetable skewer, while the “Large (350g of rice)” features four pork skewers, and the “Jumbo (450g of rice)” comes with four pork skewers that are slightly larger than usual.Note that for the medium-sized vegetable skewer, you can substitute it for a pork skewer for an additional 10 yen.

Cheese sauce and soft-boiled egg toppings also available

Once you’ve decided on the size, it’s time to choose your toppings. Two options are available to bring out the full potential of the yakitori bento: “Cheese Sauce” and “Onsen Egg,” both at reasonable prices. Depending on how you combine them, you can enjoy a milder flavor.

That said, many people are probably still unaware of these toppings. This may be because there are so many seasoning and size options that customers often finish placing their order without even getting to the toppings. You could call it a secret flavor twist known only to connoisseurs.

The cheese sauce has a slightly firm texture, so the trick to enjoying it at its best is to microwave it briefly after drizzling it over the yakitori. It melts smoothly over the entire dish, adding even more richness and creating an addictive flavor. Personally, I highly recommend pairing it with the miso sauce.

On the other hand, the hot spring egg is a stellar supporting player that gently envelops the entire dish. It instantly enhances the harmony between the meat and rice, so I highly recommend eating it coated in the classic sauce rather than with plain salt. Be sure to give it a try!

“Yakiben-bō”—a quick bite to enjoy while sightseeing

Want an even more convenient way to enjoy a yakitori bento? If so, be sure to give the “Yakiben-bō” a try.

The “Yakiben-bō” is a one-handed gourmet treat that reimagines the yakitori bento as a stick. Nori and pork are wrapped around rice rolled onto disposable chopsticks, then grilled to a fragrant crisp. Take a bite, and the flavor is exactly like a yakitori bento. Whether you’re busy or on the go, you can enjoy that delicious taste quickly and easily with just one hand.

5. Don’t miss the monthly “Special Rice” offerings

In addition, the yakitori bento features a “Special Rice” option that changes monthly.At the time of our visit in June 2026, a “Bamboo Shoot Rice” yakitori bento was available. The bamboo shoots had a crisp, crunchy texture, and the rice was rich with the umami of dashi. For the yakitori, we highly recommend the “salt” seasoning—it perfectly complements the flavor of the rice!

A variety of special rice options have been introduced so far, including “chestnut rice,” “ume-flavored nozawana rice,” “ginger rice,” and “garlic rice.” Among these, “wasabi rice” is said to be particularly popular. It’s praised for how its sharp, tingling heat complements the sweetness of the sauce.

The addition of seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations transforms your usual yakitori bento into something truly special! Plus, just checking to see “What kind of rice will it be this month?” before your trip adds to the excitement. This way, no matter how many times you visit, you can always enjoy it with a fresh sense of anticipation.

6. Do You Know the Secret Trick? The “Proper Way to Eat” a Yakitori Bento

Did you know that Hasesto officially recommends a “proper way to eat” its yakitori bento? The bento container is actually equipped with a special feature designed specifically for this method.

The key is the narrow groove in the container. Place the base of the skewer in this groove, close the lid, and press down lightly from above. Then, twist the skewer from side to side as you pull it out. The meat will slide right off the skewer, allowing you to eat without getting your hands dirty.

7. Recommended Shops That Are Easy to Stop By While Sightseeing

Hasesto operates 14 locations in Hakodate and the surrounding area, but did you know that each store actually has its own unique character? This time, we’ve picked out four stores with excellent directions that are easy for travelers to stop by between sightseeing trips. We’ll introduce the features of each store.

① The “Bay Area Store” features a spacious dine-in area

This location is right in front of the Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse, a famous tourist attraction. Right next door is “Lucky Pierrot,” another Hakodate specialty, making this a dream spot where you can enjoy Hakodate’s two major local delicacies in one go.

The store also features a spacious dining area, making it the perfect spot to take a break from your stroll and leisurely enjoy a freshly grilled, piping-hot yakitori bento right there.

② Easy direction from Hakodate Station! “Hakodate Ekimae Store”

This shop is right in front of Hakodate Station and the Hakodate Morning Market. It’s also known for having the smallest sales floor area of all the stores. While they do carry some bread and drinks, the selection is limited, so it might be more accurate to call it a specialty takeout shop for yakitori bento boxes.

Located just a 2-minute walk from the station, it’s the perfect spot to pick up a bento as your final culinary treat in Hakodate—a great alternative to a traditional station bento.

③ The must-visit first store: “Nakamichi Store”

This is Hasesto’s first store and the birthplace of the yakitori bento. As mentioned in this article, the sales floor is very spacious, packed with a wide variety of bento boxes and freshly baked bread. The in-store dining area is decorated with autographs and posters from GLAY, offering plenty of interesting sights to see.

Since it’s about 5 km from Hakodate Station and about 1 km from Goryokaku, consider taking a car or bus if you plan to visit.

④ A dream collaboration: “Seicomart Hakodate Bay Store”

Opened in October 2025, this is the first collaborative store between Hasesto and Seicomart. These two local brands, both part of the Se Koma Group, have teamed up to create a unique space found nowhere else. In addition to Seicomart’s extensive selection, you can also order yakitori bento boxes here.Limited-edition collaboration merchandise—a must-see for fans—is also available for purchase.

It’s close to the Bay Area, which is popular with tourists, and features a parking lot with 24 spaces, making the direction excellent. A sign on the exterior wall features the mascots of both companies alongside a lineup of yakitori bento boxes, making this a must-visit store and a new photo spot for your Hakodate trip.

8. A Column by Food Writer Nao Takai on Her Favorite Picks

Hasesto’s “Yakitori Bento”—a simple dish consisting of rice topped with nori and yakitori—has earned overwhelming support from both Hakodate residents and tourists. At first, I couldn’t help but wonder why such a simple dish could be so appealing.

But the more I visit, the more the reason becomes clear. It’s all in the small details—like the grooves in the container or the splash of red wine—that you wouldn’t notice unless someone pointed them out.

Still, the sense of satisfaction after finishing it is undeniable. I now understand that it’s precisely because it’s so simple that the care put into every single detail comes across so clearly. There’s a solid reason why this yakitori bento has remained beloved for over half a century since the store’s founding.

If you visit Hakodate, be sure to stop by Hasegawa Store. I’d be delighted if you found a yakitori bento that suits your taste ♩

Enjoy Hakodate 120%! “OMO5 Hakodate by Hoshino Resorts,” a downtown hotel perfect for sightseeing

Located just a 5-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station, this hotel offers excellent direction and is the perfect base for exploring all that Hakodate has to offer. After a full day of sightseeing, warm your body gently in the amber-colored, naturally flowing hot spring and enjoy a moment of relaxation.The next morning, a luxurious breakfast buffet—featuring seafood rice bowls made with your choice of toppings—will set the tone for a special day.
Why not head out to Hakodate, a city that will satisfy both your stomach and your soul?