| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 - 17:30 Bench Time Cafe 11:00 - 20:30 Yakiton Hidaka (Yakitori Restaurant) 11:00 - 21:00 Restaurant Yamasho (Chinese Restaurant) |
| Closed | Thursdays - Restaurant Yamasho Tuesdays - Bench Time Cafe |
| Contact | 011-4647-3650 Bench Time Cafe 011-4647-2989 Yakiton Hidaka 011-4647-3369 Restaurant Yamasho |
| Notes | Rest area, photography spot, land mark, parking available, 3 restaurants under mural |
| Location / Getting There | On the south eastern coast of Hokkaido. The rest stop is a 15-minute walk from Seppu Station on the JR Hidaka Main Line, under the mural of a horse along National Route 235. It's a 6 minute drive from central Niikappu. 292 1 Seppucho, Niikappu, Niikappu District, Hokkaido 059-2412 |
Niikappu is a town and sub prefecture on the south coast of Hokkaido. The area is known mainly for its production of racehorses. You can find statues and symbols of horses all across the town. On the border of the town of Niikappu and along the ocean drive there you can see the Niikappu mural. It is easy to see and it’s also the mark for where the rest stop is. This area is home to three restaurants that are open for lunch and dinner. Travelers have the option of a coffee shop, Chinese, or BBQ.
The mural itself raises high on the cliff face and depicts three race horses charging along. This area is also a nice spot to take a break as it faces the ocean. The coffee shop ‘Bench Time’ has a western menu with curries and some ice-cream to enjoy. There is a bench out the front to sit and enjoy the sun. ‘Yakiton Hidaka’ is right next door and they have set meals which include a meat dish served with rice. They are open for dinner for those on a long drive. Lastly, Restaurant Yamasho is a Chinese restaurant that serves excellent meals. Enjoy a lunch or dinner and watch the sunset! The Niikappu Mural is handy spot to relax and grab a bite for those on driving down the coastal road.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥1000 |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 - 16:30 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0136-22-5705 |
| Notes | Coffee shop, small grocery store, wifi, seating 16, parking, wheelchair access, no smoking |
| Location / Getting There | This cafe is located in central Kutchan. It is at the front of Tsutaya book and DVD rental. Can be accessed from route 5 which runs through Kutchan. 〒044-0031 Hokkaido, Abuta District, Kutchan, Minami 1 Jonishi, 1−27 |
In the center of Kutchan and on the main street you can find a very nice small cafe called Vida Café. It is part of the Tsutaya book store and is located on the corner with large glass windows overlooking the parking lot. At this cafe you can pick up a simple coffee or a light snack. The menu has pictures and the friendly speak English. For those from overseas, it is easy to order. The food menu is small but enough. They have hashed beef with rice, pizza and an omelette dish on the menu, plus a few coffees. The comfortable seats are the perfect spot to enjoy a nice meal.
This coffee shop also serves as a small store. The cafe sells souvenirs, plus it has a lot of food items to take home. They have a huge range of curries to buy. These curries are pre mixed and are easy to make a delicious meal. There are plenty of other snacks on the shelves. There are also magazines and brochures to flip through while sipping on your coffee, hot chocolate or tea, plus there is free wifi here. This is one of the few places in Kutchan in which to relax, have a light meal and enjoy a tea. It is also just across the road from the Lucky supermarket so there is plenty of parking.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥1500- ¥3000 |
| Opening Hours | 11:00 - 22:00 |
| Closed | Thursdays |
| Contact | 090-6444-8172 |
| Notes | Italian & Spanish restaurant, cafe & grocery store, outside seating, imported beer, arts & craft store, no parking |
| Location / Getting There | Chiosco is located in central Sapporo, near the west end of Odori Park, and diagonally across from Sapporo Museum. It is along Odori Avenue. The closest station is Nishi 11 Chome subway station, on the Tozai Line (orange line). It is a 5 minute walk west from here. 〒060-0042 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Odorinishi, 14 Chome−１−14 NEO ビル 1F |
Situated just one block west from Odori Park and is a popular place that serves as a restaurant, cafe, small grocery store, and an arts and crafts boutique. It is a small slice of Europe tucked away in central Sapporo. The owner has spent a lot of time in Italy and Spain and has bought many of the delicacies back to the tables of Chiosco. The main restaurant is to the back of the premises and is a great spot for dinner parties. The main part of Chiosco serves as a coffee shop. It has some tables out the front and are perfect for outside dining in the warmer months.
It is here you can enjoy a coffee, a nice lunch, or sip on one of the many imported beers that are on the menu. The large wide street is also nice to do some people watching. To the left of the register is a small arts and craft store. You can find some beautifully designed items here. They sell plates, bowls, cooking goods, sculptures, utensils and ornaments. They are on the pricey side so don’t forget your wallet! Below the register is a glass counter filled with Italian and Spanish cheeses, meats, salads, and dressings. These are not easily found elsewhere, making a Chiosco a good spot to pick some delicacies to take home. Last, but not least, the coffee here is really good. Take a seat and enjoy your surroundings. Chiosco, is definitely a great store to visit!
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥1000 - ¥2000 |
| Opening Hours | 11:00 - 19:00 |
| Closed | Tuesdays |
| Contact | 011-3884-6210 https://www.cafe-gram.com |
| Notes | Cafe & restaurant, parking for 8, no smoking |
| Location / Getting There | The cafe is located in central Hakodate near the harbor. The cafe is just a two minute walk from Jujigai subway station (4 stops from Hakodate station). For those with a car, there is a small parking spot out the front. 12-3 Suehirocho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0053 |
This restaurant is famous for its pancakes in the city of Hakodate. These fluffy three tiered pancakes are served throughout the day and a stacked to a considerable height on your plate! Due to the popularity of these pancakes tickets are usually needed to order. The premium pancakes are only for certain times during the day, and it can take a while for your order to come so be prepared. Once they do arrive, these are really good! There is also a large pancake cushion for a photo opportunity to remember your visit.
Besides the premium pancakes, they have some good lunches to enjoy. A bit of sweet and savory to go with your coffee. The lunches here include small pancakes served with thick bacon, avocado, eggs and a hamburger patty. The perfect brunch! There is also toast and cream. Side dishes include a healthier salad or soup. While in Hakodate, this is not a bad place to drop into. There is plenty of seating, so its a good for groups, and there is enough parking around the store. Interestingly, they have other stores in America.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥500- ¥1500 |
| Opening Hours | 11:00 - 19:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-512-1916 https://www.cafeblue.jp/ |
| Notes | Coffee shop, seating 50, wifi, cards accepted, take out available, parking, no reservations |
| Location / Getting There | Located in western Sapporo. It is a 4 minute walk from the 'Ropeway Iriguchi Station' (Exit 2) on the Sapporo tram line. The cafe is also just a 5 minute walk from the ropeway to Mt. Moiwa. 16 Chome-9-12 Minami 19 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0919 |
Cafe Blue is a homely coffee shop that was renovated from an old folks house. It is tucked away at the foot of Mt. Moiwa and with natural light streaming through the large windows, and with its old rustic, wooden interior, this is a great spot to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. Cafe Blue is most famous for its fluffy pancakes and its fresh cream. These are served with fresh Hokkaido ingredients creating a delicious sweet and savory meal. Eggs Benedict, a thick slice of bacon, fresh salad served with pancakes or waffles. Perfect for brunch!
Being just a short walk from the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway, why not drop in after or before a trip to the top of the mountain! Cafe Blue is not too touristy and is a quiet place to have a coffee or a meal. Besides the pancakes, they have an excellent green keema curry, a shiretoko chicken teriyaki plate, and an octopus ragout sauce pasta, plus a few seasonal dishes. The sweets are just as impressive with scones, cakes, and parfaits, and of course pancakes with sweet toppings. Try the pancakes with blueberry rare cheese! The menu comes with pictures so it is easy to order. Cafe Blue is definitely worth a visit.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥400 - ¥1000 |
| Opening Hours | 7:30 - 20:00 All 3 locations Odori Hokkaido Shinbun location (closes at 19:00 on weekdays) |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-1596-7037 Odori Hokkaido Shinbun location 011-1206-0501 Odori Aurora town 011-1211-1567 Sapporo west |
| Notes | Coffee shop, food available, no smoking, credit card accepted |
| Location / Getting There | Odori Hokkaido Shinbun and the Aurora Town locations are right by Odori subway station. They are both a 2 minute walk from the station, one being on the ground floor across from Odori Park. The other is underground in the Aurora town shopping walkway. 〒060-0042 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Odorinishi, 3 Chome-6 Hokkaido Shimbun Headquarters Building 1F & 〒060-0042 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Odorinishi, 3 Chome, Sapporo Underground Town Aurora Town A-45 The Sapporo west store is along Ishiyama Road and near Sapporo City Hall and right by the Sapporo Prince Hotel, and is a 3 minute walk from Nishi Juitchome subway station 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 11 Chome−328-8 １Ｆ |
Cafe de Crie has a chain of coffee shops all over Japan. In Hokkaido, they have three locations, all in Sapporo. These coffee shops have a good menu and nice, comfortable settings. These coffee shops are very affordable and you can find a good range of coffees and teas. As with other cafes, they have sandwiches, toasted snacks, cakes and cookies, but unlike other places they also have a couple of small pasta dishes to enjoy. The food here is really good value, and pretty good!
Two of the locations are right next to Odori Park, and just around the corner from the Sapporo Clock Tower. This makes Cafe de Crie a nice and convenient place to grab a coffee and a small lunch during the day. They have wifi as well which is a bonus, plus some of the seating areas have power sockets for your laptops and phones and that is not too common in other cafes. If you enjoy the coffee here, you can take some home with you. Cafe de Crie has its own brand of coffee and tea to take home, or to give as a present. These products are sold in store.
