| 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) | ¥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) | ¥2000 - ¥4000 |
| Opening Hours | 18:00 - 3:00 Main store, Gojo store 11:30 - 23:30 Sanjo Store, Tanuki koji Store 11:30 - 23:00 Kitaichijo Store |
| Closed | Sundays : Main store, Gojo store |
| Contact | 011-3884-6210 Main store 011-561-1999 Gojo store 011-1219-8088 Sanjo Store 011-218-8700 Kitaichijo Store 011-200-9966 Tanuki koji Store |
| Notes | High end sushi store, no parking, credit card accepted, seating around 30 per store |
| Location / Getting There | Main store South 5 West 3. It's a 2 minutes walk from Exit 3 of Susukino Station on the Sapporo Namboku subway Line Sapporo City Chuo-ku Minami 5-jo Nishi 3-chome, N Grande Building 1F Gojo store South 5 West 4. It's a 2 minutes walk from Exit 5 of Susukino Station on the Sapporo Subway Namboku Line 4-chome, Minami 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido (facing south on 5-jo-dori) Sanjo Store South 3 West 4. 2 minutes walk from Susukino Station on the Sapporo Subway Namboku Line 〒060-0063Hokkaido Sapporo City Chuo-ku Minami 3-jo Nishi 4-chome Tosho 3.4 Building 1F Kitaichijo store West 3 North 2. 1 minute walk from Odori Station on the Sapporo Subway Namboku Line 〒060-0001 Kita 1 Jonishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Kita Ichijo Ekimae - dori Building 2F Tanukikoji store It's a 5 minute walk from Odori subway station. 〒060-0063 1F, Jalan Tanukikoji, 6-3-3 Minami 3-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido |
Sai Kaku is a small chain of restaurants in Sapporo and throughout the big cities of Japan. They are not like the sushi train restaurants with the sushi on a conveyer belt, but you order your sushi directly from the chef. Sai Kaku are on the higher end of sushi restaurants and for those traveling from abroad, they offer a fantastic Japanese dining experience. There are five Sai Kaku restaurants in Sapporo, all close to each other. There are two in Susukino, two in the heart of Sapporo and a fifth near Sapporo station.
These restaurants excel in sushi and in sake. The sushi is beautifully presented and arranged on a flat wooden board. Unlike other sushi restaurants, only one piece of sushi is served per order. It comes with a folded ginger garnish. This restaurant is more expensive then the sushi train style restaurants so be prepared. It is highly recommended to try some fine sake to go with your sushi. They have numerous bottles to choose from. Again, if you are looking for a fine dining experience, and enjoy sushi, look no further than Sai Kaku.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥1500- ¥3000 |
| Opening Hours | Nuts Cafe Nights 18:00 - 3:00 (Open until 5:00 on Fridays & Saturdays) Nuts Cafe Trip 11:00 - 12:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | Nuts Cafe Nights : 050-5834-4114 Nuts Cafe Trip : 050-5834-2996 |
| Notes | Late night bar and restaurant, smoking allowed, card accepted, seating + counter seating 40, good for small groups, no parking |
| Location / Getting There | There are two locations in Sapporo. One being in Susukino (the nightlife district), and the other being by Sapporo station. Susukino location is only a 4 minute walk south west from Susukino subway station and is on the ground floor and easy to find. The other store is a 2 minute walk from Sapporo station on the 8th floor, next to Kinokuniya book store. |
Nuts Cafe is a bar/restaurant that caters for late night dining and drinking. The main location is in Susukino (the night life district of Sapporo), plus there is another Nuts Cafe right by Sapporo station for a quieter style of dining. Nuts Cafe Nights has a lot of seating plus a bar counter which sits up to ten. This place is a good spot for small groups having a party or for couples on a date. The crowd here is usually quite young. What makes this place is unique is that some sections of the establishment are still ok to smoke in. The food menu has a huge range, plus at the bar, the drink menu is extensive.
If you like whiskeys, Nuts Cafe has a nice listing. And as a bonus, the friendly staff here are more than happy to offer their recommendations. You can enjoy some nice Japanese whiskeys here as well. For food, they have mainly western style dishes and it must be said, the food here is really good! They have thick steaks, hamburgers, pizzas and pastas just to name a few, plus if you have a celebration, Nuts Cafe will get you a cake to suit the occasion. For those who are looking for a party, you will need to make a reservation. This can be done on through Hot Pepper magazine, or click here.
| 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) | ¥1000 |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 - 20:00 (last order 19:30) |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-206-0631 |
| Notes | Coffee shop, wifi, English menu, seating 70, no smoking, wheelchair access |
| Location / Getting There | Located in central Sapporo in the Le Trois shopping centre. It is across from Odori Park and is a quick walk from Odori subway station, only 3 minutes. 1 Chome-13 Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042 |
Located in the Le Trois shopping centre on the 3rd floor, Kurami Coffee is a popular coffee shop. It is a large space with nice views overlooking Odori Park across the road. Kurami has free wifi which is definitely handy for those traveling. The staff here are also very good. With a lot of seating, this is a popular spot for shoppers in the Le Trois building. Here, in the spacious surroundings you can enjoy a nice coffee or tea and have a bite to eat for lunch or a quick dinner.
Kurami is part of a chain of restaurants and cafes that can be found throughout all of Japan. All these restaurants/cafes are all run with an Italian style menu. Kurami is no exception The menu has a selection of sandwiches, a couple of salads, and a few pastas from which to choose from. The price here too is very reasonable and you can have a coffee and a sandwich for around ¥1000. Le Trois has other restaurants on higher floors up for bigger meals, but if you are looking for a nice spot to enjoy a coffee with friends, Kurami is a nice choice.
