Hokkaido Bar

A Taste of the North: Welcome to Hokkaido Bar

Hokkaido Bar serves as a culinary gateway to Japan’s northernmost frontier, focusing on the purity and seasonal intensity of local ingredients. Located within the scenic Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, the restaurant bridges the gap between casual izakaya culture and refined dining. It is a place where skiers and travelers gather to swap stories over steaming plates of locally sourced delicacies, all while surrounded by the snowy peaks of central Hokkaido.

The menu is a curated map of the region’s best produce, ranging from the buttery dairy of the Tokachi plains to the briny sweetness of the Okhotsk Sea. The kitchen prides itself on minimal intervention, allowing the natural sweetness of the seafood and the marbling of the beef to shine. With an extensive library of Hokkaido-brewed sakes and wines, the dining experience is designed to be a comprehensive exploration of the island’s rich gastronomic identity.

Savour the Flavour: The Umami of the Snow

The "Savour the Flavour" experience at Hokkaido Bar is defined by the unique climate of the region. The cold waters of the surrounding seas produce seafood with a higher fat content and deeper sweetness, while the harsh winters of the interior plains result in incredibly tender meat and vibrant root vegetables. Every bite offers a distinct "umami" profile that is synonymous with the Hokkaido terroir.

To truly appreciate the depth of the menu, guests are encouraged to participate in the "Sake Harmony" pairings. By matching the mineral-heavy local spring water used in Hokkaido’s brewing process with the rich fats of grilled Wagyu or the salinity of fresh crab, a complex symphony of flavors is unlocked. This dedication to regional synergy ensures that dining here is not just a meal, but a sensory education in northern Japanese culture.

Interior Design: Rustic Elegance and Alpine Comfort

The interior of Hokkaido Bar strikes a masterful balance between sleek modernism and rustic mountain charm. Utilizing warm timber accents, soft ambient lighting, and floor-to-ceiling glass, the space invites the beauty of the surrounding birch forests indoors. The open-plan kitchen serves as the heart of the room, where the rhythmic sounds of the grill and the artistry of the chefs provide a live backdrop to the evening.

Seating options are thoughtfully arranged to cater to both intimate couples and larger groups looking for a communal atmosphere. High-top bar counters offer a front-row seat to the sake selection, while cozy booth seating provides privacy for those looking to unwind after a day on the slopes. The design philosophy emphasizes "warmth in the cold," creating an inviting sanctuary that encourages guests to linger long after their last course is finished.

Top 3 Renowned Dishes

The "Jewel of the Sea" Sashimi Selection

This signature platter is a vibrant showcase of the morning’s freshest catch, typically featuring Hokkaido scallops, fatty tuna, and sweet botan shrimp. Each piece is sliced with precision to highlight the texture and freshness that only sub-arctic waters can provide. It is widely considered the quintessential starting point for any meal at the bar.

Charcoal-Grilled Tokachi Wagyu

Sourced from the nearby Tokachi subprefecture, this premium beef is celebrated for its fine marbling and melt-in-the-mouth consistency. Grilled over high-quality charcoal to impart a subtle smokiness, the steak is served with simple sea salt and locally grown wasabi. The dish exemplifies the "land" portion of the restaurant’s mission, offering a rich, savory contrast to the seafood.

Butter-Grilled Scallops with Uni Topping

A true local indulgence, these giant scallops are seared in Hokkaido butter and topped with a generous portion of creamy sea urchin (uni). The combination of the caramelized scallop and the briny, custard-like uni creates a luxurious flavor profile that has become a viral favorite among visitors. It is a decadent tribute to the riches of the Hokkaido coastline.