Seafood chain restaurants in Hokkaido mainly fall into two categories: conveyor belt sushi restaurants and seafood izakayas (Japanese pubs).

Conveyor belt sushi spots offer fresh sushi at relatively affordable prices, making them a convenient option. Given Hokkaido's easy access to fresh seafood, it's no surprise that when you ask locals for sushi recommendations, many will suggest conveyor belt sushi restaurants over high-end places. The quality of sushi at these restaurants is exceptionally high.

Seafood izakayas, on the other hand, are places where you can enjoy a wide variety of dishes, including sashimi, charcoal-grilled seafood, fried items, and steamed dishes, all paired with drinks. Izakayas often have an extensive selection of beverages, especially Japanese sake, allowing you to savor Hokkaido's fresh seafood alongside local sake.

Chain restaurants offer a wide variety of menu options, and you can count on consistent food quality, service, and customer care across locations, making them a reliable choice. This is especially true for conveyor belt sushi restaurants, which often have kid-friendly menus, making them a great option for families. Additionally, seafood izakayas frequently have multiple locations in Sapporo, so if your first choice is fully booked, you can easily visit another nearby branch.

Now, let's dive into the top five recommended seafood chain restaurants: three conveyor belt sushi spots and two seafood izakayas.

Kaitenzushi Toriton is a conveyor belt sushi chain that started in Kitami City in eastern Hokkaido and has since expanded across Hokkaido and beyond. When locals are asked about conveyor belt sushi, Toriton is often the first name that comes to mind, highlighting its immense popularity. The secret to Toriton's success lies in the quality of its ingredients. Every morning, they select and source ingredients from the market, ensuring top-notch freshness. The staff carefully prepares the sushi, paying close attention to the size and fat content to create the perfect sushi.

As of June 2024, Toriton operates three locations in its hometown of Kitami and has expanded to ten locations in the Sapporo area and one in Asahikawa. In Sapporo, several of their restaurants are within walking distance of JR and subway stations, making them easily accessible for tourists. While it's one of the most famous and popular sushi spots in Hokkaido, Toriton doesn't accept reservations. To avoid long waits, it's best to visit outside of peak times like lunch and dinner hours or weekends.

You can place your orders using a touchscreen panel at each table, allowing you to choose from a wide variety of menu items. The menu is available in English, Chinese, and Korean, making it popular among international tourists who may not speak Japanese. Prices vary depending on the type and quantity of sushi, but most plates, which typically contain one to three pieces, range from around 100 to 500 yen, making it an overall budget-friendly option.

The menu features classic favorites like tuna and salmon, as well as Hokkaido specialties including scallops, surf clams, and turban shells. Depending on the day's market supply, you might also find unique offerings like sushi topped with a whole large sweet shrimp or gunkan sushi with octopus eggs - a rare delicacy. It's always exciting to see what's available, so be sure to check it out and enjoy the day's surprises!

Nagoyakatei is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant that originated in Kushiro, known for its commitment to direct-from-source ingredients. With over 30 years of relationships with fishing communities in places like Kushiro, they source fresh seafood from both within Hokkaido and beyond. For example: they bring in scallops, surf clams, and turban shells still in their shells, which are then freshly shucked and served in the restaurant.

As of June 2024, Nagoyakatei has four locations in its hometown of Kushiro, three in the Obihiro area, and nine in Sapporo. The Hassamu and Aeon Hassamu stores in Sapporo are within walking distance from the Miyanosawa Station on the Tozai Subway Line, making them easily accessible even if you're not driving.

You can pick your favorite sushi from the conveyor belt that runs along the tables, or you can place an order for specific items using the touchscreen panel at your table. If you prefer freshly made sushi or have specific menu choices in mind, ordering through the touchscreen is the best option.

The menu and prices vary by location, but generally, plates range from 100 to 1,000 yen and include one to three pieces of sushi. Given their focus on direct-from-source ingredients, everything is fresh and delicious. Here are two recommended items to try.

The first is "Fresh Scallops", featuring Hokkaido's natural, fresh scallops, which are rich in flavor and free of any fishy taste. The scallops are so large that they almost cover the rice completely, making for a satisfying bite.

The second is "Overflowing Salmon Roe", a signature dish offered at Nagoyakatei's Sapporo locations. The staff will cheerfully scoop generous amounts of salmon roe from Kushiro onto your gunkan sushi, accompanied by lively shouts and drum sounds. This makes for a perfect photo opportunity and is sure to be a highlight of your meal.

Simply eating the gunkan sushi might leave you with a lot of extra salmon roe. The recommended way to enjoy it is to order additional items like salmon or fresh scallops and top them with the leftover roe. While the salmon and scallops are delicious on their own, adding the extra roe gives them a new and exciting flavor twist.

Nemuro Hanamaru is a conveyor belt sushi chain that was founded in Nemuro, the easternmost point of Hokkaido. The restaurant captures the essence of Nemuro, a town known for its fishing industry, and is dedicated to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the area. Occasionally, you might find unique offerings that are rarely seen in markets, directly shipped from Nemuro.

Nemuro Hanamaru started as a local favorite in Nemuro and has since expanded to multiple locations. As of June 2024, the chain has its original location in Nemuro, along with a branch in Nakashibetsu, seven in the Sapporo area, and two in Hakodate.

Due to the popularity of each location and the resulting long lines, most locations, except the Nemuro store, now use a ticket system. You can get a numbered ticket from a machine outside the restaurant and return at the designated time to be seated. The ticket machine supports multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean.

Since reservations aren't accepted and entry is based on your ticket number, it's a good idea to visit with some time to spare.

Sushi plates range from around 100 to 400 yen, making it a relatively affordable option. Highly recommended dishes include the "Hanazaki Crab Gunkan," which features the famous Hanazaki crab from Nemuro, and the "Hanazaki Crab Teppō-jiru," a flavorful soup brimming with crab and other ingredients. While these items may not always be available, if you find them on the menu, they're definitely worth trying.

Another must-try specialty is the "Double-Decker Scallop," which features two thick slices of scallop stacked on top of each other. This sushi not only offers a satisfying bite and robust flavor but also highlights the juicy, fresh taste of the scallops.

Nemuro Hanamaru also operates several other brands that showcase the flavors of Nemuro's ingredients in different formats. Among these, I highly recommend "Ichiyaboshi to Kaisendon Dekitaya," which has three locations in the Sapporo area.

I recommend trying the "Sashimi Don" at Ichiyaboshi to Kaisendon Dekitateya. You can order a variety of sashimi and enjoy it like a seafood bowl. Whether you mix and match different types of sashimi or pile on a lot of the same kind, you can create a personalized donburi just the way you like it.

In addition to fresh sashimi, you can also enjoy a variety of side dishes and set meals, like one-night-dried fish including salmon, mackerel, and pacific saury. "One-night-dried" refers to a type of dried seafood where fish or squid is salted and then dried overnight in a cool, shaded place or with a cold breeze. This process removes some moisture, enhancing the flavor and resulting in a tender, flavorful texture when grilled.

For a full sushi experience, head to Nemuro Hanamaru. Or, if you're looking to savor seafood bowls, sashimi, and one-night-dried fish, make sure to visit Ichiyaboshi to Kaisendon Dekitaya.

Umi e offers a wide range of seafood dishes featuring seasonal fish and other fresh ingredients. You can enjoy everything from sashimi and sushi to seafood bowls, as well as grilled and fried dishes. They also serve local Hokkaido specialties like "ramen salad" along with various other salads. Pair your meal with a selection of sake and other drinks for a complete dining experience.

As of June 2024, Umie has twelve locations across Hokkaido: nine in Sapporo and one each in Tomakomai, Obihiro, and Kushiro. In Sapporo, you'll find several restaurants near Sapporo Station and in the bustling Susukino district, making it a convenient dinner option if you're staying in the city.

Despite its upscale appearance and high-quality ingredients, Umie offers a range of dishes at very reasonable prices - typically in the few hundred yen range - aside from some items like sashimi platters and grilled dishes. The menu is diverse, allowing you to enjoy raw, grilled, and fried seafood.

The restaurant is particularly known for its sashimi, crab dishes, and grilled seafood including scallops and mackerel. The menu is available in both Japanese and English, making it accessible for international guests.

In addition to beer and sours, Umie offers a selection of sake brewed in Hokkaido, so you can enjoy tasting local sake alongside your meal. The menu also includes dishes like shrimp miso ramen and shellfish broth salt ramen, ensuring a satisfying dining experience. A visit to this restaurant guarantees a thorough enjoyment of Hokkaido's seafood and local drinks. While the menu is only available in Japanese, you can make reservations through the official website, so it's a good idea to book in advance if you want to secure a table.

Aburiya is a restaurant where you can savor expertly grilled dishes and sushi made with carefully selected Hokkaido seafood. Skilled chefs perfectly grill the fish over charcoal, and the sushi, featuring fluffy rice and fresh ingredients, is highly praised for its quality.

As of June 2024, Aburiya has three locations in central Sapporo. You'll find one near Sapporo Station, one right in front of Odori Park, and one in the heart of the Susukino entertainment district. These convenient locations make it easy to visit if you're staying in downtown Sapporo.

The layout at Aburiya varies by location, but generally includes counter seating, as well as family-friendly sunken kotatsu tables and private or semi-private rooms, making it suitable for both individuals and groups.

The Sapporo Station South Exit location even has a room that can accommodate up to 28 people, making it ideal for larger gatherings. However, since the restaurant is often busy, especially with large groups, it's advisable to make a reservation in advance. Reservations can be made through their official website, but note that it is in Japanese.

Aburiya's menu focuses on fresh seafood, with a variety of charcoal-grilled dishes and sushi. You can also enjoy a range of appetizers that pair well with drinks, as well as small bowls topped with delicacies like salmon roe and sea urchin. For beverages, they offer local options such as Hokkaido's exclusive "Sapporo Classic" beer, a selection of sake brewed within Hokkaido, Yoichi wine, and a diverse array of shochu and sours.

Two popular dishes at Aburiya are the "Charcoal-Grilled Atka Mackerel" and "Braised Kinki." The large, thick mackerel is grilled slowly over charcoal, resulting in a tender, flaky texture with a rich flavor. The kinki, a high-end fish, is prized for its well-marbled flesh and concentrated umami, offering a deep, luxurious taste.

The "Charcoal-Grilled Atka Mackerel" is priced at 1,925 yen, while the "Braised Kinki" costs 7,590 yen, reflecting its premium status. Both dishes are considered well worth the price for their exceptional quality.

Hokkaido is blessed with abundant seafood, so you can expect high-quality ingredients at any restaurant you visit. What sets each apart is how their chefs prepare these ingredients, which can elevate the taste even further. The restaurants highlighted in this article are known for both their excellent food and service. These seafood chains maintain a high standard of quality, making them popular choices among locals. If you're traveling to Hokkaido, be sure to visit and fully enjoy the region's rich seafood offerings.

Find popular restaurants in Sapporo where you can make reservations here: