Kikuizumi — Restaurant in Hakodate

Please forgive me for making this comment, but I feel compelled to express my deep dissatisfaction. Today at 14:28, I completed my order, yet an hour later, at 15:28, my meal had still not been served. What’s even more baffling is that at least five new groups of customers arrived approximately 30 minutes after I ordered, and each received their meals in under ten minutes. One of these groups even ordered the exact same charcoal-grilled dish as mine but was served much earlier.

I chose a highly visible seat and placed my order number card prominently on the table as instructed. Throughout my wait, the staff passed by me multiple times to serve other customers, even those who had arrived more than half an hour later than I did. These customers had already finished their meals and left, while I remained waiting. Finally, I had to leave my seat and personally approach the staff to inquire about my order.

I don’t want to make extreme assumptions, but seeing five groups of Japanese customers and one group of Westerners receive prompt service while I, the only person with an Asian face, was so clearly overlooked, leaves me with an unsettling question: Have I experienced racial discrimination in this beautiful country known for its hospitality and...

Sabo Kikuizumi is a historic teahouse located in Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan. It is known for its traditional atmosphere offering Japanese style teas and desserts (including Shiratama dango - rice dumplings)  in a building that has been preserved since 1921.

Shiratama are a type of wagashi (traditional Japanese desserts).   They have a soft, chewy texture and a subtle sweetness from the rice flour used to make them.  They are always consumed with something stickily sweet.  We had ours with a thick honey syrup.

Great fun - an authentic traditional Japanese...

Since I was in Hakodate, this was one of the places I intended to visit as it was featured in Love Live Sunshine (a mix media franchise featuring school idols). The building is reminiscent of the meiji/taisho era and is in great shape. The desserts they served was great as well. I didn't have to wait long as had it during tea time (3pm-ish). Very cozy as well with a lot of character inside the building.

Very enjoyable experience. Well worth...