Nemuro Hanamaru Hakodate Shop — Restaurant in Hakodate

Couldn’t make it to the branch in Sapporo so glad there’s one in Hakodate and right by JR station. On basement floor. Went on Saturday around 16:00 and did not need to wait. Check in on screen to get a numbered ticket. Staff does call out number in Japanese so if place is busy, try to remember party in front of you unless you understand Japanese. Used Google Translate to point phone at the menu and find what daily specials are. Paper and pen at each table. You can write down item number and quantity. Put an X on box if no wasabi. We did not see uni on menu but saw another party ordered it so we did too. Uni counts as one gold and one green plate. Uni was okay. Grab mug as it goes by conveyor belt for green tea ; matcha tea powder in little jar and hot water faucet are both available on your table counter. Tea was free, unlimited. Very inexpensive and fresh sushi. Large scallop nigiri and chutoro /fatty tuna nigiri for less than $3USD each. Each piece is big and I overordered so couldn’t try more variety. Wish we had come here instead of fish market for fresher and...

Very delicious sushi! This is the only restaurant we went to twice during our trip, we enjoyed it that much. Our first visit we were lucky and did not need to wait for a table. The second time there was a 30ish minute wait, which is likely the max wait I would say is justified.

Although it is a conveyor belt style restaurant, we ended up not taking anything from the conveyor belt. I was content with ordering salmon repeatedly, but for the sake of trying a variety we ordered other fish. They were all good, except we did not care for the squid. But I think we simply do not like squid so I wouldn’t say it’s bad squid.

Now that I am back in the states, I am sad I cannot enjoy sushi like this anymore. It will haunt my dreams I’m sure for...

Overall: 5 COVID-19 prevention: 5, hand sanitizer at entrance and acrylated board on the counter and table Location: 5, just a minute from Hakodate Station Foods: 5 Drinks: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Service: 5 Cost Performance: 5 Smoking: no Tourist Friendly: it depends, apparently no English menu (you have to order by Japanese handwriting for order) Credit Card: yes Comments: Although it is originally from Nemuro (north part of Hokkaido), it's one of the best Sushi restaurants in Hakodate area. Other restaurants, such as Kantaro or Marutomi is fine, but Hanamaru is my favorite. One downside for the foreigners is that you have to order by Japanese handwriting and pass it to the chef...It's time for studying...