If you're in Sapporo, Jingisukan Daruma Main branch is a must-visit.
It's just a 3-minute walk from Susukino Station, so access is super convenient.
Just be careful not to follow any touts along the way, since the area has a lot of flashy places!
It's a popular spot, so expect to wait in line. If you can, try to get there right when it opens in the evening.
The setup makes it easy for solo diners, too. You order and get your food over the counter.
If you order the basic Jingisukan, you'll get thick-cut onions by default.
The grilled meat and onions look so good, you'll want to snap a photo for sure.
The simple combo of meat, onions, and their special sauce will have you thinking, "Yeah, this is exactly what I wanted."
If you made it all the way here, just Jingisukan probably won't be enough!
Order some premium meat, too. Jingisukan & premium meat (or fillet) with rice comes to just over JPY 3,000.
For a solo yakiniku dinner, that's a great deal and you'll definitely leave satisfied.
After your trip, you might even want to try recreating the Daruma experience at home with some onions and meat—just for fun!
Jingisukan Daruma Main branch | Review by Hori Toshio
Other Reviews by Hori Toshio
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MOL Sunflower (Kansai–Beppu Route)
The new Sunflower ferries Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki, which began service in 2023, connect Osaka and Beppu with overnight journeys departing in the evening and arriving the following morning. The trip itself becomes a highlight of your journey, offering a luxurious and relaxing experience.
It felt like riding in a moving hotel lounge.
The lobby goes from the 6th to 8th floors, so the space feels really open and you can relax and take your time.
The sleeping area is like a capsule hotel, so you still have privacy and can get a good night’s sleep.
There is a bit of rocking while the ship is sailing at night, so if you’re sensitive to movement, it might be a little hard to sleep.
Onboard Wi‑Fi has a limit on how many times you can connect, so if you want to watch videos or listen to music on the ship, I recommend downloading everything in advance. -
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Uncle Rikuro’s Freshly Baked Cheesecake
Uncle Rikurou's freshly baked cheesecake" has been famous in the local market since 1984 for its fluffy texture and delicious taste. Since then, its reputation has spread nationwide, and it is now known as Osaka's famous confectionery.
This is the kind of cake you should definitely buy locally and share with everyone. The value is honestly amazing—just JPY 765 for this size and flavor!
That said, it's pretty big and bulky, so it's not the best choice to carry home as a souvenir.
It's so delicious, though, that you'll want to find a way to share it...
Well, good news! You can order it online!
Definitely take advantage of that option! -
Hirokazuya Higashidori Store
Located on the south side of the bustling Hankyu Higashidori Shopping Street in the Umeda area, this restaurant operates daily until 5 a.m. The first floor features counter seats, while the second floor accommodates both small and large groups with table seating. Each seat has its own griddle, allowing patrons to enjoy the fresh-off-the-griddle taste until the very last bite.
Out of all the okonomiyaki spots, Hirokazuya Higashidori Store is a sure bet.
It's open until 5 a.m., so it's perfect if you want to hang out until the first train.
I always recommend this place to first-time visitors to Osaka—not just for the long hours, but also for the great taste and value!
My top picks are the deluxe okonomiyaki and yakisoba. Both are loaded with ingredients, and if you order separately and share, you'll be totally satisfied.
Personally, I also recommend trying some off-menu tweaks, like turning the yakisoba into omusoba or swapping beef for tendon. Give it a shot!
