Sapporo Sushi Miyakawa: Must-try Sapporo’s Michelin 3-Star Restaurant Guide & How to Book without Trouble
Sapporo City is the center of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost prefecture. Fresh seafood caught in the waters near Hokkaido and exquisite gourmet food such as beef and lamb raised on vast ranches gather here, making it one of Japan's foremost gourmet cities. Additionally, with many popular spots including the Sapporo Clock Tower, the symbol of Sapporo, it is one of Japan's leading tourist destinations.
Even in Sapporo where you can enjoy various exquisite gourmet foods, seafood dishes using high-quality seafood are particularly popular.
This time, we will introduce in detail the charms and store information of Sushi Miyakawa, a renowned sushi restaurant that food connoisseurs from all over the country visit, even among the many restaurants in Sapporo where you can taste exquisite seafood dishes.
Sapporo is a Treasure Trove of Ingredients with Top-Class Exquisite Gourmet Food in Japan
Sapporo is a "treasure trove of food" where particularly high-quality ingredients gather in Japan. Hokkaido is known as a "dairy and livestock kingdom" that takes advantage of its vast land, and has an abundance of exquisite dairy products such as the specialty Genghis Khan (lamb BBQ), sweets using rich milk, and cheese.
Furthermore, Hokkaido is surrounded by three seas - the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Okhotsk - and the highest quality seafood such as crab, scallops, and sea urchin gather in Sapporo. Such high-quality seafood is perfect not only to enjoy as simple sashimi at izakayas, but also to savor as sushi where craftsmanship shines.
If You Want to Enjoy Authentic Sushi in Sapporo, Sushi Miyakawa is Recommended!
Source:Tabelog
If you want to enjoy authentic sushi in Sapporo, Sushi Miyakawa, a high-end sushi restaurant nestled in the Maruyama area, is recommended. It is a renowned restaurant that is difficult to book where food connoisseurs from all over the country frequent, and you can taste sushi carefully crafted one by one with skilled techniques using high-quality seafood directly sourced from producers.
At Sushi Miyakawa, you can enjoy a wide variety of seafood that brings out the flavor of the ingredients themselves in a refined space with a sense of luxury. Of course the taste of the sushi, but the owner's gentle and friendly personality is also the secret to its popularity, and you can experience the highest level of hospitality unique to high-end restaurants.
Please try the exquisite sushi using fresh seafood from Hokkaido at Sushi Miyakawa, which is loved not only by regular customers from all over Japan but also by guests from overseas.
Overview and Access to Sushi Miyakawa
- Address: Lichtlare Maruyama 1F, 2-2 Kita 4-jo Nishi 25-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Access: Approximately 5 minutes from Nishi nijuhatchome (28 chome) Station on the Tozai Subway Line
- Business Hours: [Part 1] 17:00-19:15 [Part 2] 19:30-22:00
- Regular Holiday: Wednesday *Other irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 011-613-2221
- Official Website: https://www.sushi-miyakawa.com/
Four Charms of Sushi Miyakawa, One of Sapporo's Most Difficult Restaurants to Book
One of Sapporo's Top Skills - Acquired Three Michelin Stars in Sapporo
Source:Tabelog
Sushi Miyakawa is a renowned restaurant that is truly one of Sapporo's finest, having acquired the highest three-star rating in the Michelin Guide Hokkaido 2017 Special Edition. The acquisition of three stars in the exceptionally fast time of only three years since its opening in 2014 is proof of the reliable technique and experience of the owner, Masaaki Miyakawa.
The owner, who is from Hokkaido, opened Sushi Miyakawa after training at the three-Michelin-star restaurant in Tokyo,
Sushi Yoshitake, and at Japanese cuisine restaurants. Making use of the experience cultivated at some of Japan's finest restaurants, from procuring quality ingredients to the philosophy of sushi and customer service, he crafts sushi with reliable skill that is unmatched even in Sapporo.
If you're going to the trouble of enjoying sushi in Sapporo, why not savor the exquisite sushi that represents Sapporo, crafted by the owner who acquired three Michelin stars?
Long-Lasting Aftertaste Sushi That Makes You Feel "Delicious, Sincerely" as Also Stated in the Concept
Source:Tabelog
At Sushi Miyakawa, of course the deliciousness of the moment it enters your mouth, but they provide sushi with a long-lasting aftertaste where you can thoroughly feel the umami. One of the specialties, sea urchin, is carefully changed in type and fishing location throughout the year to always procure the highest quality, and you can enjoy sushi that has been painstakingly prepared.
Also at this sushi restaurant, my favorite is the carefully crafted shari (sushi rice) blended with three types of red vinegar. The subtle acidity that brings out the sweetness of the rice further enhances the delicate umami of the seafood. When you put it in your mouth, the shari and high-quality seafood melt together, and you can enjoy a deep flavor with a long-lasting aftertaste.
From selecting ingredients to the temperature of the shari, the grip strength, and the timing of serving, please take your time to savor this masterpiece into which the craftsman's skill and heart are poured into everything.
Numerous Marine Products with Outstanding Freshness Sourced Directly from Producers
Source:Tabelog
The sushi at Sushi Miyakawa uses fresh seafood carefully selected by the owner himself by visiting fishing ports. The highest quality marine products that can be obtained only by sourcing directly from producers, combined with the painstaking craftsmanship, enable the provision of sushi that is one of the finest in Sapporo.
At this restaurant, you can taste high-quality seafood from various parts of Japan, centered on Hokkaido, such as Hokkaido-produced sea urchin and abalone, and tuna from Oma, the production area of Japan's highest-grade tuna.
Seafood with outstanding freshness has little fishy smell and you can feel the umami, so even foreigners who are not accustomed to raw fish can safely enjoy exquisite sushi.
Please enjoy the luxurious sushi that fully brings out the original flavor of fresh ingredients through craftsmanship.
Refined Interior Atmosphere That Allows You to Concentrate Everything on Your Sense of Taste
Source:Tabelog
Sushi Miyakawa is characterized by a refined interior based on earthen walls and wood, with lighting in subdued tones that creates an elegant atmosphere with a sense of luxury. In the simple space with minimal decorations such as interior items, your sense of taste is sharpened and you can concentrate on savoring exquisite sushi.
Also at this restaurant, my recommendation point is that you can dine at the seven-seat counter while watching the craftsman prepare sushi up close. The hand movements of the sushi chef who boasts one of the finest skills in Sapporo are smooth and beautiful like magic tricks, further enhancing the taste of high-quality sushi.
Sushi Miyakawa also has private table seating, and is recommended for those who want to enjoy their meal without worrying about their surroundings.
Sushi Miyakawa's Menu Features Only the "Omakase Course"
Sushi Miyakawa offers only the "omakase course." "Omakase" is a style where you entrust the chef with the selection of dishes, and it is a standard ordering method at high-end sushi restaurants. With the "omakase course," you can enjoy the most delicious sushi of the day based on the day's procurement situation.
The seafood used for sushi toppings and the mountain delicacies used in single dishes vary according to the season's best ingredients. With the "omakase course," you can savor exquisite dishes throughout the entire course, where the chef carefully prepares each seasonal ingredient unique to that time of year.
The "Nigiri Sushi" Made with Seasonal Fish Will Surely Become a Memorable Part of Your Sapporo Sightseeing!
Source:Tabelog
At Sushi Miyakawa's "omakase course," you can enjoy various styles of sushi, centered around nigiri sushi, which is the standard form of sushi, as well as maki sushi where ingredients and rice are wrapped in seaweed.
Nigiri sushi is a masterpiece where you can taste seasonal seafood caught in Hokkaido and throughout Japan. In addition to standard toppings like tuna, sea bream, and squid, you can enjoy seasonal seafood such as Spanish mackerel in spring and pacific saury in autumn.
Because Sushi Miyakawa uses fresh seafood, the flesh is firm and highly transparent, and the beautiful appearance like a work of art is one of my favorite points. The nigiri sushi that makes the most of seasonal ingredients allows you to enjoy both taste and appearance, and will surely become an unforgettable memory of your Sapporo trip.
The Single Dishes Served During the Course Are Also Astoundingly Delicious!
Source:Tabelog
At Sushi Miyakawa's "omakase course," not only sushi, but also single dishes using fresh seafood and seasonal mountain delicacies are exceptional. In addition to warm seafood dishes such as grilled fish and fried foods, items showcasing the chef's creativity and ingenuity, such as small bowls using seasonal vegetables, make an appearance.
At Sushi Miyakawa, another one of my favorites is being able to taste appetizers using seasonal vegetables of the four seasons, such as wild vegetables in spring, corn in summer, and matsutake mushrooms in autumn. All vegetables enjoyed during their peak season are exquisite, and you can feel Sapporo's seasonal atmosphere not only through their taste but also through their vivid appearance.
Please experience the owner's spirit of hospitality that spares no effort, not only in nigiri sushi but also in single dishes.
How to Make a Reservation at Sushi Miyakawa
When visiting Sushi Miyakawa, a reservation is absolutely necessary. This restaurant is one of Sapporo's most difficult places to book, and early reservations are especially recommended on weekends and during tourist seasons. Reservations can only be made by phone, and they accept bookings from 11:00 on the first business day of each month for up to one month ahead (until the end of the following month).
At Sushi Miyakawa, please note that if you cancel a reservation, there is a 50% cancellation fee for the day before and a 100% cancellation fee on the day of. You can check the availability, calendar of closed days, and phone number from the top page of the official website, so please check when making a reservation.
[Sushi Miyakawa Official Website]
https://www.sushi-miyakawa.com/
You Should Enjoy Sapporo's Exquisite Food at Restaurants Loved by Locals!
For those who want to enjoy exquisite gourmet food in Sapporo, the "Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour" guided by local guides is recommended. On this tour, you can fully enjoy exquisite local gourmet food at three unique izakayas (Japanese bars) located in Susukino, Sapporo's representative entertainment district.
On this tour, you can taste a variety of gourmet foods unique to Sapporo, such as dishes using fresh seafood caught in the waters near Hokkaido, and BBQ of beef and lamb from Hokkaido, the livestock kingdom. Since local guides will show you around, you can also enjoy meals at hidden famous restaurants loved by locals.
Under Japanese law, drinking alcohol is limited to those aged 20 and over, and participation in this tour, where you can enjoy alcohol, is also limited to those aged 20 and over. Please understand this in advance.
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- Meeting point: Under the giant NIKKA Sign outside of Susukino station
- Tour area: Around Susukino
- Start time: 18:00~ / 19:00~
3 Recommended Restaurants for Foodies Who Want to Enjoy Authentic Sapporo Food & Drink
In addition to sushi, Sapporo offers a rich variety of authentic local cuisine, including traditional Japanese dishes, Genghis Khan (a Hokkaido local specialty), and Japanese whisky. Here are three popular restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Sapporo food and drinks.
After experiencing authentic sushi at Sushi Miyakawa, be sure to try these exceptional dishes as well.
Oga
Source:Tabelog
Oga is a specialty restaurant offering authentic Japanese cuisine in Sapporo. At Oga, you can enjoy seafood dishes such as sashimi made with fresh Hokkaido seafood, as well as local Hokkaido dishes like "Ishikari nabe," a hot pot dish where salmon and vegetables are cooked in miso broth.
What I particularly recommend about Oga is that you can enjoy premium seafood unique to Sapporo, such as horsehair crab and Kichiji Rockfish caught in the waters near Hokkaido. The fresh sashimi made from live horsehair crab is especially noteworthy, with its strong sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture—an exquisite delicacy that can only be tasted in Hokkaido.
Please take your time savoring authentic Japanese cuisine that harmonizes Sapporo's seasonal ingredients with traditional Japanese cooking techniques.
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- Address: 8F & 9F, Sun Three Building, 3-1 Minami 3-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 17:00-23:00 (L.O. 22:00)
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone Number: 011-242-3328
- Official Website: https://oga-sapporo.com/
Genghis Khan Ishida
Source:Tabelog
"Genghis Khan Ishida" is a specialty restaurant for Genghis Khan, a Hokkaido specialty dish. Genghis Khan is Hokkaido-style BBQ where lamb and vegetables are grilled on a special dome-shaped pan, and it's one of Hokkaido's representative local dishes.
At this restaurant, you can taste exceptional Genghis Khan made with "Shibetsu Suffolk," a branded Hokkaido lamb. "Shibetsu Suffolk" is an exquisite choice with well-balanced marbling, offering a perfect balance of texture and tenderness. It has minimal lamb odor and is rich in umami flavor, making it enjoyable even for first-time diners.
Since you're visiting Sapporo, why not take your time savoring various cuts of Genghis Khan, including sirloin, chateaubriand, and lamb chops?
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- Address: 2F, Maruni Hashiba Building, 2-9 Kita 1-jo Nishi 8-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 11:00-23:00 (L.O. 22:00)
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone Number: 011-252-9708
- Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/atsushiishida0509/?__pwa=1
THE NIKKA BAR
Source:Official website
THE NIKKA BAR is a bar where you can taste a wide variety of brands from "Nikka Whisky," a pioneer in the Japanese whisky industry. At this bar, you can enjoy comparing representative Nikka Whisky products such as TAKETSURU, YOICHI, and MIYAGIKYO.
My personal favorite is "Single Malt MIYAGIKYO." It's an exquisite whisky with an apple-like fruity aroma, smooth mouthfeel, and a lingering sweetness of barley. When paired with the bar's original premium chocolate, the rich aroma of the whisky is further enhanced.
THE NIKKA BAR is located in the heart of the Susukino area. How about enjoying Japan's finest whisky while overlooking the Sapporo cityscape?
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- Address: 2F, Dai-3 Green Building, 1-2 Minami 4-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 18:00-25:00
- Closed: Open year-round
- Phone Number: 011-518-3344
- Official Website: https://nikkabar.jp/
To Deeply Enjoy Tourist Destinations Throughout Japan, We Recommend Having a Local Guide Show You Around
To make your sightseeing throughout Japan more fulfilling, we recommend participating in tours offered by "Magical Trip," which operates tours for foreign visitors at popular tourist destinations across the country.
"Magical Trip," operating in approximately 10 cities nationwide including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Sapporo, is a trusted tour company that has received Tripadvisor's Best of the Best award for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025. Guides who know the local areas inside and out will take you to spots where you can experience authentic Japan while providing explanations in English.
At "Magical Trip," you can choose from a diverse range of tours tailored to the city and purpose you desire, including food tours where you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine and walking tours exploring traditional townscapes.
Beyond language barriers, experience the charm of Japan more deeply at hidden gems not found in guidebooks.
