๐ข Great in Tokyo — Great experience you can enjoy in Tokyo.
Experience authentic Hokkaido cuisine in Jiyugaoka. This hidden Izakaya serves ice-cold Sapporo Beer, sizzling Genghis Khan (mutton BBQ), and juicy Zangi fried chicken—all recreated by a chef with 20 years of local experience.
Last updated: 2025-12-27
Introduction
When people think of stylish neighborhoods in Tokyo, places like Kichijoji and Shimokitazawa often come to mind.
However, if you are looking for a more mature and relaxed atmosphere, Jiyugaoka is the place to go. With its stone-paved streets, tasteful cafes, and the latest fashion and lifestyle shops, this sophisticated town is especially beloved by women. Yet, in a corner of this chic neighborhood, there is a place where you can taste "authentic Hokkaido."
I visited a certain Hokkaido bar here. The chef has a background of living in Hokkaido for 20 years. I would like to introduce the unpretentious northern flavors recreated by a chef who knows the "local taste" inside out.
My Memory
For me, Jiyugaoka holds a special place in my heart.
I used to live nearby during my student days, so I visited often. Unlike the neon-lit entertainment districts like Shinjuku or Shibuya, Jiyugaoka has a comfort that feels like an "extension of living space."
It is lively, yet somehow relaxing. That calm atmosphere remains the charm of this town, now and in the past.
๐ก Did You Know?
The Meaning of "Jiyugaoka"
Did you know that "Jiyugaoka" literally translates to "Freedom Hill"? (Jiyu = Freedom, Oka = Hill)
In the 1920s, a school promoting liberal education was founded here, and the town was renamed to reflect that progressive spirit. True to its name, the area maintains a free and sophisticated atmosphere today. It even features a beautiful promenade named "Marie Claire Street" (officially named after the French magazine), which is why this town is often called "Tokyo's Little Europe."
What to Try
Sapporo Draft Beer
When it comes to beer in Hokkaido, it has to be this. Just seeing the "Sapporo" star symbol makes you feel like you are in the north. A crisp, cold glass marks the start of a pleasant evening.
Genghis Khan (Mutton BBQ)
While several regions in Japan have a culture of eating lamb, Hokkaido is the leader.
Served on a sizzling iron plate, the savory lamb pairs perfectly with beer when eaten with plenty of bean sprouts and vegetables. The addictive umami fills your mouth.
Zangi (Hokkaido-style Fried Chicken)
In Hokkaido, fried chicken is called "Zangi." The big difference from regular karaage is the process before frying. The chicken is marinated thoroughly in a sauce made of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, so the flavor penetrates deep into the meat. The coating is crispy, while the inside is overflowing with juice.
Shiokara & Potato
This is the ultimate Hokkaido combination. You eat steaming hot, fluffy potatoes topped with shiokara (salted squid). The sweetness of the potato, the saltiness of the squid, and the sticky texture create an exquisite harmony. It is a dangerous dish that makes you want to drink more sake.
Ham Cutlet
Since processed meat production is active in Hokkaido, ham cutlets are a common menu item, but there is actually an interesting culture behind it.
Fans of the "Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters" professional baseball team sometimes eat this for good luck. The logic is: "Ham wins (Katsu)" = "Ham Cutlet" (Katsu means both 'cutlet' and 'to win'). Hearing such a story makes it taste even better.
Tokyo or Trip?
๐ข Great in Tokyo — Great experience you can enjoy in Tokyo.
Of course, for fresh seafood like sea urchin and crab, flying to Hokkaido and eating it locally is best.
However, the charm of Hokkaido is not limited to seafood. Gourmet foods rooted in the land, such as meat dishes, fried foods, and snacks like the ones introduced today, are also the true face of Hokkaido.
Enjoying Sapporo beer in one hand while picking at dishes that recreate local flavors, all while staying in Tokyo. Discovering that "Hokkaido has so many delicious things besides seafood" might be possible thanks to the depth of the town called Jiyugaoka.
Explore Nearby
- Sapporo Miso Ramen in Tokyo — Aoba’s Authentic Hokkaido Warmth ๐
- Hokkaido Obihiro Butadon in Togoshi-Ginza — Grilled Pork Rice Bowl ๐ท
- Kura Sushi Tokyo Guide — Stress-Free Ordering & Must-Try Rolls ๐ฃ
- Chicken Nanban in Tokyo — Kyushu Flavor Meets Tartar Elegance ๐
- Korokke in Togoshi-Ginza — Tokyo Shotengai Classic ๐ฅ
Similar Dishes
- Hokkaido Crab & Seafood — King Crab, Transparent Squid, and Fresh Uni ๐ฆ
- Kanburi in Kanazawa — Winter Yellowtail Sashimi, Shabu, and Buri-Daikon ๐
- Hakata Ika Sashimi — Taste Fukuoka’s Transparent Local Specialty ๐ฆ
External Links
About "Taste of Japan"
Hello, I'm Yuta.
Born in landlocked Yamanashi and having lived in the gourmet city of Sendai for 10 years, I now call Togoshi-Ginza home. My frequent business trips across Japan allow me to constantly explore the diversity of regional flavors.
Why Togoshi-Ginza?
This street is Tokyo’s longest shopping arcade (about 1.3 km), but it holds a special history. It was the very first street in Japan to adopt the "Ginza" name—a tradition that later spread across the country—after receiving bricks from the famous Ginza district following the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.
My Wish as a Local
I am not a culinary expert. However, as a Japanese local who knows both the convenience of Tokyo and the origins of regional food, I want to share the "atmosphere" and "personal feelings" that you won't find in standard guidebooks.
The Concept: "Tokyo or Trip?"
Visiting every region of Japan in a single trip is nearly impossible. Some food experiences are worth the travel to the source, while others offer a fully satisfying experience right here in Tokyo.
This blog is a guide to help you make that choice. Based in Togoshi-Ginza, I share my honest experiences and "my personal answer" to help you maximize your culinary journey in Japan.
- ๐ Local-First: Best experienced in its home region. Worth a trip.
- ๐ข Great-in-Tokyo: A nationwide favorite or regional specialty that offers a fully satisfying, authentic experience right here in Tokyo.
- ๐ฃ Tokyo-Do-Must: A unique food culture born in or exclusive to Tokyo.