Hanakoji Sawada

Restaurant Details

As one of only three venues in Hokkaido to receive three Michelin stars, owner-chef Kago Tomoya carries forward the culinary legacy of Kappo Sawada, a revered kappo restaurant once led by former geisha Sawada Hiroko, whom Kago had trained under. When the proprietress closed the restaurant in 2009, Kago honored her by opening his own establishment under her name.

These days, Hanakoji Sawada has become a cherished Susukino mainstay, serving some of the city’s best kappo-style cuisine. Locals savor the familiar yet rejuvenated flavors of Hokkaido’s icy region, while visitors from neighboring prefectures discover the restaurant’s dedication to fresh, Hokkaido-sourced ingredients. The provenance of these ingredients reflects Kago’s training and deep gratitude for his former mentor.

The degustation at Hanakoji Sawada flows so seamlessly that each dish feels like a dreamy lull, with Kago adapting to his guests' preferences rather than imposing his own ideas. His approach to dashi, the cornerstone of Japanese cooking, is subtle: ma-kombu from Hakodate and bonito flakes create a delicate, umami-rich stock, seasoned only with salt. Kago’s taste is refined; one evening, he pairs Italian caviar with edible chrysanthemum greens and lily bulbs, then pours the dashi over them. His dishes are often served in Kyoto tableware or Arita kiln pieces, and seasonality is reflected through his choice of seafood. Hairy crab from Funka Bay is prepared simply, while sea urchin accompanies miso-glazed eggplant in another delicate offering.

Hanakoji Sawada is hidden behind a nondescript door in Sapporo’s entertainment district. There are five counter-seat, a few sunken seating spaces and tables. In recent years, growing numbers of well-heeled patrons have Kago built a space dedicated for a private dining chamber.

Michelin Guide accolades:

- 3 Michelin stars

Hanakoji Sawada Access Info

• Hanakoji Sawada is a 7-minute walk from Susukino Station (Exit 5) on the Namboku Line.

Hanakoji Sawada Phone Number

Hanakoji Sawada Business Days

Hanakoji Sawada Address

Plaza 7-4 Asai Building 3F, Minami-7 Nishi-4, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0807