Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan｜味重はなれ

I was here for their winter menu in 2018. To be fair, had a bit of trouble finding the restaurant. GPS will take you to the building where it is, but it doesn't describe which floor it is. You should see a sign showing multiple floors for the building and their respective businesses. Ajishige is the ground floor, right behind the stairs. It's the only restaurant in the narrow walkway. Regarding the staff and head chef, do not expect ANY English. It would significantly help if you learned basic words and phrases like お手洗いはどこですか? or お酒のメニュー／水をください! As I am not well-versed in Japanese marine biology, I can't quite describe the fishes that were prepared, but some of the usual contenders were there. Botan shrimp, Japanese amberjack, uni, roe, all wonderfully prepared. A delight to the eyes and tongue; who knew the frigid winters could provide such vibrancy in color? What stood out to be was the patrons, all incredibly well-mannered and more importantly, open and interesting. The grandma to my right could only speak tidbits of English, but tried to have a conversation with my broken Japanese and Google translate function. The couple visiting from Gunma to my left spoke conversational English and asked about my travels in Sapporo. A couple that entered later in the night tried to practice their English with me and suggested I visit a fried chicken shop in Otaru. Just absolutely wonderful people that made my solo trip to Sapporo memorable. At the end of the meal, the head chef will gift you with the napkin cloth that he himself paints and does calligraphy on, before he goes out and wishes you safe journey as you exit the corridor. I'm sure people may argue about whether it's the best kaiseki in Hokkaido or whether it's worth the visit since it's difficult to communicate without knowing Japanese, but the warmth of that small bar and the food that matched it...I cannot make any suggestion other than to recommend you stop for a visit.

This Michelin-starred restaurant in the G-Dining building serves prix fixe dinners of amazing seasonal Japanese cuisine. Convenient downtown location at the border between the Susukino and Odori districts. Worth the price. You can bring your own wine (corkage fee applies). What's best is the variety of dishes: soups, tempura, sashimi, steamed dishes. For a great cross-section of fine Japanese cuisine, this place rocks! Highlights: Simmered octopus--wonderfully tender! Katsuo sashimi. Claypot dish (dobin-mushi) of conger and sudachi with clean, flavorful broth. Fritter of shrimp and fish paste. Maitake tempura. Raw sea urchin. Low points: Small glassware for wine, which is surprising for a Michelin-starred restaurant, but at least they have corkage, which is rare in Japan. Sushi rice topped with shredded matsutake mushroom: rice overcooked, mushroom oversalted. Cold pumpkin soup: A bit grainy.

Amazing experience of Hokkaido cuisine. Very artfully presented. Loved it!