Recommended izakaya in Hakodate #IzakayaYamabuki that you might not find without being told. A unique izakaya run by a couple with a dark lighting ambiance. The menu is a bit unclear, but there is a whiteboard with some items listed. The charcoal-grilled dishes on the counter are recommended! ●Squid sashimi ●Grilled hokke fish ●Cut-open herring If the price for squid sashimi is still the same, it's 700 yen! Fresh and delicious ( ´∀｀ ) The recommended hokke fish is extra-large and delicious with plenty of fat! You might not be able to eat this kind of fish elsewhere. The owner also chats with customers, but doesn't give off a bad vibe at all. It's a fun izakaya full of Showa era vibes! Women might feel a bit hesitant to enter due to the atmosphere.

A friendly and lively Showa-style izakaya with delicious sashimi and dishes. The unique menu writing style adds to the enjoyable atmosphere. The owner is friendly and the atmosphere is fun. I also received a business card (seems they always give them out). The map to the restaurant is a bit vague, so it may be hard to find. The food and ingredients are of high quality, yet the prices are reasonable. Despite being in a tourist area, there are hidden gems in the back alleys. Cash only.

Fresh and plentiful squid sashimi for only 700 yen, incredible cost performance. The restaurant only serves squid that meets their standards, so you can trust the quality. On a different day, I went to another restaurant called "Ika Taro" and paid 900 yen for a small squid that was disappointing. This made me reconsider my opinion of Hakodate, known for its squid. On the other hand, at Yamabuki, the amount of squid served was almost double. They also offer delicious fish soup and a variety of local dishes from Hokkaido and Tohoku, along with a wide selection of sake. The owner has a great voice and sometimes sings beautifully, making the atmosphere even better for sake lovers. Their charcoal-grilled dried fish is also exceptional.

The owner suddenly starts singing, so don't be surprised. New customers might be offered a free beer. The food is delicious but a bit pricey. If you plan to drink and eat sashimi, budget around 8000 yen per person.

A charming and cozy restaurant that makes you want to come back. The cute cat Chamy adds to the atmosphere. The sake is best served warm from Ichinokura brewery. The sashimi is fresh and delicious. The master sings along with his guitar.

It's awesome.

While exploring the area near the station, I was intrigued by the red lantern and sign, so I decided to step inside this restaurant. It was clear that the popular seating option was at the counter, as regular customers were packed in there. After squeezing in, I managed to find a seat at the counter. The regular customers were kind and welcoming to newcomers. Once I sat down and settled in, the owner asked me if I was on a trip or if it was my first time at the restaurant. When I mentioned it was my first visit, he said, "As a rule of the restaurant, I'll treat you to a beer." I later found out that this ritual was famous for this place, and I was honestly surprised, thinking it might be a shady establishment. The owner, who used to be in the Self-Defense Forces, kept singing Subchan and proudly declared, "I am the menu." (laughs) I ordered grilled Kampari and also tried the recommended sea urchin. After about an hour, the bill came to around 4,000 yen. It didn't seem like straightforward accounting for a beginner, but the cheerful owner did his best to make it a lively experience.

I went to "Yamabuki" on this day. After visiting a yakitori restaurant, I wanted to go to another place and stumbled upon this shop. As I entered, the master immediately asked, "Did you go watch soccer?" I was surprised that he guessed it right and asked him how he knew. He just said, "I know, I know." Even though I was dressed normally, I wonder how he figured it out. Impressive, Master! I sat at the counter and ordered a draft beer. The appetizer of boiled shrimp arrived with the beer. While eating the shrimp, I looked at the menu and ordered sashimi. I was asked if I preferred tuna or salmon, and I chose the former. The tuna sashimi that was served looked like "chu-toro" and it was delicious! I also ordered stir-fried asparagus (forgot the exact menu name) and had a lively drinking session with the master, the mama, and the other customers around. In the end, a generous regular customer treated us. I'll definitely visit again to see the charismatic master! Thank you for the meal!

Hakodate's hidden gem located in the bustling Matsukaze area is a cozy little spot that can be hard to find. The owners, a couple with a background in the Maritime Self-Defense Force, are incredibly friendly, and the owner's singing voice is wonderful. The atmosphere is so welcoming that you might lose track of time. I started with the local sake, Kunimare. The owner, a big sake enthusiast, was in a great mood from the start. When I mentioned I wanted to drink sake, he happily sang a welcoming song, despite it being early in the evening. The appetizer was a simple but incredibly delicious glass noodle salad, with surprisingly sweet tomatoes. The grilled Ainu leeks and marinated mackerel were also fantastic. I continued with my favorite sake, Kitanokatsu. After spending three hours there, I promised to come back again. It was delicious, fun, and overall a great experience. Thank you for the meal.

After leaving Kashirayacho in 2014/9, I felt like having a little more to drink, so I took a stroll around the hotel. I discovered a suspicious lantern in the dark corner of an empty lot, and when I peeked inside, the place was bustling! The owner greeted me energetically and I sat at the end of the counter. He said, "For first-time customers, the rule is that I treat them to a beer!" Well, I thought one beer wouldn't hurt, so I went along with it and we toasted together. As more customers left, I ended up having a cozy conversation with the owner and his wife. When I mentioned that I had come from Sapporo to visit the family grave in Minamichobe, the owner was very impressed. And to top it off, the owner put on a mini enka (Japanese ballad) show, making for a warm and enjoyable time. This is a must-visit place in Hakodate! I will definitely come back, so take care until then! ♪

During a business trip to Hakodate, I happened to stumble upon a renowned restaurant in a back alley called "Izakaya Yamabuki." As I entered, I was warmly welcomed by the staff. September and October are slow months, so I didn't have a reservation, but I was seated at a reserved counter. The owner handed me a business card with his name on it and, as a first-time customer, I was expected to treat him to a beer. The owner, a former Maritime Self-Defense officer, was very cheerful and the menu consisted mainly of seafood dishes. I wanted to try some meat dishes, so I asked if they had any. The owner replied, "I am the menu! What would you like to eat?" I ordered chicken skin, which was grilled using local Komagatake charcoal and served with a sweet sauce. Although prices were not displayed, I estimate a beer costs around 500 yen, as well as the chicken skin. This place is perfect for lifting your spirits when you're feeling down. Thank you for the wonderful meal. PS: I also spotted the sake connoisseur Yoshida Rui dining at the restaurant.