ogura778
After 6 years, I visited Hokkaido again and stayed in Asahikawa for the first time. I arrived in Asahikawa early in the morning by express train from Sapporo, rented a car, and visited tourist spots such as Biei, Tokachi-dake Onsen, and Furano. I stayed at "Hotel Amaneku Asahikawa Observation Bath Shiki no Yu" in Asahikawa, and made a reservation at "Wasaisakaya Oribe," a 10-minute walk from the hotel, for dinner. The restaurant had a calm atmosphere, and I was seated at the reserved counter seat. I started by quenching my thirst with a "Sapporo Classic Draft Beer" and enjoyed the "Bonito Sashimi" appetizer. I then ordered "Freshly Caught Grilled Atka Mackerel," "Squid Salted Innards," and "Cucumber with Spicy Mustard" dishes. While waiting for the grilled mackerel, I had a "Ginger Highball" and then moved on to sake (cold sake) with the grilled mackerel. When I asked for a local sake recommendation, I was told that "Sanchizakura Junmai" from Higashikawa, a town next to Asahikawa, is a flavorful sake that pairs well with food. I ordered it and was surprised to receive a sake vessel of more than one cup. The "Freshly Caught Grilled Atka Mackerel" was a unique dish that can only be enjoyed in Hokkaido, and paired perfectly with the "Sanchizakura Junmai." I hesitated on what to have as the next sake accompaniment, but ended up ordering the "Tai Fish Clay Pot Rice (for 2 people)" which took about 30 minutes to prepare. In the meantime, I enjoyed the "Firefly Squid with Vinegar Miso" dish. When the "Tai Fish Clay Pot Rice" was ready, the chef advised me to wrap up the leftovers, but I ended up finishing it all in one go. Since I enjoyed the "Sanchizakura Junmai" so much, I asked the chef for a nearby liquor store that sells it, and he directed me to "Kawai Shoten" which was only a 5-minute walk away. I purchased the "Sanchizakura Junmai Ginjo Kitashizuku 55" and opened it at the hotel immediately. "Oribe" lived up to its reputation with slightly higher prices, but the sake and dishes were delicious. The friendly service from the chef, along with his culinary skills, made it a satisfying traditional Japanese restaurant experience.