This restaurant is located in Wing Bay Otaru, inside the Grand Park Hotel, and it opened last April. I decided to enjoy a solo dinner here for various reasons (mainly to use up points from a certain major travel reservation site). After finishing work, I took a bus to Otaru Chikko Station. The towering shopping mall Wing Bay Otaru, owned by OBC, went into over 50 billion yen in debt, and something about Renaissance... I wonder what happened in the end? Well, never mind. The hotel inside Wing Bay was originally a Hilton Hotel, but it changed its name to Grand Park Hotel at some point. Inside this Grand Park Hotel is the Japanese restaurant "Kokoro". I knew about the buffet and cake shop, but I didn't know there was a Japanese restaurant. I found it while looking for a nice place to use up my J points, so I made a reservation. I will write my impressions. At first, I wondered where it was located. Maybe on a high floor? But surprisingly, it was on the 2nd floor (the same level as the buffet and cake shop). I had to ask at the information desk to find it. Oh! It's right next to the cake shop!? I had no idea. Later I found out that it opened in April last year. Well, that explains why I didn't know about it. I passed through the curtain and told the staff my name before entering. The atmosphere was lovely, but there was noise from the lobby, which couldn't be helped. I had reserved the Hokkaido Enjoyment Set for 5,500 yen, so when asked about drinks, I chose a draft Sapporo Classic beer (330ml) for 900 yen or a bottled beer (500ml) for 1,000 yen. I asked what other options there were, and they mentioned Kirin Ichiban Shibori, Asahi Super Dry, and Sapporo Classic. Since there was no one around, I shamelessly took pictures of the menu, but the inclusive service charge and tax display was excellent. It was clear and especially the individual sushi menu seemed like a good deal. I was also interested in the recommended KinKi miso soup for 800 yen. I ordered a Classic bottled beer! The first dish brought out was a small appetizer. It had crab miso tofu with wasabi on top. The soy sauce was salmon soy sauce. The first dish already showed the Hokkaido essence. The seared scallop and shredded squid with sea urchin soy sauce were delicious. The sea urchin soy sauce had a rich and mellow flavor. The scallop, seared to firmness, had a nice smoky and sweet taste. The steamed egg custard was said to have roasted onions for added flavor, with sea urchin and salmon roe on top. It was also filled with rice cake and cheese, although this was not mentioned in the menu. The sea urchin's smoothness, the salmon roe's pop, and the flavor of cheese and roasted onions were the most delicious part. I apologize, but I did not eat the rice cake. I don't like it. I'm sorry. Even without the rice cake, it was the most delicious dish, so I think those who like rice cakes would definitely enjoy it! The grilled fish was herring. The fat was good, and the grilling was done well. It went well with the rice. The rice was Hokkaido rice, plump and delicious. There was an offer for seconds, but I declined politely as I was drinking beer. Such consideration is appreciated. I didn't really understand the roasted white sesame. I'm sorry. The simmered dish was said to be made with Shiraoi beef and...

I had tempura! Elegant Japanese cuisine. The Hokkaido ice cream for dessert was delicious.

I had planned to go to Otaru and tried to make a reservation at Masazushi Zenan, but unfortunately the counter was full. Since I had a good experience at the "Kaiou" in the Otaru Hotel last time, I decided to go there this time. It was a rare family gathering, and we had a great time with my father enjoying his drinks and me enjoying the food. We opted for the ¥12,000 course and added some extras, but the service was pleasant and the conversation over the counter was enjoyable.

Japanese cuisine in Otaru seems to be declining, possibly due to economic difficulties affecting banquets and celebrations. It is important to have enough funds to enjoy such meals. Even in Kyoto, the main source of revenue for traditional restaurants is local memorial services. There are many sushi, yakiniku, and yakitori restaurants, but the lack of high-quality Japanese cuisine is disappointing. It is worth exploring other areas like Asari, Zenibako, Hoshimi, and Hoshioki near Sapporo. The restaurant in Grand Park Otaru Hotel offers excellent kaiseki courses with a reservation required in advance. The dishes exceed expectations in terms of taste, presentation, and quality. The ingredients are fresh, but not necessarily seasonal. The restaurant is exclusive, but the shared restrooms can get crowded with tourists. The building has undergone changes, attracting more visitors. While lacking a French restaurant, the Italian options are satisfactory. The extensive drink menu, especially the cocktails, is impressive. The service is attentive and the bartenders are skilled. The meal was accompanied by sake and a local wine, both of which were enjoyable. After dining, a visit to the nearby Yujirou Memorial Hall is recommended.

Used for a drinking session with work colleagues. Below are some impressions: - Located inside the Grand Park Hotel. - Clearly has a luxurious atmosphere. - They take your coat at the entrance. - Had steak, garlic rice, etc. - Ate while watching the food being cooked on the teppan. - Steak served with wasabi, ponzu, or garlic soy sauce. - Thick cut but tender. - A very luxurious meal. - The staff provided excellent service, with great conversation and overall fantastic hospitality.