Kita no Yatai
A vibrant alley of intimate izakayas in Obihiro, offering authentic Japanese food, local drinks, and a warm, communal atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere
Kita no Yatai
Best Time
Lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant alley of intimate izakayas in Obihiro, offering authentic Japanese food, local drinks, and a warm, communal atmosphere.
"Experience the heart of Obihiro's nightlife with delicious food, local sake, and unforgettable local charm."
Cash is Key! 💴
Most stalls are cash-only. Come prepared with enough Japanese Yen to enjoy your evening.
Embrace the Smoke 🚬
Many izakayas allow smoking. If you're sensitive, look for stalls with fewer patrons or ask.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cozy Izakaya Stalls
The narrow alleyway
Experience authentic Japanese izakaya culture in intimate, welcoming stalls. Perfect for a lively evening.
Local Tokachi Sake & Hokkaido Beer
Various stalls
Savor regional brews and sakes, often recommended by friendly owners. A true taste of Hokkaido.
Unique Local Delicacies
Various stalls
Dare to try horse sashimi, stuffed lotus root, or fresh seafood. An adventurous culinary journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Navigating the Menu
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cash is Key! 💴
Most stalls are cash-only. Come prepared with enough Japanese Yen to enjoy your evening.
Embrace the Smoke 🚬
Many izakayas allow smoking. If you're sensitive, look for stalls with fewer patrons or ask.
Google Translate is Your Friend :iphone:
Menus are often in Japanese. Use your phone's translator to decipher dishes and communicate.
Try the Horse Sashimi! 🐎
A local specialty! Don't be shy, it's a unique culinary experience many visitors rave about.
Tips
from all over the internet
Cash is Key! 💴
Most stalls are cash-only. Come prepared with enough Japanese Yen to enjoy your evening.
Embrace the Smoke 🚬
Many izakayas allow smoking. If you're sensitive, look for stalls with fewer patrons or ask.
Google Translate is Your Friend :iphone:
Menus are often in Japanese. Use your phone's translator to decipher dishes and communicate.
Try the Horse Sashimi! 🐎
A local specialty! Don't be shy, it's a unique culinary experience many visitors rave about.
Chat with Locals :speech_balloon:
The atmosphere is friendly. Don't hesitate to strike up conversations with owners and other patrons.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the authentic, cozy atmosphere and the friendly interactions with locals and chefs at Kita no Yatai. The unique culinary offerings, including horse sashimi and local sake, are a major draw. While the lack of English menus and the presence of smoke can be drawbacks for some, most find the experience highly rewarding and a true taste of local life.
"Very good experience and manage to chat with locals although we are foreign tourist. This is our first night in Obihiro.
We had a great time there! We managed to buy some drinks to other customers and got treated with free snacks and sake too.
Geat local Tokachi sake and Hokkaido beer.
Forgot to take a picture of the restaurant we had visit but it's managed by a couple."
ota Ota
"In a narrow alley in downtown Obihiro, there are local food stalls on both sides. Every place looks cozy, with friendly owners and staff welcoming customers warmly. Guests seem to truly enjoy the moment, chatting with friends or the shop owners. The snacks and beer taste even better in this lively atmosphere. On an October autumn night, the air in Obihiro has already turned a bit chilly. However, at Kita no Yatai, the chill only enhances the warmth of the place."
MH Samuel
"It is a stretch of Izakaya which allows people to eat, drink, and smoke. We randomly picked one and the food was really great. The two chefs tried their best to teach us how to eat the food as we were given different sauces. I love their tamago and lotus stuffed with meat. The seafood sashimi tasted fresh but not the best I had eaten. No English menu, but it can be google translated using your phone. Worth the experience, and definitely more if there is a non smoking one. Be prepared to spend about 6000Yen for a pax of two, with a drink each (Payment in cash)."
Cassie Yung
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kita no Yatai is located in a narrow alley in downtown Obihiro. It's easily accessible on foot from most central hotels. If arriving by train, it's a short walk from Obihiro Station.
While it's in an alley, its lively atmosphere and signage usually make it discoverable. Look for the cluster of small food stalls.
Wander through the alley and peek into each stall. Many have only a few seats, so you might need to wait or choose one that's less crowded.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required. You simply walk into the alley and choose an izakaya to dine at.
Most stalls open in the evening, typically around 5 PM or 6 PM, and stay open until late, around 11 PM or midnight. It's best to check individual stall hours if possible.
Reservations are generally not taken, especially for smaller stalls. It's first-come, first-served. Some stalls might be mostly reserved, so be prepared to try another if your first choice is full.
No, there is no entrance fee to access the alleyway itself. You only pay for the food and drinks you consume at the izakayas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a variety of Japanese izakaya fare, including grilled skewers (yakitori), sashimi, local specialties like stuffed lotus root, and various small dishes.
Vegetarian options can be limited as many dishes feature meat or seafood. However, you might find vegetable skewers or simple side dishes. It's best to ask the chef.
Expect to spend around 6,000 Yen per person for a meal with drinks, though this can vary. Individual dishes range from 15k to 25k (assuming this is a typo and meant Yen, based on context).
No, most stalls are cash-only. It's essential to have Japanese Yen on hand.
English menus are uncommon. However, many chefs are friendly and can help, or you can use a translation app on your phone.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of other diners and ask for permission before taking close-up shots of people.
Capture the cozy atmosphere of the stalls, the live cooking action, and the vibrant interactions between patrons and chefs. The narrow alley itself is also photogenic.
Evenings offer the best ambiance with the warm glow of lanterns and the lively buzz. Golden hour just before sunset can also be beautiful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Izakaya Experience
The charm of Kita no Yatai lies in its authenticity. It's not a tourist trap but a genuine local haunt. While some stalls might have chefs who speak a little English, communication often relies on gestures, smiles, and translation apps. This adds to the adventure and the feeling of truly immersing yourself in Japanese culture. Be prepared for a sensory experience – the sizzle of food on the grill, the clinking of glasses, and the murmur of conversation all contribute to the unique ambiance.
Culinary Adventures: What to Eat
Seafood is also a strong contender, with fresh sashimi and grilled fish often available, reflecting Hokkaido's rich marine resources. Many stalls pride themselves on their unique sauces and preparations. If you're unsure what to order, ask the chef for their recommendation or look at what other patrons are enjoying. The experience is about discovery, so be open to trying new flavors and textures. Remember to pair your meal with local drinks like Tokachi sake or Hokkaido beer for the full experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit