Restaurants in Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

Zen Sapporo Shabu Shabu is honestly one of those places you go to when you just want really good beef and a chill hot pot experience. Their beef is the highlight—super thin slices with nice marbling, and once you dip it in the broth, it cooks almost instantly and turns really soft and flavorful. It’s not the kind of beef that gets heavy after a few bites either, which is nice because you’ll actually want to keep eating more. You can really taste the quality, especially when you pair it with the sauces—ponzu if you want something light, sesame if you’re feeling a bit richer. What I like is how everything just feels easy and enjoyable. The beef is consistently tender, no weird chewy parts, and it’s sliced just right for shabu-shabu. The whole setup makes it fun too, just cooking at your own pace and mixing flavors however you want. Yeah, it’s a bit pricey compared to other spots, but for the quality you’re getting, it kinda makes sense. If you’re a beef lover, this place worth trying.

Located in the main shopping area of Sapporo the restaurant is easy to find. It's layout is of the traditional Japanese style but a bit dated. Food was overall good, but the crab hotpot was quite underwhelming as the amount of crab meat was little.

The staff didn't speak much English, but they were still very enthusiastic in explaining the menu. When each dish was served, they also explained the ingredients and how to eat it. The service at this restaurant is excellent, and the food is great, though the flavors are a bit mild. Those who prefer stronger flavors might find it takes some getting used to.