Tabelog ratingKita no Hana Hayashi (北の華 はやし) is an intimate, eight-seat omakase counter in Chitose, run by an owner-chef and his wife. The experience is built around the best of Hokkaido's seasonal seafood, presented with inventive staging and clever techniques. The meal is a tightly choreographed performance, valued by guests who make the trip specifically to dine here.
Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the ingredients and the creativity of the dishes. Highlights often include steamed Ezo abalone served with a rich liver sauce that is later used to make a risotto, a flight of different ikura (salmon roe) preparations, and a playful 'crab tower' made with kegani (horsehair crab). The house specialty haskap roll is another frequently mentioned favourite. The chef's wife is lauded for her sake pairings and clear explanations, with several non-Japanese visitors noting that staff were able to explain dishes in English.
The main challenge is securing a seat, as the small counter books out a month or two in advance. A few guests have noted that the service tempo can occasionally vary. The restaurant also enforces a no-phone and no-photo policy to maintain the atmosphere.
Dinner is a set course, with a typical spend of ¥15,000–¥19,999. The main omakase course is listed at ¥17,600 plus a 10% service charge. Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying between ¥17,600 and ¥19,360 for the course, with final bills around ¥22,000 after adding extra nigiri or drinks. The consensus is that it offers excellent value for the quality, with many noting it would cost far more in Tokyo.
- Getting There: The restaurant is about a 10-minute walk from JR Chitose Station, or a 15-minute drive from New Chitose Airport.
- Reservations: Essential. Bookings are taken via Pocket Concierge up to two months in advance and fill up quickly.
- Seating: There are just 8 counter seats. The restaurant offers two seatings: a full omakase at 18:00 and a shorter course at 20:30.
- Children: Children are welcome but will be served and charged for the full adult omakase course.
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners, UnionPay), electronic money (transportation IC cards, QUICPay), and QR code payments (PayPay) are accepted.
- Dress Code: Guests are asked to refrain from wearing strong fragrances like perfume.
- Rules: Please refrain from making phone calls or taking photos while seated.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: Two parking spaces are available.
