Tabelog ratingRun by local fishermen on the scenic Shakotan Peninsula, Misaki (みさき) is a humble eatery with a singular focus: serving some of the freshest sea urchin (uni) in Japan. The main draw is the local catch, especially the rare and highly prized red bafun uni, which is known for its intense sweetness and creamy texture. This is not a casual drop-in spot, but a destination for connoisseurs who come specifically for the uni.
Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the sea urchin, describing it as exceptionally sweet and clean-tasting, with none of the fishy odor that can mar lesser uni. Popular orders include the Nama Uni Don (fresh sea urchin bowl) and the Uni Ikura Don, which pairs the uni with glistening salmon roe. The ultimate prize, however, is the Aka Bafun Uni Don, featuring the premium red uni. With only 10 to 20 portions available each day, it’s a delicacy that requires dedication to obtain.
The experience comes with challenges. The high price, especially for the red bafun uni, is a frequent comment, as are the long waits and the necessity of arriving extremely early. The limited portions mean the most sought-after bowls often sell out before the restaurant officially opens. While the uni is the star, a few diners found other toppings, like grilled fish, to be merely average in comparison.
A typical lunch is listed at ¥3,000–¥3,999, but premium bowls are significantly more. Diners recently paid around ¥5,600–¥6,600 for a Nama Uni Don and ¥4,800–¥4,950 for an Uni Ikura Don. The limited-edition Aka Bafun Uni Don can cost between ¥13,000 and ¥14,000. For those who make the journey to Shakotan specifically for its famous uni, reviewers agree that Misaki offers a worthwhile splurge. For casual visitors, the high cost and logistical hurdles might be less appealing.
- Getting There: From Yoichi Station, take the Hokkaido Chuo Bus to the "Nisshi" stop, which is a 1-minute walk away. From Sapporo, an express bus service to Kamui-misaki is also available.
- Reservations: Reservations are not accepted. Arrive very early; guests report registering for a spot from 7:00 AM or even earlier to secure the limited-edition uni.
- Ordering: Orders are placed via a ticket machine with a Japanese-only menu. The photos on the machine are helpful, but English is not spoken.
- Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Seating: The restaurant has 72 seats, including tatami mat areas.
- Parking: Free parking is available, with a main lot and a second one behind the building.
- Good to Know: The restaurant operates seasonally, usually from late April to the end of October, with the peak uni season running from June to August. It closes for the day once the uni sells out.