Tabelog ratingNemuro Hanamaru is a conveyor-belt sushi chain (kaiten-zushi) that stands far above the rest, acting as a showcase for fresh seafood from across Hokkaido. Located conveniently on the 6th floor of the Stellar Place shopping centre connected to JR Sapporo Station, it’s known for a lively, bustling atmosphere and, most importantly, high-quality fish at remarkably low prices.
Guests consistently praise the freshness and generous size of the sushi toppings, which are sourced from the port town of Nemuro and other Hokkaido fisheries. Favourites frequently mentioned by reviewers include the signature two-layer scallop (二階建てほたて, nikai-date hotate), rich fatty herring (とろにしん, toro nishin), seared flounder fin (炙りえんがわ, aburi engawa), and the deeply flavourful crab miso soup (鉄砲汁, teppo-jiru).
The restaurant's main drawback is its immense popularity, which translates to very long queues, often an hour or more. Arriving late in the day also means some of the most sought-after items may be sold out. The dining room is energetic and noisy, and during the busiest times, service can be brisk and occasionally inconsistent.
Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported plate prices ranging from around ¥286 to ¥473. Specific items like the signature two-layer scallop cost about ¥400, and a small crab miso soup was ¥300–¥400. While a light meal can be had for under ¥2,000, most diners spend between ¥3,000 and ¥5,000 for a satisfying meal, which is considered excellent value for the quality and portion size.
- Location: On the 6th floor of the Stellar Place Center building, which is directly connected to JR Sapporo Station.
- Booking: Reservations are not accepted. Expect long queues; take a numbered ticket from the machine at the entrance and monitor your position via the QR code. For a much shorter wait, try the standing-only counter.
- Pro Tip: Arrive before opening or during off-peak hours to minimize waiting and ensure the best selection, as premium items often sell out early.
- Payment: Accepts credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners) and most Japanese electronic money cards (like Suica). QR code payments are not accepted.
- Family: Children are welcome.
- Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
- Parking: Parking is available as part of the Stellar Place complex.
