Tabelog ratingTempura Araki (天ぷらあら木) offers a high-end tempura omakase experience focused on impeccably timed cooking and seasonal Hokkaido ingredients. At the intimate 9-seat counter, the chef prepares each piece with an ultra-light, airy batter that guests consistently praise for being non-greasy. The service includes notable rituals, such as serving kuruma ebi (prawn) two ways—first rare, then fully cooked—and the chef personally dipping hot kisu (sillago) into the ten-tsuyu dipping sauce for you.
Diners frequently highlight the quality of ingredients like fresh scallops, anago (sea eel), and uni (sea urchin). The meal often concludes with a unique dessert of a long-fried sweet potato served with milk ice cream. Many consider it a destination-worthy splurge, praising the convivial chef and the engaging counter presentation.
However, international visitors should be cautious. There are recurring reports of reservations made through third-party services being lost or denied upon arrival. Some guests have also felt ignored when the chef focuses his attention on regular customers. A minority of diners noted that the smell of cooking oil clung to their clothes and that the atmosphere could be noisy.
Reviewers from 2024–2026 cite dinner prices between ¥15,000 and ¥25,000. Be aware of potential extra costs; one diner reported a surprise ¥4,000 charge for shirako (cod milt). For those who secure a reliable booking, the quality of the cooking is generally considered excellent value.
- Reservations: Reservations are essential and should be made directly with the restaurant well in advance (bookings open two months prior). Reviewers strongly advise against using third-party booking services due to reports of cancellations and lost reservations. Heavy cancellation penalties may apply.
- Getting There: The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Susukino Station on the Sapporo City Subway Namboku Line.
- Seating: Seating is at a 9-seat counter only. There are no private rooms.
- Payment: Payment is by credit card (JCB, AMEX, Diners) only. Electronic money and QR code payments are not accepted.
- Atmosphere: The atmosphere is often lively and chatty. Some diners have noted a strong smell of cooking oil on their clothes after the meal.
- Parking: Parking is not available.
