Tabelog ratingYakitori Higebozu (焼鳥 ひげぼうず) is a small, ten-seat counter in Sapporo that has earned a reputation as one of Hokkaido's finest yakitori destinations. Its distinction lies in serving the rare and highly prized Kosaka-dori chicken, cooked with exacting precision over high-temperature binchōtan charcoal. The chef's mastery of fire and salt is a constant theme in reviews, ensuring each skewer arrives at its absolute peak of flavor and texture.
Guests consistently praise several signature items. The white liver (レバー) is frequently described as revelatory, with a silky, creamy texture akin to foie gras. Other favorites include the spicy green chili-laced chicken meatball (青南蛮つくね), savory miso-marinated offal (味噌ホルモン), and the surprisingly flavorful vegetable skewers, which showcase fresh, high-quality local produce. The meal concludes unconventionally but memorably with a course of handmade soba noodles.
While the experience is lauded, visitors should be aware of some practicalities. Securing a reservation is difficult and handled exclusively through Instagram DMs, which can be slow to receive a response. The restaurant operates with two fixed, simultaneous start times, and punctuality is essential. The drink list is concise, focusing on wine by the bottle with limited options by the glass. Some diners also note that portions are refined rather than large, and a strict no-perfume policy is enforced to protect the delicate aromas of the food.
The omakase course was recently reported by reviewers to be priced between ¥12,100 and ¥13,200. With drinks, the final bill typically lands in the ¥17,000 to ¥20,000 per person range. Most agree that while it is a significant expense, the exceptional quality of the ingredients and the flawless execution provide excellent value for a top-tier yakitori experience.
- Reservations: Essential. Bookings for new customers are only accepted via Instagram DM, often weeks or months in advance.
- Arrival: There are two fixed start times (6:30 PM and 7:30 PM). All guests start together, so arriving on time is critical.
- Location: In Sapporo's Susukino area, a 5-minute walk from Exit 4 of Susukino Station. Be careful not to confuse it with a nearby okonomiyaki restaurant of a similar name.
- Age Restriction: Guests must be 20 years of age or older.
- Party Size: Reservations are not accepted for single diners.
- Payment: Major credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not. A 5% service charge applies.
- Seating: 10 seats at a U-shaped counter only. No private rooms.
- Rules: The restaurant is strictly non-smoking. Please refrain from wearing perfume or scented products.
- Parking: Not available.
