When visiting Hakodate, one cannot miss the famous live squid (katsuika). Ikasei Daimonten (いか清 大門店) is one of the most popular restaurants serving live squid, alongside its main branch. I visited the Daimon branch by myself right after it opened. The large squid decoration on the wall immediately caught my eye, giving the restaurant a unique yet inviting atmosphere. While it looks upscale, the prices are surprisingly reasonable.
The main branch is located near Goryokaku, but I chose the Daimon branch near Hakodate Station because it was close to my hotel. Like many restaurants that serve live squid, Ikasei has a large squid tank. From the counter seats, you can enjoy watching the squid swim up close 🙂
Since I visited shortly after the restaurant opened on a weekday, there were plenty of empty seats during my visit. However, it is a very popular spot, so making a reservation is recommended.
While they offer a standard menu, their daily specials are a must-try. Naturally, live squid features prominently on this menu.
Of course, they also have a great selection of Japanese sake to pair with your meal.
Interestingly, although the menu lists Sapporo Classic as their draft beer, the glass I received was labeled Black Label. I ordered a medium-sized Sapporo Classic draft beer, but they also offer a smaller size for lighter drinkers.
The otoshi (small starter dish included in the table charge) was a combination of tofu and mushrooms. It was light and refreshing, and the tofu’s texture was reminiscent of monkfish liver.
In Hakodate, two types of squid are served depending on the season: Japanese common squid (surumeika) and spear squid (yariika). From January to May, yariika is available, while surumeika is served the rest of the year. Since I visited in October, I had live surumeika sashimi. The portion was impressive, with its legs served in an almost alien-like presentation, alongside its sliced body and innards.
The texture was delightfully crunchy, and the freshness was evident in its clear appearance and vibrant taste. While locals often mix the innards with soy sauce, I enjoyed eating them with the body instead.
How about the legs? At Ikasei Daimonten, you can enjoy the squid legs prepared in two ways: deeply fried or grilled. I decided to have them as tempura, which turned out to be an excellent choice.
The legs had a pleasantly springy texture, and the crispy tempura coating added a delightful crunch. While they were delicious enough on their own, dipping them in soy sauce with freshly grated ginger elevated the flavor to a whole new level. It’s a simple yet satisfying combination that highlights the freshness of the squid.
And of course, no meal in Hakodate is complete without a good northern Japanese sake to accompany it. I chose a bottle of Jyunmai Misogi-no-mai (純米みそぎの舞), which paired perfectly with the meal. Its smooth and slightly dry taste complemented the rich flavors of the squid without overpowering them, making for a truly memorable dining experience.
One of the joys of dining in Hakodate is ending a meal with a touch of elegance. My final dish was Cod sushi marinated with konbu. The cod had a wonderfully firm texture, and the marinated konbu imparted a rich umami flavor. The refreshing taste of the vinegared rice paired beautifully with the fish, making it the perfect note to conclude the meal.
Visiting Ikasei Daimonten was a delightful experience. From the freshness of the squid to the thoughtful presentation of each dish, it’s clear why this restaurant is beloved by both locals and travelers alike. Whether you’re a fan of squid or simply want to try something uniquely Hakodate, this is a must-visit spot. I recommend coming early or making a reservation to ensure you get a seat at this popular establishment.
About
Name Ikasei Daimonten (いか清 大門店)
Open Dinner
Reservation Available
Credit card Available
URL Website
Google Map
