When people travel to Hokkaido, there’s one food they absolutely want to eat: sushi.
It’s no secret—Hokkaido’s seafood is so fresh and delicious that this fact is recognized not only all over Japan but worldwide.
But maybe you’re thinking:
Sushi at a restaurant can get expensive… I’d love to go, but maybe I should hold back.
Or, I guess I can’t eat as much as I want.
Don’t worry! Hokkaido has conveyor belt sushi restaurants where you can enjoy sushi that’s shockingly fresh and delicious—for a surprisingly affordable price.
As a couple who relocated from Kobe and Nagoya to live in Sapporo full-time, we’ve carefully selected the best conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Sapporo to share with you. If you’re saying, “I came all the way to Hokkaido, so I want to eat my fill of great sushi!”—this guide is for you.
Even when I eat like crazy, the bill is so reasonable that my wife doesn’t get mad at me—so you can relax!
Don’t Underestimate Conveyor Belt Sushi in Hokkaido!
You might be thinking:
“Wait… I came all the way to Hokkaido, and you’re recommending conveyor belt sushi? I can eat that back home. Let’s go to a proper high-end sushi place instead!”
If this is your first time visiting Hokkaido, here’s the truth: the quality of conveyor belt sushi here is on par with (or even better than) many upscale sushi restaurants in Tokyo.
And the prices? Still at conveyor belt sushi levels. That means your stomach and your wallet will both be happy.
Why is Hokkaido’s conveyor belt sushi so good?
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Fresh, diverse seafood is delivered daily from the many fishing grounds across Hokkaido.
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Cold northern waters produce fish that are exceptionally fatty and flavorful.
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Unique, local fish varieties you can’t easily find elsewhere.
Sure, with modern logistics, Hokkaido seafood is available all over Japan. But nothing beats eating it right here, fresh off the coast.
So, dive in and enjoy all the plump, melt-in-your-mouth fish you can handle—without breaking the bank.
I heard Hokkaido sushi is so fresh it’s basically zero calories. True story. ˙◉◞౪◟◉)
Must-Try “Only in Hokkaido” Sushi Items
So, what should you order to truly savor Hokkaido’s uniqueness?
The answer—seasonal, local specialties you won’t find outside Hokkaido!
Look for these:
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Shirako (Cod Milt)
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Fresh Herring
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Fresh Atka Mackerel (Hokke)
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Fresh Pacific Saury (Sanma)
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Autumn Salmon (different from regular salmon)
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Kurosoi (Black Rockfish)
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Ezo Bafun Uni (Sea Urchin)
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Live Scallops (huge!)
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Live Surf Clams (Hokkigai)
Pretty rare, right?
Of course, almost everything will impress you, but these local specialties will make your sushi adventure unforgettable—and give you some bragging rights when you return home.
Conveyor Belt Sushi Restaurants You Must Visit in Sapporo
1. Toriton
Ask any Hokkaido local—Toriton is a household name.
Whenever we crave sushi, our first stop is always Toriton.
My parents, who live on the mainland, never skip Toriton when they visit Hokkaido.
What makes Toriton so popular is its unbeatable balance of ultra-fresh, generously portioned toppings and great prices. No wonder it’s always packed, no matter the day or time. Expect to wait 30–60 minutes during peak hours.
Must-Try at Toriton:
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Shirako Gunkan (Cod Milt) – Creamy, rich, and melts in your mouth. Pure bliss.
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Fresh Herring – Rare to find outside Hokkaido. Juicy, fatty, and addictive.
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Giant Botan Shrimp – Huge, plump, and comes with both nigiri and shrimp miso gunkan. Twice the fun!
2. Nemuro Hanamaru
With locations in both Hokkaido and Tokyo, Nemuro Hanamaru is another hugely popular spot among Sapporo locals. Carrying the name of Nemuro, a fishing hub famous for seafood, every dish here is top-notch.
The open kitchen adds a lively atmosphere, and tourists love watching chefs prepare the sushi in front of them.
If you don’t have a car, the Sapporo Station Stellar Place or Miredo locations are convenient (though always crowded). With a car, try the suburban branches for shorter waits.
Must-Try at Hanamaru:
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Double-Decker Scallops – Signature dish. Tasty, photogenic, and satisfying.
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Soup Dishes – Try the Hanasaki Crab Soup or Salmon Head Soup for rich seafood flavors.
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Abura Karei (Fatty Flounder) – A tender, flavorful white fish you shouldn’t miss.
3. Nagoyakatei
Together with Toriton and Hanamaru, Nagoyakatei forms the “Big Three” of Sapporo conveyor belt sushi.
It’s run by a Kushiro-based company and follows the motto: “Bigger and better than anywhere else!” The quality is leagues above cheap 100-yen chains.
The only drawback: no central Sapporo locations. Without a car, it’s hard to reach. But if you do drive, you’ll likely enjoy shorter waits and a relaxed atmosphere.
Must-Try at Nagoyakatei:
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Tsubasa Mackerel – Their own brand, fatty and flavorful. Limited quantity.
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Spring Herring – Exceptionally fatty and fresh in season. Melts in your mouth.
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Marinated Salmon Wrap – A unique creation with salmon instead of seaweed, wrapping rice and ikura. Flavor-packed!
More topping than rice! You have to try this one!
4. Katsuissen
If you want conveyor belt sushi in central Sapporo, head to Katsuissen in the Norbesa building (look for the rooftop Ferris wheel). Even members of the idol group Momoiro Clover Z once visited.
The menu includes both daily specials and regular items. Look for the Hokkaido mark next to local catches.
If your hotel is in central Sapporo, this place has the best access.
Must-Try at Katsuissen:
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Shirako Gunkan with Ponzu – Creamy milt balanced by tangy ponzu. Perfection.
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Fresh Toro Saba (Mackerel) – Not from Hokkaido, but one of their top sellers. Very fresh.
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Fresh Scallops – Huge pieces for just 290 yen! Unbelievable value.
I risk gout every time I order shirako here, but it’s worth it. ˙◉◞౪◟◉)
5. Waraku
Waraku specializes in “authentic sushi, hand-formed by skilled chefs.” Ingredients are delivered fresh every morning from the Sapporo fish market.
Along with its regular menu, Waraku features seasonal specialties that highlight the very best of Hokkaido’s seafood.
Must-Try at Waraku:
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Sakura Trout (Suttsu) – A seasonal spring delicacy. Tender, rich, and fatty.
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Hakkaku (Sailfin Poacher) – A lesser-known Hokkaido fish with firm texture and delicious fat.
Best from December to March!
6. Matsuriya
Less famous than Toriton or Hanamaru, Matsuriya shines when it comes to rare, Hokkaido-only toppings.
It offers a wide variety at very reasonable prices. Kid-friendly amenities (baby seats, diaper changing tables) make it great for families.
Unlike typical conveyor belt sushi, most dishes are made to order, with only promotional signs rotating on the belt.
So basically—it’s not really “conveyor belt sushi” at all!
Must-Try at Matsuriya:
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Fresh Hokke (Atka Mackerel) – Normally eaten grilled, but here you can try it raw—a Hokkaido specialty.
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Fresh Sardine – Rich, fatty, and rarely served raw elsewhere.
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Loose Herring Roe Gunkan – Instead of one whole piece, they serve it crumbled for extra texture.
Conclusion
From big names like Toriton and Hanamaru to hidden gems like Matsuriya, Sapporo offers an incredible range of conveyor belt sushi restaurants.
Honestly, you’ll rarely go wrong with sushi in Sapporo, but these picks are guaranteed to satisfy.
Find your favorite shop, discover your favorite toppings, and eat to your heart’s content!
And if you need any tips about Hokkaido travel, sushi, or sightseeing, feel free to reach out to us at Samurai Trip Concierge—we’d love to help make your trip to Hokkaido even more enjoyable.
