Enjoy Genghis Khan in Hakodate：Three Must-Try Restaurants

Photo source: MAFF Website

〔Last Updated：2025/9〕

Genghis Khan is one of Hokkaido’s most famous dishes and a perfect combination with cherry blossoms and summer BBQ, both of which are hugely popular with tourists. When visiting Hakodate, don’t miss the chance to experience this special northern delicacy! This time, we will introduce three carefully selected Genghis Khan restaurants in Hakodate that you must try.

What is Genghis Khan?

Photo source: MAFF Website

Genghis Khan is a dish where lamb, bean sprouts, capsicum, carrots, and sliced pumpkin are grilled on a special iron plate. It has been loved by locals for many years as one of Hokkaido’s regional specialties.

Origin of Genghis Khan

Photo source: Photo AC

In Japan during the Taisho era (1912–1926), the outbreak of World War I made it difficult to import wool from overseas. In response to government policy, sheep farms were established in Hokkaido to produce wool for military uniforms. After World War II, demand for wool clothing increased nationwide, but with the spread of imported wool and synthetic fibers, the sheep raised in Hokkaido shifted from supplying wool to supplying mutton, leading to the popularization of sheep meat as food.

There are several theories about the origin of the name “Genghis Khan”, but although it has no direct connection to Mongolian cuisine, it is said to have been named after Genghis Khan (Temujin) of the Mongol Empire. Another theory holds that Genghis Khan spread after World War II as part of efforts to promote mutton consumption. Since many Japanese in the early Showa era were not yet accustomed to the distinctive smell of lamb, the dish was modified with reference to the Chinese dish ‘kaoyangrou’ (roast lamb) to make it more acceptable.

How to enjoy Genghis Khan

Special Genghis Khan pan

Photo source: Photo AC

For Genghis Khan, a special dome-shaped grill is used, with a raised center and grooves around the edges. Vegetables such as bean sprouts, bell peppers, and sliced pumpkin are placed in the grooves, while lamb is spread over the raised center to grill. As the meat cooks, its juices and fat trickle down into the grooves, infusing the vegetables with rich flavor and enhancing their taste.

Two ways to eat Genghis Khan

There are two types of meat used for Hokkaido Genghis Khan, raw and marinated lamb. How to enjoy both meat are as written below：

① Raw lamb：After grilling, dip the meat in each restaurant’s special sauce

② Marinated lamb：The meat is marinated in special sauce, grill and eat it as is.

*Above are general ways to enjoy Genghis Khan, how to eat might vary in some regions in Hokkaido. For Hakodate, option ① is the mainstream choice.

Three recommended Genghis Khan Restaurants in Hakodate

Don’t you want to try Genghis Khan restaurants when visiting Hakodate? This time, we’re sharing three carefully selected Genghis Khan restaurants located near Hakodate Station, Goryokaku, and the Yunokawa Onsen area. It’s a delicious treat you can enjoy while exploring the sights!

Hakodate Station area: Sumibi Genghis Khan Iidaya

Sumibi Genghis Khan Iidaya is located along the tram line among long-established shops, just about a 4-minute walk from Horaicho Station. The interior, with its nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere yet clean and tidy feel, has only limited seats and is almost always full, so reservations are recommended. The restaurant uses carefully selected Australian lamb, grilled over charcoal to lock in the juices. Its special sauce, made with kelp from Minamikayabe and fresh ginger, is light, refreshing, and sure to boost your appetite.

The most popular menu item is the “Lamb Shoulder Roast (Raw lamb).” Rare cuts, such as lamb heart and lamb thymus (tender organ meat), are also available, making these signature dishes a must-try for food lovers from across the region.

• Address： 22-1 Hōraicho, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan
• Access：Around 4 minute walk from the “Horaicho” tram stop
• Business hour：16:00～21:30（L.O. 21:00）
• Closed：Thursday, the third Wednesday of each month
• Reservation：0138-27-2929

Goryokaku area: Genghis Khan Eijin Hakodate Branch

Genghis Khan Eijin Hakodate Branch is located near Goryokaku, just about a 2-minute walk from the “Goryokaku Koen-Mae” tram stop, making it very easy to access. Unlike the usual Genghis Khan cooking method, this restaurant uses a specially designed iron plate. Vegetables are placed in the central recessed area while lamb is arranged around the edges, allowing the meat juices to flow down and flavor the vegetables. Staff will grill the meat for you on your first visit, so even first-timers can relax and enjoy the meal.

The restaurant carefully selects fresh Australian lamb, and in addition to a la carte options, an all-you-can-eat menu is also available. The two-story building offers counter and table seating as well as private rooms, making it comfortable for solo diners or larger groups.

※300 yen per person (including tax) is charged for seating.

• Address：24-6 Honchō, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan
• Access：Around 2 minute walk from the “Goryokaku Koen Mae” tram stop
• Business hour：17:00～00:00（L.O.23:30）
• Closed：Irregular holiday
• Reservation：Online reservation (Japanese)
• Official Website (Japanese)

Yunokawa Hotspring area：Genghis Khan Temujin Yunokawa Branch

Genghis Khan Temujin Yunokawa Branch is just a 2-minute walk from the “Yunokawa Onsen” tram stop and is also close to the tourist spots around Yunokawa Hot spring. The restaurant uses charcoal grilling, which enhances the flavor of the lamb. It mainly serves a rare imported lamb called “Ganguro” (Suffolk sheep), which has less of the typical lamb odor and a tender, springy texture, making it popular with food lovers from all over the region.

The most popular menu item is fresh Ganguro lamb. You can also enjoy rare cuts such as lamb tongue and lamb liver in one meal. In addition, beef and pork dishes are available.

• Address：1-29-4 Yukawa-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan
• Access： Around 4 minute walk from the “Shimin Kaikan-Mae” tram stop and 2 minute walk from the “Yunokawa Onsen-Mae” tram stop
• Business hour：17:00~23:00（L.O. 22:00）
• Closed：Thursday
• Reservation：0138-57-1787
• Official Website (Japanese), Official Instagram

Lastly

The three recommended Genghis Khan restaurants in Hakodate introduced above are all located in convenient tourist areas, and each has its own unique approach to meat and sauces. In recent years, lamb has also become popular as a low calorie, health-conscious option. When visiting Hakodate, be sure to try the authentic Genghis Khan for yourself!

※Please refer to the latest store information for the menu and updated price.