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Toriton Sushi & Ippin Butadon: two must-eat spots in Sapporo (Hokkaido)
Toriton is Sapporo’s beloved conveyor-belt sushi joint, worth its notorious queue, and Ippin nearby is a no-fuss Tokachi pork-bowl (butadon) specialist that pleases everyone. I tried both on a March trip while staying at the Sapporo Hotel by Grandbell, and both are easy recommendations.
Where they are
Both restaurants sit in Higashi Ward, a short distance from the Grandbell hotel. Toriton Kita 8 is at 5 Chome-19-1 Kita 8 Johigashi, and Tokachi Butadon Ippin is at 4 Chome-1-21 Kita 9 Johigashi. Ippin also has a branch inside Stellar Place at Sapporo Station if that is more convenient.
Toriton: brace for the queue
Toriton is famous for its waits. I arrived around 10:15 a.m. on a Wednesday and took ticket number 19; the line had already doubled back on itself. Plenty of locals were queuing too, which tells you this is genuinely beloved for value sushi within Japan, not just a tourist stop. Seating began around 10:45, and when the bell mark appeared next to my number around noon I walked over, only to wait a little longer inside. The hotel was a ten-minute round trip, so I could wait in comfort. The LINE app can help with waits elsewhere in Japan, but Toriton lets you check your status without it.
What to order at Toriton
You order from a touchpad at your seat, and it supports Korean. It also shows the day’s most-ordered items in real time, and sticking to those keeps your failure rate low. The salmon and tuna were, of course, delicious, and every piece in the photos was a hit, including a cold soba topped with fried shrimp. The rice portions do run large, as other reviews warned, so I chose the half-rice option for everything and it was just right; the toppings are generously sized too. When you pay, stacking your plates together helps the staff (the side plate that comes with the soba does not need to be stacked). Settling the bill, it was clear this much sushi would cost far more back in Korea. On value, nothing beats it.
Ippin: the pork-bowl specialist
The night before, with Toriton’s dinner waiting already closed, we ate at Ippin, known for its butadon. We arrived close to 9 p.m. and waited about ten minutes outside; even with empty seats, they tidy the table before seating you. Despite closing at 10, it stayed full and people kept coming in. A friendly, English-speaking server looked after us. There is no draft beer, only bottles, but they pour Sapporo Classic (she explained twice that it comes bottled and asked how many glasses we needed). My portion looks small in the photo only because I ordered the small size, and being able to choose your rice and meat amounts is a nice touch. The tonjiru came packed with ingredients, and the white kimchi on the side was clean and a great match. After a hot soak in the hotel’s public bath, stepping out into the cold air for dinner felt like heaven.
Verdict
Toriton is unbeatable value and worth planning your day around — go before lunch. Ippin is a reliable, crowd-pleasing butadon spot perfect for a late dinner. If you are eating your way through Sapporo, put both on the list.
Frequently asked questions
Where are Toriton and Ippin in Sapporo?
Both are in Higashi Ward, Sapporo. Toriton Kita 8 is at 5 Chome-19-1 Kita 8 Johigashi, and Tokachi Butadon Ippin is at 4 Chome-1-21 Kita 9 Johigashi. There is also an Ippin branch inside Stellar Place at Sapporo Station.
How long is the wait at Toriton Sushi?
It is notorious. On a Wednesday I took a ticket at 10:15 a.m. and was seated around noon. By 1 p.m. the posted wait was 3 to 4 hours, and the night before, on-site dinner waiting had already closed by 6 p.m. Go early, ideally before lunch.
Is Toriton good value?
Yes. The same quality and quantity of sushi would cost far more in Korea. The rice portions run large, so choose the half-rice option, and order the day's popular menu items to play it safe.
What should I order at Ippin?
The butadon (pork bowl) is the specialty, and you can pick your rice and meat sizes. Add tonjiru (pork miso soup) for a hearty meal. There is no draft beer, but bottled Sapporo Classic is available.