Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Kitami is home to the highest concentration of yakiniku restaurants in Hokkaido. Gather around a traditional charcoal shichirin grill and enjoy tender sagari and horumon paired with the city’s signature fresh dipping sauce.

Located in eastern Hokkaido, Kitami is widely known as the “City of Yakiniku.” This food culture traces back to street stalls that emerged around 1950, and today over 70 specialty yakiniku restaurants line the city. Walking through downtown, the aroma of charcoal-grilled meat fills the air, drawing visitors into one of Kitami’s most iconic experiences.

The highlights of Kitami-style yakiniku are juicy beef sagari (skirt steak) and fresh pork horumon (offal). The style is simple: grill over a charcoal shichirin and dip into the city’s famous nama-dare. Made with onions, apples, and other ingredients, this uncooked sauce enhances the rich flavor of the meat, offering an authentic taste of local food culture.

A winter highlight is the Kitami Mid-Winter Barbecue Festival. Even in temperatures near –10°C (14°F), more than a thousand shichirin grills line the outdoor venue. Surrounded by glowing coals, visitors enjoy sizzling meat and sweet grilled Kitami onions. The contrast between the freezing air and the warmth of the grill creates an unforgettable Kitami experience.