"Hyosetsu no Mon" currently ensures a stable supply of taraba crab, but behind this achievement lies decades of challenges. Since its founding in 1964, procuring taraba crab has always been a difficult task. Particularly in 1977, the 200 nautical mile regulation prevented Japanese fishing vessels from accessing fishing grounds, leading to a shift to imports from the Soviet Union. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the situation drastically changed. Fishing contracts were no longer honored, and illegal fishing vessels became rampant. As a result, small crabs and even females were illegally harvested, causing the rapid depletion of resources. In response to these challenges, "Hyosetsu no Mon" shifted its sourcing strategy to focus on Alaskan taraba crab. These crabs, caught in the Bering Sea, are among the highest quality available, benefiting from strict resource management. Specifically, in Dutch Harbor, only live crabs are allowed to be landed, and Japanese technicians are stationed to oversee every step, from sorting to freezing and packaging, ensuring meticulous care in the supply chain. Thanks to these rigorous standards, the taraba crabs provided are of the highest quality, allowing guests to enjoy them with peace of mind. However, even with improved resource management in Russia, taraba crabs still face the challenges of resource depletion and rising prices. It is said that it takes approximately 8 years for a taraba crab to reach the standard size of 2kg, making them a rare and precious resource. At "Hyosetsu no Mon," we are committed to providing the finest quality and ensuring that guests can savor this valuable delicacy with an understanding of its rarity. Please note that the availability of live hairy crabs may fluctuate depending on the season, and there may be times when they cannot be provided.

Atmosphere & Interior of "Hyosetsu no Mon"

"Hyosetsu no Mon" is conveniently located in Sapporo, with excellent access just a 1-minute walk from the Toho Line's "Toyosui Susukino Station" and within a 5-minute walk from both the Namboku Line's "Susukino Station" and the Sapporo Streetcar's "Susukino Stop." This prime location makes it easy to visit using public transportation, whether for sightseeing or after a day of work. The restaurant has its reception on the third floor, where a spacious and tranquil Japanese-style space welcomes guests. Within this space, private rooms are thoughtfully arranged, each separated by shoji screens, ensuring a private dining experience free from distractions. This attention to privacy and comfort makes it an ideal venue for business meetings, special moments with loved ones, or any occasion that requires a more intimate setting. Moreover, the seating options are designed to accommodate various preferences, with choices including horigotatsu (sunken kotatsu tables), tatami mat seating, and standard table seating. Each seating area is thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and an enjoyable dining experience. Guests can select the most suitable seating according to their needs or occasion, whether for casual dining or more formal gatherings. In this serene, traditional Japanese atmosphere, guests can relax and enjoy high-quality crab dishes at their leisure. With its private rooms and versatile seating options, "Hyosetsu no Mon" aims to provide every guest with a comfortable and memorable experience, ensuring a perfect setting for any dining occasion.

Seating Options at "Hyosetsu no Mon"

"Hyosetsu no Mon" boasts a spacious setting, with a total of 320 seats comprising both open seating and private rooms. The restaurant occupies the 2nd to 6th floors of the "Hyousetsu no Mon Building," with each floor offering a unique atmosphere. The 2nd and 3rd floors feature calm and serene tatami seating, allowing guests to enjoy their meals while immersed in a traditional Japanese ambiance. On the other hand, the 5th and 6th floors are equipped with expansive banquet halls that can accommodate large groups, including a stage area for events. These halls are capable of hosting up to 100 people, making them perfect for large banquets and gatherings. In addition, there are numerous private rooms available for smaller groups, including options with horigotatsu seating, tatami seating, and table seating. There are over 10 private rooms in total, each designed to ensure privacy while allowing guests to enjoy their meals in a relaxed and comfortable environment. These rooms are ideal for celebrating special occasions or dining with close friends and family. However, due to the popularity of the private rooms, reservations tend to fill up quickly, so early booking is highly recommended. "Hyosetsu no Mon" caters to groups of all sizes, from small gatherings to large banquets. Each seating option can be tailored to suit the needs of the guests, ensuring a versatile setting for a wide range of occasions. Whether it's a celebration, birthday, anniversary, business meeting, or any other event, the restaurant provides the perfect space to suit any occasion, ensuring a memorable experience for all guests.

History of "Hyosetsu no Mon"

"Hyosetsu no Mon" was founded in 1964 by Kikuji Shindo, who had a vision of creating a restaurant that could attract customers even in the winter months. Originally operating "Unagi no Kadoya" in Susukino, he struggled with attracting customers during the colder season. One day, he heard from a fisherman that fresh king crab (taraba crab) was delicious and immediately boarded a train to the eastern part of Hokkaido. However, upon arrival, he found that all the king crabs had already been canned for export, and he was unable to find any fresh crabs. Desperate, he consulted with the mayor of Wakkanai and was introduced to President Okamoto of a local industry. It was here that he first tasted fresh king crab, and he was so impressed by its flavor that he decided to open a restaurant in Sapporo that would offer king crab year-round. Shindo began searching for a location for his new restaurant, and with the suggestion of Mayor Hamamori, the name "Hyousetsu no Mon" was chosen, inspired by the historic "Ice and Snow Gate," a memorial for fallen women soldiers. In 1964, the first "Hyousetsu no Mon," a specialty restaurant for king crab, opened in the basement of Susukino. It quickly became renowned as a local delicacy in Hokkaido, and three years later, the restaurant moved to its two-story location. Responding to growing tourist demand, the restaurant expanded, opening an annex and a theater restaurant. The neon crab sign became the iconic symbol of the establishment.

The Mission of "Hyosetsu no Mon"

At "Hyosetsu no Mon," the goal has always been to provide not just a meal, but an experience. In the past, to welcome guests from all over Japan, the restaurant offered a theater where they could enjoy dancing and witty hosting in addition to their meals. This unique form of entertainment became beloved by many, and even today, regular customers visit to reminisce about the good old days. The combination of dining and entertainment in the theater was intended to provide a special experience that went beyond simply having a meal. Today, "Hyosetsu no Mon" is a larger and more convenient establishment, having merged three neighboring restaurants into a single building in 1990, allowing it to welcome many more guests. However, the core philosophy and motto of the restaurant have remained unchanged since its founding. This philosophy is a simple yet profound mission: "To serve the most delicious crabs to more guests than anyone else." This principle not only means offering great food, but also pursuing the ultimate dining experience for every guest. Moreover, "Hyosetsu no Mon" places great emphasis on entertainment, a spirit that has been passed down since its establishment. To make each dining experience special, the restaurant combines delightful food with a warm atmosphere, captivating performances, and heartfelt service, creating unforgettable memories for every guest. The restaurant aims to continue this tradition, constantly striving for improvement and growth with its staff. While embracing new challenges in response to the changes of the times, the restaurant remains committed to upholding the values and vision that have been in place since its founding.