Noboribetsu Takinoya Kaiseki Honest Review… “If You Expect Too Much, You May Be Disappointed”
Today is a full review of Noboribetsu Takinoya Kaiseki. As mentioned in the previous post, from D-type rooms onward, meals are served directly in the room.
The serving time can be chosen at check-in.
I organized my actual experience of Noboribetsu Ryokan Takinoya, the Kaiseki meal, and the Sobadokoro Fukuan restaurant. Especially focusing on “meal satisfaction,” “portion size,” and “reservation precautions” that travelers should check before visiting.
Noboribetsu Ryokan Takinoya
Dinner – DINNER
The Noboribetsu Takinoya Kaiseki seems to divide opinions. Especially when dining in the common restaurant, the serving speed and staff service quality felt lower.
Tourist Information
- D-type rooms and above → Meals served in-room
- Meal time can be chosen at check-in
- Using the common restaurant → Service speed and quality vary
Conclusion: Overall, the taste was clean and light. Nothing particularly special. If you like meat, you may be disappointed since the menu is mostly vegetables, seafood, and fish.
Even for me, a woman, the portion was too small. The fish was not even half a fillet but about a quarter piece, and overall protein felt lacking.
Since you keep bathing in the hot springs at the ryokan, I was very hungry at night. It’s better to prepare extra snacks.
Noboribetsu Takinoya Kaiseki Honest Review… “If You Expect Too Much, You May Be Disappointed”
[Noboribetsu Takinoya Kaiseki Menu] Tourist Information
There was no English menu.
I tried using Papago or Google photo translation, but vertical Japanese text was not translated properly.
The staff serving us were older and very kind, but they spoke only Japanese, not English.
Because I couldn’t hear proper explanations of the dishes, I still don’t know exactly what I ate except for the ingredients I recognized.
Other ryokans sometimes use translators to explain, but here communication was disappointing.
Visual & Taste Experience
Still, the Noboribetsu Takinoya Kaiseki was visually delightful.
After the appetizer, sashimi was served, but I forgot to take a photo. About six pieces of seasonal fish sashimi were included.
The pottery, plating, and colors were beautiful.
A hot pot broth was served, where abalone and vegetables could be lightly boiled like shabu-shabu. Clean and simple taste.
Grilled fish was served with rice and tea, which could be eaten like ochazuke.
There was a cold dish combining boiled octopus and dried persimmon. Surprisingly delicious—the vinegar jelly was refreshing, the octopus texture was good, and the sweetness of persimmon balanced well.
Dessert was a very small parfait with cream and juice inside.
Breakfast – BREAKFAST
Breakfast was served as a full tray in the room, with a view of the snowy scenery.
Warm tofu was scooped directly from the pot—nutty, mild, and delicious.
The grilled fish was still only a quarter piece.
Inside a wooden bento box was sweet rolled omelet.
Various side dishes like salted pollack roe accompanied rice cooked in a pot (thankfully, the rice portion was generous).
Representative Menu Highlights
✔ Impressive Dishes
- Abalone shabu-shabu style
- Octopus + dried persimmon cold dish (unique combination)
- Ochazuke-style rice meal
✔ Weak Points
- Lack of menu explanation (almost no English support)
- Translation apps struggled (vertical Japanese text) 👉 Staff were kind, but realistic expectations about communication are necessary.
Noboribetsu Restaurant – Sobadokoro Fukuan
Sobadokoro Fukuan
- Hours: Daily 11:30 ~ 2:00 (closes early if ingredients run out)
- Menu: Soba / Tendon
We arrived 10 minutes before opening and avoided waiting, but seats filled quickly. In -16°C weather, waiting outside looked tough, so arriving early was wise.
The staff were very kind. Sitting at the bar, they poured warm barley tea directly from the kettle, which felt homely.
Although food took time to arrive, it was carefully prepared and worth the wait.
If you like tempura shrimp and noodles, this place is highly recommended. Even outside a tourist area, it would succeed as a restaurant.
Recommended Dishes
Cold Soba (Highly Recommended)
- Strong buckwheat aroma
- Chewy noodle texture
- Irresistible even in freezing weather
Ebi Tendon
- Four large shrimp tempura
- Excellent soy sauce base
My husband, who loves rice, ordered the Ebi Tendon with hot soba set (though cold soba was tastier).
The tendon’s soy sauce was fantastic.
This restaurant is worth visiting in Noboribetsu—not only for taste but also for the warm atmosphere created by middle-aged staff.
Nearby attractions include Jigokudani (Hell Valley), perfect for a walk after eating.
There’s also a bus stop to the train station right in front, making it convenient after checkout.
We then headed to our next hotel, Tabist THE GREEN SAPPORO.
FAQ (10 Questions)
Q1. What are the features of Noboribetsu Takinoya Kaiseki? Seafood and vegetable-focused, visually appealing, but little meat and small portions.
Q2. Can meals be eaten in the room? Yes, from D-type rooms onward. Meal time can be chosen at check-in.
Q3. Are portions large? No, portions are small. Snacks are recommended.
Q4. Is there English menu explanation? Basic communication possible, but detailed explanations are mostly in Japanese.
Q5. What travel style suits Takinoya Ryokan? Quiet hot spring healing or couples’ trips. Food-focused travelers may feel disappointed.
Q6. How many nights are suitable? Usually 1 night, but 2 nights for a more relaxed stay.
Q7. Can extra food be ordered? Options are limited. Better to prepare snacks.
Q8. Can Sobadokoro Fukuan be reserved? Usually not. Best to arrive before opening to avoid waiting.
Q9. What should be noted for winter travel in Noboribetsu? Freezing weather makes outdoor waiting difficult. Dress warmly and plan carefully.
Q10. Is Takinoya Ryokan suitable for family trips? More suitable for adults than families with young children.
Conclusion
Noboribetsu Takinoya Ryokan is highly satisfying for “atmosphere and hot springs.” However, the Kaiseki meal quality and portion size may divide opinions.
Key point: Don’t expect everything from one accommodation—plan the whole trip for better satisfaction.