I’m absolutely thrilled to guide you through the culinary highlights of this charming Hokkaido town! If you’re wondering about the Biei Food, you’re in for a treat as I reveal two hidden gems that made my trip unforgettable: Junpei’s famous shrimp tendon restaurant and the delightful Kitakobo cafe.
Between us, the food scene in Biei might not be as celebrated as Sapporo or Hakodate, but what they lack in quantity, they more than make up for in quality. Trust me on this one!
1. Junpei: The Shrimp Tendon Paradise
Everyone visiting Hokkaido searches for exceptional seafood, and while many flock to the coastal cities, Junpei shrimp tendon in Biei remains one of the region’s best-kept secrets. It was a rainy Tuesday afternoon when I finally made it to this unassuming restaurant, and the experience was worth every minute of the wait.
Location & Accessibility
Located approximately 10 minutes on foot from Biei Station, Junpei is surprisingly accessible despite its reputation as a hidden gem. The walk itself is pleasant, taking you through the quaint streets of this picturesque town.
What I particularly love about dining in smaller Japanese towns like Biei is how these exceptional culinary experiences are often tucked away from the tourist radar. Yet for those in the know, they’re absolute treasures.
Operating Hours & The Waiting Game
- Operating Hours: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Best Time to Visit: Early opening or after 2:00 PM to avoid crowds
Biei might be a small town, but don’t let that fool you! Despite its size, Junpei attracts both locals and tourists exploring the lavender fields and Blue Pond, making lunchtime extraordinarily busy.
I initially arrived at noon, saw the long queue stretching around the corner, and made a strategic decision: postpone lunch, visit the Blue Pond first, and return later. This turned out to be one of the smartest travel decisions I’ve ever made. By mid-afternoon, I walked right in without waiting!
Menu Options
While some might find the language barrier challenging in rural Japan, Junpei thoughtfully provides English menus, making the ordering process remarkably smooth.
Beyond the legendary shrimp tempura donburi (rice bowl), they also offer chicken roll tempura, though it sells out with lightning speed. I arrived too late to try it—all the more reason for a return visit!
Something that caught me by surprise was their extensive cafe menu. Despite being renowned for tempura, they take their coffee seriously too. But with the aroma of freshly fried tempura filling the air, my focus remained firmly on the main attraction.
Restaurant Ambiance
Even without the initial waiting line, the restaurant was comfortably buzzing with diners when I entered. The interior blends traditional Japanese elements with modern comfort—wooden tables, minimalist decor, and that unmistakable golden light that makes every food photograph look spectacular.
The open kitchen concept allows you to witness the tempura masters at work. There’s something mesmerizing about watching them delicately batter each shrimp before it meets the hot oil.
The Famous Shrimp Tendon at Junpei
I ordered the three-shrimp tendon bowl, which arrived steaming hot and looking absolutely magnificent. Each shrimp was enormous—easily twice the size of what I’m accustomed to in typical tempura places!
The batter? Perfection incarnate. Thick enough to deliver that satisfying crunch yet light enough to avoid overwhelming the delicate shrimp flavor. The secret tempura sauce had the ideal balance of sweetness with subtle umami notes that elevated the entire dish.
Though seemingly simple in composition, the quality of ingredients spoke volumes. The rice was perfectly sticky, the shrimp plump and fresh, and that sauce… I’m still dreaming about it weeks later. It’s this attention to a single dish that makes specialized Japanese restaurants so extraordinary.
2. Kitakobo Cafe: A Coffee Sanctuary
After indulging in Junpei’s heavenly tempura, I needed somewhere to relax and digest. Kitakobo cafe appeared like an answer to an unspoken prayer.
Location & Finding This Hidden Gem
Kitakobo cafe in Biei is approximately 5 minutes from Biei Station or 7 minutes from Junpei restaurant. Despite its central location, it maintains a secretive charm that makes discovering it feel like a personal victory.
Operating Hours & Seasonal Considerations
- Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays)
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-afternoon when the light filters perfectly through their windows
I happened to visit during a relatively quiet period, but I imagine this place becomes a sanctuary during the peak summer tourism season when the lavender fields draw crowds to Biei.
Menu Diversity
What impressed me immediately was their English menu translations alongside Japanese and korean options.
Kitakobo takes coffee extraordinarily seriously. They roast their beans in-house, offering diverse options that cater to every coffee preference imaginable. For coffee enthusiasts, they also sell their beans to take home—a souvenir that continues giving long after your trip ends!
The Enchanting Interior
Kitakobo isn’t just a cafe; it’s an experience. The small wooden building requires removing your shoes before entering—a charming touch that immediately signals you’re somewhere special.
The long bar-style seating arrangement creates an intimate atmosphere where you can watch the baristas work their magic. The wooden structure, with its carefully curated decorations, emanates warmth that perfectly complements Hokkaido’s sometimes chilly weather.
Window displays featuring various coffee cups provide both visual interest and conversation starters. Each cup tells a story, much like the cafe itself.
A Unique Coffee Experience
Intrigued by something different, I ordered their soybean blend coffee—a decision that initially left me questioning my choice but ultimately proved revelatory.
The first sip was surprisingly mild, almost disappointingly so for someone accustomed to bold coffee flavors. But as I continued sipping, something magical happened. The roasted soybean notes gradually emerged, creating a complex, nutty profile unlike any coffee I’d tried before.
By my final sip, I was completely won over. This coffee revealed itself slowly, rewarding patience—a fitting metaphor for Biei itself, a town that reveals its treasures gradually to those willing to linger.
Final Thoughts on Biei Food
The time spent savoring Junpei’s perfect tempura and unwinding at Kitakobo with their unique coffee creations made my day in Biei absolutely unforgettable. While the Blue Pond and rolling hills might draw visitors initially, I’d argue these culinary experiences are equally worthy destinations.
What makes dining in smaller Japanese towns like Biei so special is the dedication to craft. Both Junpei and Kitakobo could easily succeed in Tokyo or Osaka, yet they’ve chosen to perfect their offerings in this quiet corner of Hokkaido. Their commitment to quality over expansion speaks volumes about Japanese culinary philosophy.
If you’re planning a trip to Hokkaido, don’t just rush through Biei to photograph its landscapes. Stay a while. Savor its flavors. Join the queue at Junpei—it moves faster than you’d expect. Remove your shoes and settle in at Kitakobo with a coffee that challenges your expectations.
Sometimes the most memorable travel experiences aren’t the grand vistas or famous landmarks, but rather those perfect, unrushed moments of culinary bliss in unexpected places. Biei offers these moments in abundance.
Have you visited any remarkable restaurants in unexpected places during your travels? I’d love to hear about your hidden culinary discoveries in the comments below!
