Day Trips from SapporoInakaya Genpei: A Local Izakaya for Dinner in Kawayu Onsen
By Chaporo, a Sapporo local Published 
Quick answers
- A relaxed izakaya in the middle of Kawayu Onsen, about 3 minutes on foot from Kawayu Kanko Hotel
- Try the Genkoro potato croquettes and butter-grilled Mashu shiitake
- Local highballs named after Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo and Mt. Io
- 18:00–22:00, closed Tuesdays (not in August); 25 seats, so go at opening
If you stay the night in Kawayu Onsen and wonder where to eat, Inakaya Genpei is the place I recommend. It is in the middle of the hot spring town, an easy walk from the hotels, and it is a calm izakaya where you can drop in after your bath. There were plenty of local regulars, which told me it is a place people here actually use.
The place
With its old wooden interior and jazz in the background, it is an easy place to unwind. It is small, with 25 seats. Many dishes use local produce, so you can taste Teshikaga, Mashu and Akan in one evening.
I went on a weekday in early October; locals kept coming in from opening time, and within an hour it was almost full. Arriving right at 18:00 is safest.
What I ate
Genkoro potato croquettes
The signature dish: croquettes made only of Kitaakari potatoes from the Igari farm in Kawayu. Light, crisp batter and a fluffy inside; with coarse salt, the gentle sweetness of the potato comes through. Nothing fancy, just the right comfort food for a night in a hot spring town.
Butter-grilled Mashu shiitake
Thick local shiitake grilled in butter: juicy and rich, simple and very good with a drink.
Akan pork skewers
Pork from Akan with a gently sweet sauce, not too fatty.
Potato spring rolls
Also made with Kawayu Kitaakari potatoes, with a hint of cheese: crisp, not greasy, and very good with ketchup.
Local highballs
The drinks include highballs named after the area:
- Mashu Highball: inspired by the blue of Lake Mashu
- Kussharo Highball: buckwheat shochu and soda
- Iozan Highball: potato shochu and soda
Hours and tips
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | 18:00–22:00 (may close early on quiet nights) |
| Closed | Tuesdays (open every day in August) |
| Phone | 015-483-3338 (Japanese; ask your hotel front desk to call for you) |
| Budget | About 3,000–4,000 yen |
| Getting there | About 3 minutes on foot from Kawayu Kanko Hotel |
It can fill up early even on weekdays, so if you are staying in Kawayu, plan on it in advance. See the Teshikaga tourism page (in Japanese).
Near Inakaya Genpei
Kawayu Kanko Hotel: Acidic Sulfur Baths in Kawayu OnsenA local's review of Kawayu Kanko Hotel in Kawayu Onsen, eastern Hokkaido: the strong, acidic sulfur water, the quiet hot spring town, day bathing, and why it is a good base for Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo.
Mt. Io (Iozan): Walking Among the Steaming Vents Near Kawayu OnsenA local's guide to Mt. Io, the active volcano at Kawayu Onsen in eastern Hokkaido: walking up to the steaming sulfur vents, Iozan MOKMOK Base, parking shared with Lake Mashu, and how long to stay.
Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo and Lake Akan: A Local's Eastern Hokkaido Road TripA two-night road trip around Lake Kussharo, Lake Mashu and Lake Akan to the Kushiro Wetland, from a Sapporo local who drove it: the order that works, what each lake is like, the boat to the marimo, and weather and driving tips.
FAQ about Inakaya Genpei
Q1. What should I order?
The Genkoro potato croquettes, butter-grilled Mashu shiitake and a Mashu Highball.
Q2. When is it open?
18:00 to 22:00; closed on Tuesdays except in August.
Q3. Do I need to arrive early?
Yes; it was almost full within an hour of opening on a weekday.