Ryougoku is a popular restaurant in downtown Kutchan that serves the famous chankonabe, the sumo wrestler's hot pot. Satoshi Okawa, a former sumo wrestler, is now proud owner and chef with more than 35 years restaurant experience. As you enter Ryogoku you will see it’s not just about indulging in sumo food, but also immersing yourself into sumo culture and tradition. The restaurant is an exhibition of Okawa-san’s professional past. Decorations include pictures, tournament schedules and the Yokozuna belt of former sumo champion Kitanoumi. You can chose from four chankonabe sets with salt, kimchi and miso broth with up to 22 different types of meat and vegetables. Ryougoku is open everyday except Sunday from 17:30 ~ 23:00. and prices per person range from 1,500 to 2,000 yen. I highly recommend Ryougoku to anyone visiting Kutchan.
- 1 min read
Ryougoku Kutchan
Kutchan's Finest Chankonabe Restaurant
![Chris Barnes Chris Barnes](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/947/240x240!/565e87e267ba810c868b6be8.jpg)
By Chris Barnes
Community writer
![Okawa-san’s wife Saiko assists in tossing crab legs, prawns, chicken, tofu, shiitake mushrooms, scallops and green vegetables into the boiling soup](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/6386-43791/1000/hokkaido-ryogoku-kutchan-43791.jpg)
Okawa-san’s wife Saiko assists in tossing crab legs, prawns, chicken, tofu, shiitake mushrooms, scallops and green vegetables into the boiling soup
![In true Japanese style, the tables are prepared and immucately set out before you arrive](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/6386-43790/1000/hokkaido-ryogoku-kutchan-43790.jpg)
In true Japanese style, the tables are prepared and immucately set out before you arrive
![The interior of Ryougoku is simple and beautiful with Sake bottles and traditional Japanese decorations throughout](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/6386-43787/1000/hokkaido-ryogoku-kutchan-43787.jpg)
The interior of Ryougoku is simple and beautiful with Sake bottles and traditional Japanese decorations throughout
![The counter is decorated with various Sake bottles in true Japanese style](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/6386-43788/1000/hokkaido-ryogoku-kutchan-43788.jpg)
The counter is decorated with various Sake bottles in true Japanese style
![The Chankonabe hotpot is the signature dish of Ryougoku, and one of the best hot pots I've experienced in Japan](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/6386-43786/1000/hokkaido-ryogoku-kutchan-43786.jpg)
The Chankonabe hotpot is the signature dish of Ryougoku, and one of the best hot pots I've experienced in Japan
![Ryougoku's decor is immaculate and traditional. Aside from the delicious food, it is one of the more inviting restaurants in the region.](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/6386-43789/1000/hokkaido-ryogoku-kutchan-43789.jpg)
Ryougoku's decor is immaculate and traditional. Aside from the delicious food, it is one of the more inviting restaurants in the region.
![Customers will be impressed by the immaculate presentation of all dishes at Ryougoku, including this squid and seaweed appertizer](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/6386-43792/1000/hokkaido-ryogoku-kutchan-43792.jpg)
Customers will be impressed by the immaculate presentation of all dishes at Ryougoku, including this squid and seaweed appertizer
![Ryougoku is one of the newer buildings in town hence the modern facade](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/6386-43847/1000/hokkaido-ryogoku-kutchan-43847.jpg)
Ryougoku is one of the newer buildings in town hence the modern facade
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I highly recommend Ryougoku for anyone looking for something special on their upcoming trip to Niseko. It's a great place for groups!
Olga
9 years ago
Looks very delicious!
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