The city of Shibetsu in Northern Hokkaido is famous for Suffolk sheep, a black-faced breed of sheep raised primarily for meat. This city is the home of Shizuo Farm, a 267-hectare farm that raises Suffolk sheep by letting them graze freely in vast pastures. The sheep are raised and fed in a way that reduces their meat’s peculiar odor while keeping the rich flavor. The farm’s high quality meat is exported all over Japan and has received wide acclaim, with many top chefs serving it at their own hotels and restaurants.
Besides sheep farming and meat processing, Shizuo Farm also operates a restaurant called Suffolk Dining SHIZUO, where guests can enjoy a variety of lamb and mutton dishes using the farm’s own meat. You can try it as a grilled steak or Hamburg steak, seasoned lightly to let you enjoy its natural flavor. You can also enjoy it sliced and grilled with vegetables, a popular Hokkaido dish known as Genghis Khan (“Jingisukan” in Japanese). While the price is on the high side, it is well worth it as Suffolk Dining SHIZUO is one of the few places in Hokkaido where you can enjoy premium quality lamb and mutton meat.
Suffolk Dining SHIZUO
Address: Higashi 4-jo 21-473-103, Shibetsu City
Website: https://www.shizuo-farm.com/restaurant (Website available only in Japanese)
Phone: +81-165-22-4545 (Japanese language only)
※For reservations in English, please send an e-mail to info-shizuofarm@shizuo.co.jp.
Season: All year (closed on Wednesday)
Hours: Lunch 11:30-14:30, Cafe time 14:30-16:30, Dinner 16:30-20:00 (advance reservation required for dinner)
Cost: Around 4,000 yen per person
Information about transport passes:
JR Hokkaido Rail Pass
https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/english/ticket/railpass/index.html
Travelling within Hokkaido
https://japanbyjapan.com/blog/travelling-within-hokkaido
*Information is correct as of January 2019.
