On May 21, 2022, there is a dried squid shop on the street in Otaru, where you can eat freshly grilled and dried squid! It makes you want to drink beer without realizing it (laughs) ✄----------------------------‐✄ ☑︎ Squid Taro / 500 ☑︎ Fresh squid tempura / 500 ✄----------------------------‐✄ On this day, I went on a food tour in Otaru with my friends!! We started from Minami-Otaru and walked to Otaru Station. After eating Andelis' pudding daifuku, our hunger was satisfied, and we were ready to eat more! However, things didn't go as planned (°-°) I have passed by a few times before, but it was my first time coming to Squid Taro!! It was incredibly delicious when I tasted it!! I realized how different it is when it's freshly made (´˘`＊) I ended up buying a bag without thinking. When I got home, I ate it while being targeted by my cat, but it was so delicious ♡ I also tried the fresh squid tempura, which was said to be available, so I decided to eat it there!! I bought beer from a zangi shop a little further ahead and had a drink in the daytime ♡ Oh, it's the best (◍´꒳`◍) Beer with fresh squid tempura and zangi!! I'm completely satisfied. Thank you for the meal ♡

In June 2022, I visited a shop in the Sakaimachi shopping street in Otaru, a popular tourist destination in Hokkaido, Japan. I bought salted salmon and salted squid made in a corner of the shop. The salted salmon was not too salty and very delicious! However, the salted squid was quite tough and had thin flesh, making it a bit difficult to eat.

On a sunny Sunday, I strolled around Otaru. Following the spirit of a food review enthusiast, I snuck into a shop and tried some fresh squid while admiring the interior. I also found the "salmon flakes made with only salt," which is occasionally a topic of conversation, and bought it on the spot. I also picked up their signature product. One evening, I decided to try them out during my drinking session. The salmon flakes were simple and the subtle saltiness was nice. I found the skin a bit tough to chew, but the right amount of crunchiness made it enjoyable. The squid was soft and moist. The natural richness of the squid and the calm seasoning kept me from getting tired of it, making it quite delicious. Now, let's go back to the parking lot of a certain shop where I had tempura.

2021.10.22 (Fri) Revisited "Ikataro Honpo" in Otaru as part of my autumn trip in Hokkaido 2021, Day 2. The smell of freshly baked dried squid spreading from the storefront is delightful! It's recommended to enjoy the freshly baked dried squid that you can't find elsewhere.

On July 13, 2020 (Mon), revisiting【Summer Hokkaido Trip Day 3 Part 3】We moved from Sapporo to Otaru and headed to Sakaimachi Street, just off the main street (Doro Line) along the canal. This street is the most famous in Otaru, usually bustling with many tourists, but due to the corona pandemic, it was quiet and empty. The first place we headed to was "Ikataro Honpo," requested by my friend. They loved the dried squid they bought by chance last time, so we decided to repeat it. ●Ikataro (Handmade Dried Squid) Although there are no stores in Otaru city, they were actively offering tasting services throughout Hokkaido, but due to the new coronavirus, they were all gone. The moist and easy-to-eat dried squid is perfect as a snack with alcohol. Thank you for the meal.

Strolling around Otaru. After leaving Rokkatei, I noticed an intriguing sign diagonally across the street. Curious, I approached and saw a crowd of people gathered. They were offering samples of dried squid at the storefront. I received a piece and tried it, and it was delicious! Inside the store, there were various types of dried seafood displayed, with dried scallops catching my eye in particular. They were cheaper than buying them in Tokyo. There was also a sample of dried salmon, which was incredibly tasty. I was considering buying the dried salmon, but then I noticed a sign saying they sold freshly pressed squid by the cup. I decided to purchase that instead. It was incredibly delicious! Slightly warm, soft, with a rich squid flavor. I was eating as I walked and finished it quickly because it was so good. I even thought about going back to buy more. While the packed dried squid is tasty, I highly recommend trying the freshly pressed squid for an even better experience!

On the 3rd day of my winter trip to Hokkaido, while walking around Otaru, I came across a shop called "Ikataro Honpo" that caught my attention. It seemed like a typical souvenir shop in a tourist area, but being a store selling squid in Hokkaido, I had higher expectations. I was lured in and ended up visiting the shop. I tried their signature product, the small size Ikataro, which was delicious, so I bought it as a souvenir. It was softer and easier to eat compared to regular dried squid. It goes perfectly with beer. Thank you for the delicious meal.

At the storefront, they offer freshly prepared Sakiika by cutting the squid on the spot. I was lured in by the delicious smell and decided to enter. They even let me try a sample, which increased my desire to purchase. The freshly made squid was soft and delicious!

The grilled fresh squid sold at the storefront is a must-try exquisite item. Highly recommended.

After leaving Rokkatei Otaru Canal Store, I noticed a crowded shop diagonally ahead and decided to stop by. It turned out to be "Ikataro Honpo," a shop specializing in dried squid. I tried a sample offered by the staff and found it quite delicious, so I ended up going inside. On the right side, there was a demonstration area where warm squid was being put into cups for sale. While this option seemed more Instagram-worthy, it was a bit pricey for the amount you get, so I opted for a pack of "Ikataro Basic Flavor Small Size (45g)" (500 yen) to take home. Despite its small appearance, the pack had a satisfying amount of squid inside, and it paired well with beer. In addition to the basic flavor, they also had wasabi, squid roe, and red pepper flavors available. Considering the high price of squid due to poor catches, I understand why the products are priced on the higher side. Although I briefly thought about looking for similar items elsewhere, the shop's insistence on being a unique Otaru specialty convinced me to make a purchase. It's a great choice for fans of dried squid and a nice change from the usual sweet souvenirs. I'm grateful for stumbling upon this delicious find by chance.

300 yen for a cup of dried squid unexpectedly caught my eye as I was passing by. I had no intention of buying it at all, but as I was browsing the store, I suddenly felt like I wanted something. It was shredded dried squid made by cutting up whole dried squid on the spot with a shredding machine in the store. I got a piece that was just cut, and it seemed slightly warm. Maybe it was just my imagination, but it was soft and moist with a good texture, as it was freshly made. It had quite a good volume for 300 yen. For the same price, you would only get half the amount at a convenience store. In terms of price and volume, it's a great size for eating on the go. Walking around Otaru with this snack in hand would surely keep you entertained. My hands smell like squid now! The staff's playful remark "Do you like squid?" was probably just a joke. If so, it was a clever way to engage with customers. September 2017, Snack Visit ( ﾟДﾟ) ｳﾏｰ!!( ﾟДﾟ) ｳﾏ

Ikataro grills fresh squid right in front of you, and the texture is soft and delicious. It's a great choice for a snack while exploring Otaru. The store also offers a variety of delicacies like squid for tasting, making it a recommended spot for buying souvenirs.

Saki-ika is made right in front of you, demonstrated on the roadside. It's done automatically by a machine, but it smells really good. It's not like the smell of grilled squid at a night market. I can't resist it anymore. You can buy a cup of saki-ika named "Ika-taro" for 300 yen. The squid is still warm, the aroma is still fresh, and it smells really delicious. Of course, the taste and texture are excellent.

The second souvenir from the eldest daughter's couple is from "Ika Tarou Honpo"! This company, founded in 2006, is a young company, but their signature product "Ika Tarou" was so delicious that they chose it for this souvenir. Fresh squid caught in the waters near Hokkaido is carefully marinated in a special sauce, dried, and grilled over high heat to create a crispy texture. The "Ika Tarou" is very tender and flavorful, once you start eating it, you can't stop. We quickly finished it with my second daughter. I forgot to save some for my partner, who has weak teeth, but oh well! The "wasabi" flavor is a bit drier than "Ika Tarou" and has a nice wasabi kick that lingers. The "ebi ten" is a unique snack made from whole dried shrimp fried to a crisp, perfect for getting some calcium. It's not too heavily seasoned, so you can enjoy it without getting thirsty. In addition to these three items, they also offer "noshi ika," "thinly sliced surume," and "Ika Tarou with squid ink flavor," among other tempting products. I'm already planning to order more for the next visit, as there are still many delicious options to try! (928 reviews)

A shop located about 600 meters north of JR Minami-Otaru Station, facing Sakaimachi Street, across from the third building of "Kitaichi Glass". This shop opened in 2006 after relocating from Otaru Sankaku Market. It has a wide storefront resembling an outdoor market stall. The lady at the front of the shop is energetically offering samples. One of their specialties is "Ika Tarou", sliced grilled squid. Surprisingly delicious with a soft texture, fragrant aroma, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory seasoning. Very popular among Chinese tourists, highly recommended as a souvenir from Otaru.