The forest restaurant with a mysterious address,「mountainman」!
At UNWIND HOTEL & BAR SAPPORO, our curators specialize in providing local insights beyond the typical concierge service, ensuring your journey is as enriching as possible. From must-see sights to hidden local gems, we tailor recommendations to your travel style.
Today, we introduce “mountainman,” a farm-to-table restaurant nestled in the forests of Minami-ku, Sapporo. Located just a 10-minute walk from Makomanai Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line, this unique dining spot reopened on August 10, offering a fresh take on enjoying nature and cuisine.
Rather than a street address, mountainman provides coordinates: 42°59’13.9″N 141°21’38.6″E. Following this guide, you’ll find a staircase leading into the forest just two minutes south of the station. As you ascend, you leave the city behind and enter a lush, serene woodland—an ideal setting for a morning stroll. Along the way, you might even spot wildlife; previous visitors have encountered wild deer in this tranquil escape.Emerging from the forest, a small sign across the road marks the entrance to mountainman. From there, a downhill path leads across a stream, revealing a beautifully designed wooden building. A kitchen housed inside a vintage vehicle and a large BBQ grill on the front deck set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The rustic yet stylish fusion of wood and metal elements seamlessly blends into the surrounding nature.
Emerging from the forest, a small sign across the road marks the entrance to mountainman.
From there, a downhill path leads across a stream, revealing a beautifully designed wooden building. A kitchen housed inside a vintage vehicle and a large BBQ grill on the front deck set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The rustic yet stylish fusion of wood and metal elements seamlessly blends into the surrounding nature.
▲The interior of the single-story log house exudes warmth, with the scent of wood filling the air.
On this sunny morning, we chose a seat on the terrace behind the restaurant, where a fire pit and wood stove added to the cozy, glamping-like ambiance. A large tarp provides shade, ensuring a comfortable experience even on bright days.
While waiting for our meal, we had the chance to explore the on-site vegetable garden.
“Good Cooking Begins with Tilling the Soil”
At mountainman, cooking starts from the ground up—literally. Just behind the terrace, an array of vegetables thrives in the carefully cultivated garden. Grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, these seasonal ingredients play a central role in the restaurant’s dishes. Excess harvests are preserved for winter use, ensuring the flavors of summer linger through the colder months.
Owner and creative director Kenichi Mearashi shared his philosophy:
“In the mountains, meals are one of the greatest pleasures. Unlike the city, there are fewer entertainment options, making food and conversation all the more enjoyable. Fresh greens in winter may be rare, but preserved foods carry the memories of summer, sparking lively conversations at the table.”
This deep-rooted appreciation for seasonal ingredients and traditional preservation methods defines mountainman’s ever-changing menu, inviting guests to return time and again.
Our much-anticipated breakfast arrived: the Bacon & Egg Plate with Homemade Bacon and Ebetsu Ota Farm Eggs.
With its cinematic presentation and enticing aroma, the dish was a feast for the senses. Charcoal-grilled fresh vegetables burst with natural sweetness, while the salad greens, untouched by pesticides, showcased the authentic taste of nature. The smoky, sizzling bacon and perfectly cooked farm-fresh eggs made for an irresistible pairing.
Accompanying the meal was a thick, freshly baked homemade bread, best enjoyed with smooth, creamy fermented butter—a simple yet indulgent pleasure.
▲Alps Winery’s Special Grape Juice (Left) / Homemade Lemon Squash (Right)
For those seeking ultimate relaxation, mountainman also offers an optional tent sauna experience. Guests can unwind to the soothing sound of the flowing river, fully immersing themselves in the tranquility of the forest.
A Morning of Nature and Nourishment
Walking through the woods, savoring local ingredients, and reconnecting with nature—it was a morning of pure indulgence, filling both body and soul with energy. As autumn approaches, the forest will soon be painted in vibrant hues, signaling the season of harvest.
Why not escape the city and experience an extraordinary adventure at mountainman?
mountainman
Location: Private (coordinates provided)
Phone: 011-581-1100
Opening Hours:
Dinner: 19:00-21:30 (Fri, Sat) Reservations required at least 3 days in advance
Breakfast & Lunch: 8:30-16:00 (Sat, Sun, Holidays) / 11:00-16:00 (Weekdays)
Here is a video where you can fully experience the world of mountainman.
Think of mountainman
Experience the extraordinary feeling of a lodge and the comfort of home at our hotel. UNWIND HOTEL & BAR Sapporo is a sophisticated lifestyle hotel with a simple yet chic atmosphere.
<Facility Overview>
Facility Name: UNWIND HOTEL & BAR SAPPORO
Location: 289-111 Minami 8-jo Nishi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Access: 4-minute walk from “Nakajima Koen” Station on the Namboku Line