When I started seeing Lucky Pierrot featured in a few local travel YouTube channels, the image of the loudly colored, mismatched-eyeballed, crazy clown mascot for this equally chaotic Chucky-Cheese-reminiscent restaurant intrigued me. What was it that had caused this phenomenon to sprout up in the northern lands of Japan, a country known for minimalistic zen designs and a culture of never standing out?
After some time journeying in Hokkaido’s blistering winter, it became clear to me the draw of this establishment. When the land turns frosted white and bitter cold, Lucky Pierrot is an oasis of color and warmth, promising both comfort and comfort food to re-energize and restore the winter weary.
On top of its signature Chinese Chicken Burger, among other original items, the menu has anything and everything of Japanese soul food you could want, depending on which of the 17 restaurants you’re at. Ramen? Check. Melon soda? Check. Spaghetti? Check. Soft serve? Gravy Fries? Omurice? Check, check, and check.
Hamburg curry with a coffee jelly soft serve parfait quickly became my go-to combination.
Founded by a ethnic-Chinese Japanese from Kobe, Ichiro Oh, who fell in love with and relocated to southern Hokkaido, Lucky Pierrot is Hakodate’s very own In-N-Out, locally founded, sourcing local fresh ingredients, and for the locals only. Count your blessings if you get some English on the menu or anywhere else in the store.
As a SoCal native who loves her In-N-Out, I get it, and the fact that you can only get Lucky Pierrot in Hakodate makes it all the more special. I ate there every chance I got while I was in this historied city.
When it was time to leave, I raided their gift shop and left with my arms full of clown-endowed merchandise–camping mug, coaster, socks, folders, stickers, sweater–I’d have gotten more if I had room in my luggage for it. I wanted to bring with me what I could of Hakodate’s hearth and heart.
- Excited
- Fascinated
- Amused
- Disgusted
- Sad
- Angry
