Marukan Building Dai Shokudo
Step into a 60s time capsule at this retro diner, famous for its giant soft serve and hearty Japanese comfort food.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Marukan Building Dai Shokudo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a 60s time capsule at this retro diner, famous for its giant soft serve and hearty Japanese comfort food.
"Loved by locals and famous for their delicious huge ice-cream soft serve. So big need to eat with hashi."
🥢 Eat Soft Serve with Chopsticks
The signature giant soft serve is so big, you might need chopsticks to enjoy it!
💰 Great Value for Money
Expect reasonable prices for generous portions, making it a budget-friendly dining option.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Retro Dining Hall
6th Floor
Immerse yourself in a charming 60s-style diner with vintage decor and a nostalgic ambiance.
Giant Soft Serve Ice Cream
Dessert Menu
Indulge in an enormous, delicious soft serve that's a signature item and a fun challenge to eat.
Curry Udon & Soba Noodles
Main Menu
Savor hearty and flavorful curry udon and soba noodles, praised for their taste and generous portions.
Panoramic City Views
Dining Area
Enjoy your meal with a pleasant view of Hanamaki's streets from the dining hall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Retro Charm
Giant Soft Serve Alert!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥢 Eat Soft Serve with Chopsticks
The signature giant soft serve is so big, you might need chopsticks to enjoy it! +1
💰 Great Value for Money
Expect reasonable prices for generous portions, making it a budget-friendly dining option.
🚗 Parking Discount Available
Good news for drivers: you can get a discount on parking when you dine here.
🚶♀️ Walk from Hanamaki Station
It's about a 15-16 minute walk from the station, or a short 6-minute drive. +2
Tips
from all over the internet
🥢 Eat Soft Serve with Chopsticks
The signature giant soft serve is so big, you might need chopsticks to enjoy it! +1
💰 Great Value for Money
Expect reasonable prices for generous portions, making it a budget-friendly dining option.
🚗 Parking Discount Available
Good news for drivers: you can get a discount on parking when you dine here.
🚶♀️ Walk from Hanamaki Station
It's about a 15-16 minute walk from the station, or a short 6-minute drive. +2
👶 Diaper Changing Facilities
Note that there aren't dedicated diaper changing stations, which might be a concern for families with babies.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique 60s retro atmosphere and the incredibly large, affordable soft serve ice cream. The generous portions of dishes like curry udon and soba noodles are also highly praised, offering great value. Some minor drawbacks include the lack of dedicated diaper changing facilities.
"Wonderful retro style dinning on the 6th floor with great views. Loved by the locals and famous for their delicious huge 🍦 ice-cream soft serve. Soo big need to eat with hashi. When in Hanamaki highly recommend"
Ivon Robson
"My friend and I ordered Curry Udon and Soba Noddles from here and enjoyed them. The price is very reasonable. We had the soft serve ice cream for dessert and really enjoyed it."
Kolton Smith
"I loved this 60's retro Japanese dining hall. The tables , chairs , lighting all had a charm about it..there was a large selection of food to choose from & you also get a discount for the carpark.."
Gerard Moloney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Marukan Building Dai Shokudo is approximately a 15-16 minute walk from Hanamaki Station. If you're driving, it's about a 6-minute journey. +2
Yes, parking is available, and you can receive a discount on parking when you dine at the restaurant.
Walking from Hanamaki Station is a pleasant option if you have time, or a short taxi/car ride will get you there quickly. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required. It's a dining establishment, so you simply enter and order your food.
The restaurant is typically open from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It's best to check for any seasonal changes or special closures.
Yes, it's very popular with locals and visitors, known for its unique atmosphere and signature dishes.
There are no admission fees to enter the dining hall. You pay for the food and drinks you order.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The absolute must-try is the giant soft serve ice cream, often eaten with chopsticks! Curry udon and soba noodles are also highly recommended. +1
The giant soft serve ice cream is incredibly affordable, with prices as low as 180 yen reported.
Yes, reviewers consistently mention that the portion sizes are quite large and satisfying.
It's a retro Japanese dining hall offering a variety of dishes including curry udon, soba noodles, oyako-don, and breaded cutlets.
Absolutely! Many visitors find the prices to be very reasonable, especially considering the portion sizes and the unique dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally permitted, and many visitors capture the retro decor and the impressive soft serve.
The entire dining hall with its 60s aesthetic is a great photo op. Don't forget to capture the massive soft serve ice cream! +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the food is generally well-received by all ages, parents should be aware that diaper changing facilities are not readily available, which might require some planning.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the cost-effectiveness, the unique retro ambiance and pleasant views provide an experience that feels far more valuable than the price tag suggests. It's a place where you can enjoy a satisfying meal and a memorable dessert without overspending, making it an ideal stop for those watching their travel budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Retro Japan
This diner is particularly beloved by locals, who appreciate its enduring charm and familiar comfort food. The 'Showa retro' style is a popular theme in Japan, and Marukan Building Dai Shokudo perfectly embodies this trend. It offers a stark contrast to modern, minimalist establishments, providing a warm and inviting space that feels both familiar and excitingly different.
Beyond the decor, the panoramic views of Hanamaki's streets from the 6th floor add another layer to the experience. It's a place where you can enjoy a meal while soaking in the local scenery, further enhancing the feeling of being immersed in the town's culture.
The Legendary Giant Soft Serve
This iconic dessert is a visual spectacle and a delicious treat, made with a rich, milky flavor that many find irresistible. Its affordability, with prices reported as low as 180 yen, makes it an accessible indulgence for everyone.
Beyond the soft serve, the diner also serves other popular items like curry udon and soba noodles, which are praised for their hearty flavors and generous portions. These savory dishes, combined with the sweet finale of the giant soft serve, create a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Social
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