When visiting Hokkaido’s romantic port city of Otaru, strolling along the canal and eating fresh sushi are top priorities—but local foodies know the true soul food is deep-fried half-chicken.

Founded in 1952 during the Showa era, Wakadori Jidai Naruto Honten (若鶏時代 なると 本店) is the 70-year-old flagship birthplace of this iconic dish. While the brand has expanded across Japan, only this original flagship store in Otaru offers the authentic Showa-style atmosphere and hot, juicy flavor.

In this guide, Car4Tour Hokkaido uncovers the legendary menu and shows you how a hokkaido private charter lets you bypass long dining queues gracefully!

70 Years of Soul Food: A Must-Eat Otaru Classic

Stepping into Naruto Honten in Otaru’s Inaho district, you are greeted by a spacious machiya-style layout bursting with nostalgic warmth. More than just a tourist hot spot, this historic eatery has been a beloved dining hall for generations of local families celebrating everyday milestones.

Crispy, Juiciness: The Secret of the Fried Half-Chicken

The undisputed star dish is the Fried Half-Chicken (若鶏半身揚げ). Premium young chickens are lightly seasoned with pure salt and pepper, then deep-fried at high temperatures until golden brown.

Served steaming hot, the skin is impossibly crispy without feeling oily, while the meat beneath remains tender and locked with rich juices. The simple seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the chicken, making it surprisingly easy for one person to devour an entire half-chicken in one sitting!

Diverse Menu: Combining Fried Chicken, Sushi & Ramen

While famous for chicken, Naruto Honten offers an amazingly broad menu. Diners can order farm-to-table sashimi, nigiri sushi, seafood bowls, Japanese ramen, and hearty set meals.

Their signature Fried Half-Chicken & Sushi Combo Set is a store exclusive, making it the perfect dining spot for travel groups or families with mixed cravings for hot savory meals and fresh seafood.

Why Choose a Private Charter for Your Otaru Food Tour?

Naruto Honten is immensely popular, often drawing long wait times during peak lunch and dinner hours. While parking is available, spots are limited and surrounding streets are narrow. Booking a private car charter from Sapporo transforms your gourmet trip into a smooth, effortless experience.

Flexible Scheduling to Bypass Peak Crowds

A private charter gives you full control over your day. Your professional driver can adjust your sequence between the Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street, and the Tenguyama Ropeway based on real-time restaurant wait times.

If line wait times are too long, your driver can help order takeout, allowing you to enjoy piping-hot, crispy fried chicken in the spacious back seat of your private vehicle while saving precious sightseeing time.

Skip Icy Walks & Heavy Luggage

Otaru winters bring heavy snowfall and slick, icy streets. Walking 7 to 10 minutes from JR Otaru Station with shopping bags, elderly family members, or children can be exhausting and dangerous.

Our private door-to-door charter picks you up right at your hotel entrance and drops you off directly at the restaurant door, keeping your family warm and safe regardless of freezing weather.