Hokkaido's Shops & Other Establishments That Closed in 2023

May 27, 2023: KING XMHU (Chuo-ku, Sapporo)

KING∞XMHU FINAL PARTY のご案内

この度、2023年5月27日をもちまして、KING∞XMHUを閉店することとなりました。
コロナ禍を含め、7年間営業を続ける事ができましたのは、ひとえに皆さまのご愛顧によるものと、心より感謝申し上げます。https://t.co/4FSiDsSJdG pic.twitter.com/oPyNz47399

— KING∞XMHU の魂 (@KINGXMHU) May 19, 2023

KING XMHU was a cornerstone of Sapporo's major disco boom since the bubble era. After first opening in 1991, it closed once in 2008. It then made a fresh start in April 2016 as the "theme park-style dance club KING∞XMHU." Although it attracted over a million visitors in seven years, it closed again in May 2023. Known for its unique exterior, demolition is underway for redevelopment, but there is also a movement by volunteers to preserve the building.

August 31, 2023: Pearl Montdore Minami-6jo Store (Chuo-ku, Sapporo)

pic.twitter.com/tl8zumMdFd

— パールモンドール南6条店 (@info0430) August 31, 2023

The Pearl Montdore Minami-6jo store boasted a history of over half a century since 1975. Its consistently delicious, orthodox Western-style pastries were loved by many. The reasons for its closure were the aging of the building and changes in lifestyle. However, the taste of Pearl Montdore has not disappeared; the same flavors can now be enjoyed at the Pearl Montdore Nijuyonken store.

November 30, 2023: Sapporo Curry Pao (Nishi-ku, Sapporo)

本日11月30日をもちまして、札幌カリーぱおは営業を終了いたしました。

足掛け25年、琴似の地でみなさまに愛されていたこと、支えられていたこと、一生忘れません。

本当にどうもありがとうございました。

よければ時々ピンクの象のカレー屋さんを思い出して懐かしんでくれたら嬉しいです😊 pic.twitter.com/boDzk3VXNx

— 札幌カリー ぱお (@sapporocurrypao) November 30, 2023

In 2023, the Kotoni area of Nishi-ku, Sapporo, saw a series of closures of famous shops. Pao, marked by its pink elephant sign, was a representative establishment of the soup curry boom of the 2000s. Long loved by many curry fans and locals, it regrettably closed in November due to the aging of the building.

December 30, 2023: Minamisawa Kashihou (Ashibetsu City)

Source: Hoshi no Furu Sato Ashibetsu - Ashibetsu Tourism Comprehensive Guide

Founded in the first year of the Taisho era (1912), Minamisawa Kashihou was a representative confectionery shop in Ashibetsu, known for the local specialty "Dorikono Manju" and nostalgic-tasting bread. Unfortunately, due to a combination of factors including rising costs of raw materials and equipment, as well as the owner's health issues, the shop closed on December 30, 2023. Even now, locals who miss the shop still visit the site.

December 30, 2023: Kotoni Yakiniku Tonton-tei (Nishi-ku, Sapporo)

【お知らせ】

12月30日を最後に焼肉食べ放題は閉業になります。
テイクアウトは移転して再開します。 pic.twitter.com/PFAKo3CSbu

— 琴似焼肉とんとん亭@12/30閉店_定食ランチ終了 (@tontei123) December 20, 2023

In the Kotoni area of Nishi-ku, Sapporo, the closure of Tonton-tei, following Pao, was also big news. Its all-you-can-eat menu was popular, and many people surely have fond memories of visiting in their younger days. The all-you-can-eat service ended on December 30, 2023, but takeout sales are scheduled to resume after relocating, and many voices are heard looking forward to this.

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