Savor the Freshest Seafood in Hokkaido: A Guide to the Best Kaisendon & Sushi
No trip to Hokkaido is complete without indulging in its world-famous fresh seafood. At 47trip, we've handpicked the best markets and popular spots across the island where you can enjoy exquisite kaisendon (seafood rice bowls) with glistening toppings and authentic, masterfully prepared sushi. From easily accessible markets in Sapporo to vibrant spots beloved by locals, get ready for the ultimate culinary experience that only Hokkaido can offer.
Nijo Market (Sapporo City)
With a history spanning over 125 years, Nijo Market is a cherished institution known as "the Kitchen of Sapporo." Thanks to its prime location in the city center, it attracts not only locals but also countless tourists seeking a vibrant atmosphere and culinary delights. The secret to their phenomenal kaisendon lies in the ingredients: each bowl is a masterpiece loaded with premium, seasonal treasures like sweet crab, plump scallops, and rich sea urchin, all expertly chosen by the shopkeepers. This is Hokkaido's flavor at its absolute freshest.
Recommended Hotel
Fairfield by Marriott Sapporo
If you want to fully enjoy sightseeing at Nijo Market, we recommend the Fairfield by Marriott Sapporo. The hotel is just a 3-minute walk from the market, making it an excellent location for going to Nijo Market for breakfast. The rooms are simple yet functional, and all rooms are equipped with universal (electrical) outlet and free high-speed Wi-Fi. During your stay, you will be able to experience the attention to detail that only an international hotel brand can provide.
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Other recommended hotels
T Mark City Hotel Sapporo Odori
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Vessel Hotel Campana Susukino
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Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Outer Market (Sapporo City)
The Sapporo Central Wholesale Market is where professional chefs source their ingredients. While the main wholesale area isn't open to the public for shopping, visitors are welcome to watch the lively auctions. Right next door, you'll find the Jogai Ichiba (Outer Market), a bustling hub with over 60 shops. This is where you can enjoy incredibly fresh seafood at fantastic prices. The generously portioned kaisendon topped with crab, shrimp, and ikura (salmon roe) is especially popular. You can also find Hokkaido's famous sweet melons and corn, making it a spot packed with all the delicious flavors of the region.
Recommended Hotel
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo, which is directly connected to JR Sapporo Station, is a very convenient base for sightseeing in the market. It is located in front of the station, so bus and taxi stands are also nearby. You can easily get there for breakfast at the market or to see the early morning auctions. After sightseeing, refresh yourself in the hotel's natural hot spring spa. You can slowly soothe your travel fatigue while enjoying a panoramic view of Sapporo's cityscape.
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Other recommended hotels
ONSEN RYOKAN Yuen Sapporo
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Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo
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Otaru Sankaku Market (Otaru City)
Conveniently located right next to JR Otaru Station, Sankaku Market is a vibrant spot frequented by both locals and tourists. The 200-meter-long alley is lined with shops selling fresh seafood, including famous local crab and scallops, and it's a delight just to walk through and soak up the lively atmosphere. The eateries inside offer delicious and remarkably affordable kaisendon. Best of all, you can create your own original seafood bowl by having the fresh ingredients you've purchased cooked on the spot. With many shops offering foreign language menus and warm, welcoming service, it’s a perfect, stress-free destination for international visitors.
Recommended Hotel
Hotel Nord Otaru
After enjoying the local atmosphere at the lively Sankaku Market, we recommend an elegant stay at Hotel Nord Otaru, located right in front of the Otaru Canal. This popular hotel is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the market, with its classic, retro atmosphere reminiscent of Europe. From the guest room windows, you can enjoy a tasteful view of the romantic streets of Otaru and the Otaru Canal.
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Other recommended hotels
Natural Hot Spring Tonoyu Dormy Inn Premium Otaru
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Authent Hotel Otaru
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Otaru Sushiya-dori(Otaru City)
Known as the "City of Sushi," Otaru is home to the famous "Sushiya-dori" (Sushi Restaurant Street), a historic lane where masterful chefs have gathered for generations. The street is lined with around 15 sushi restaurants, offering a range of experiences from high-end establishments to more casual eateries, allowing you to find the perfect spot to match your budget and mood. Regardless of your choice, you are guaranteed authentic sushi crafted by expert hands. For a truly exceptional taste, be sure to try Otaru's seasonal specialties like uni (sea urchin) and shako (mantis shrimp). The charming townscape, with retro gaslights casting a warm glow on the restaurants' traditional noren curtains, is a pleasure to stroll through in itself.
Recommended Hotel
Grids Premium Hotel Otaru
If you want to enjoy Sushi Street from anywhere, we recommend the Grids Premium Hotel Otaru, which is within walking distance. There are various room types to choose from, so you can choose the one that suits your travel style. After enjoying your sushi, head to the large observation bath on the top floor. From the open-air bath, you can see the retro townscape and Ishikari Bay, providing a special feeling of openness. Relax and soothe your travel fatigue while taking in Breathtaking view.
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Other recommended hotels
Hotel Sonia Otaru
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Hotel Torifito Otaru Canal
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Hakodate Morning Market (Hakodate City)
Located right next to JR Hakodate Station, the Hakodate Morning Market (Hakodate Asaichi) is a landmark tourist destination that embodies the spirit of this vibrant port city. This enormous market, with around 250 shops crammed together, is constantly buzzing with energy. Head to the "Donburi Yokocho" alley to savor incredibly fresh kaisendon (seafood rice bowls) topped with the day's catch, like sea urchin (uni), salmon roe (ikura), and scallops. For a truly special memory, don't miss the famous "Live Squid Fishing" pool, where you can catch your own squid and have it prepared as sashimi right on the spot. It's a place where Hakodate's rich food culture is concentrated, offering a chance to experience the full charm of Hokkaido.
Recommended Hotel
JR Inn Hakodate
If you want to make the most of the Hakodate Morning Market, JR Inn Hakodate is in the best location. Directly connected to JR Hakodate Station, this hotel boasts the highest level of convenience for those coming to Hakodate by Shinkansen or train. Opened in 2020, it is new and boasts functional guest rooms and a large public bath on the top floor. You can go to the market early in the morning and return to your room immediately to put away the souvenirs you bought, so you can enjoy fresh seafood bowls and squid fishing to your heart's content without worrying about travel time.
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Other recommended hotels
Century Marina Hakodate
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La Vista Hakodate Bay
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Kushiro's Washo Market serves (Kushiro City)
As one of Hokkaido's Three Great Markets, Kushiro's Washo Market serves as the vibrant "Kitchen of Kushiro," bustling with local energy. Its signature experience is the "Katte Don," a unique build-your-own seafood bowl. Here’s how it works: first, grab a bowl of rice from a designated shop. Then, wander through the market’s fish stalls, choosing your favorite toppings to pile on top. The fresh neta (toppings)—like ikura, uni, salmon, and scallops—are displayed like jewels and can be purchased by the single piece. Whether you cover your rice in just your favorites or create a luxurious bowl with only seasonal fish, the final creation is completely up to you.
Recommended Hotel
Natural Hot Springs, Nusamai-no-Yu Dormy Inn Premium Kushiro
If you want to try the "Kattedon" at Washo Market, we recommend the Dormy Inn Premium Kushiro, located about a 10-minute walk from the market. After enjoying the lively market, you can relax in the natural hot springs on the top floor of the hotel. The open-air bath offers a panoramic view of Kushiro's beautiful cityscape and Kushiro Port, which will soothe both body and mind. In addition to the Washo Market's specialty "Kattedon," the hotel's breakfast is also appealing. At the breakfast buffet, the seafood bowl corner, where you can eat as much fresh seafood as you like, such as salmon roe and scallops, is very popular.
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Other recommended hotels
ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kushiro
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Kushiro Prince Hotel
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Summary
In this guide, we've introduced our recommended markets and spots where you can savor fresh kaisendon and sushi in Hokkaido. Beyond just Sapporo and Otaru, all of these popular locations allow you to fully experience the rich bounty of Hokkaido's seas. The vibrant atmosphere of the markets, bustling with locals, is sure to become a wonderful memory of your trip. On your next journey to Hokkaido, we hope you'll visit these spots and indulge in the exquisite local seafood.
