Nijo Market

Hokkaido is known for producing some of Japan’s finest seafood and there’s no better place to try it than this famous Nijo “Ichiba” (market). The huge market is a popular place for locals and tourists alike to shop for fresh and prepared fish. Even if you don’t usually eat seafood, it’s worth taking a stroll through this market just to enjoy the busy atmosphere.

The market is home to more than 50 stands, which are found both indoors and outdoors, across an area the size of a city block. The traditional market was established in the early 1900s and many of its shops have been in existence for more than a century as well. The vendors sell everything from crabs and sea urchins, to scallops and shellfish.

Stroll down the north and east streets, where stalls are decorated with nets and lights, adding to the market’s maritime charm. Venture into the market’s narrow alleyways and admire the care with which the vendors have arranged their seafood on glistening piles of ice.

There are some restaurants sandwiched between the stalls, so sit down for a Japanese meal of fresh seafood. One of the sections with restaurants is called Noren Yokocho and the best time to visit this district is in the morning, when you can enjoy a breakfast of donburi. This well-known and tasty dish consists of fresh seafood, such as crab, squid and salmon, served on a bowl of rice.

Try your luck at good-natured haggling. In contrast to most shopping venues in Japan, bargaining is considered acceptable here. Although few vendors speak English, many merchants have pictures of their products to assist in overcoming the language barrier. Many of the merchants can even ship boxes of frozen seafood to your home country upon your return.

Nijo Market is open daily, but shops have individual opening and closing hours and days. The market is just a short walk away from Odori Station. There is a toll parking lot available on-site if you come by car.