Nijo Market Sapporo Guide 2026: Best Seafood Tips

If you have been keeping up with the popular culinary drama Your Taste, you might recognize the iconic destination we are exploring today: the historic Nijo Market in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

Address: Minami 2 Johigashi, 1 Chome, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0052, Japan

Hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Phone: +81 11-222-5308

Getting to Nijo Market is incredibly easy. It is just a short, scenic walk from Odori Station.

Along the way, you will catch a great view of the famous Sapporo TV Tower, which is another must-visit landmark for anyone exploring the city.

Explore the Sapporo Half-Day Walking Tour

If you opt for the afternoon tour itinerary, a guided visit to Nijo Market is included!

Nijo Market (二条市場) is nestled right in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido's bustling capital. With over a century of history, it is affectionately known as "Sapporo's Kitchen."

Alongside the Hakodate Morning Market and Kushiro's Washo Market, it is celebrated as one of Hokkaido's top three seafood markets.

The biggest draw here is the sheer variety and freshness of the local seafood. Hokkaido is world-famous for its crab, and you will find massive king crabs, snow crabs, and hairy crabs on display, alongside fresh ikura (salmon roe), uni (sea urchin), plump scallops, and sweet botan shrimp.

The market and its surrounding alleys are packed with cozy seafood restaurants. Trying a fresh bowl of kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) here is a rite of passage for any traveler visiting Hokkaido.

Most restaurants display incredibly detailed plastic food replicas of their signature kaisendon and crab dishes outside. In Japan, the actual food served almost always looks identical to these models, making it very easy to choose your meal even if you do not speak Japanese.

Keep an eye out for blue banners that read 御食事処 (Oshokujidokoro). This translates directly to "eatery" or "restaurant" and lets you know that you can sit down inside for a full meal.

In episode 6 of Your Taste, there was a scene where the characters hand-pick their own fresh crab. Walking through Nijo Market, you will see exactly how that works, with vendor stalls piled high with live and freshly caught crabs of all sizes.

You can also find beautifully packaged dried seafood souvenirs, such as seasoned scallops and dried squid, which make fantastic gifts to take back home.

It is not just about the seafood, though! Nijo Market also features premium local agricultural produce. You will find sweet Hokkaido melons, shine muscat grapes, and strawberries on display. Slices of fresh melon typically range from ~$5 to ~$21 depending on the grade and variety.

One unique local delicacy to look for is the Hanasaki Crab (花咲). This spiny king crab is native to Hokkaido and is named after the Hanasaki Port in Nemuro. When boiled, its shell turns a brilliant, deep red color resembling a blooming flower. Its peak season runs from May to August.

From massive salmon and cod to fresh clams and oysters, the variety of marine life on display here is truly impressive.

If you are looking for an exceptional kaisendon spot, check out Daiichi Kaisenmaru, one of the top-rated eateries right in Nijo Market.

Their wall menu features photos of various seafood bowls, each clearly numbered for effortless ordering. Watching them pile on generous portions of ikura, uni, and thick slices of fresh sashimi is enough to work up an appetite instantly!

Using the glass display cases outside is a great, stress-free way to point out exactly what you want to eat.

Local Insider Tip

Our top tip for visiting Nijo Market is to arrive early in the morning. The most sought-after seafood cuts and popular seasonal items sell out quickly. Arriving early guarantees you get the absolute freshest selection for breakfast!

Whether you are a fan of the drama Your Taste or simply a passionate foodie, Nijo Market offers an authentic slice of daily life in Sapporo alongside Hokkaido's finest culinary treasures. Be sure to add this historic market to your Sapporo itinerary!

Book a Guided Sapporo Half-Day Walking Tour

*Select the afternoon tour option to include a guided visit to Nijo Market.

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