📝 1. Overview
Located just steps from JR Hakodate Station, the Hakodate Morning Market is a must-visit for early risers and food lovers. Bursting with the scent of fresh seafood and the lively sounds of friendly vendors, the market features over 250 stalls offering everything from live crabs and squid to juicy melons and regional specialties. Whether you’re digging into a freshly made seafood bowl (kaisendon) or watching squid swim in tanks, the market delivers a delicious and authentic Hokkaido experience from sunrise onward.
🌟 2. Highlights
🦑 Live Squid Fishing Tank – Catch your own squid & eat it on the spot
🍚 Seafood Rice Bowls (Kaisendon) – Top your bowl with uni, ikura, crab & more
🦀 Fresh King Crab & Snow Crab – Sold by weight, some grilled on-site
🍈 Yubari Melon & Seasonal Fruits – Sweet local specialties
🛍️ Souvenir Stalls – Dried seafood, condiments, pickles, and snacks
🎣 Donburi Yokocho Alley – Row of mini restaurants serving breakfast from 6 AM
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Live squid tank in action
- Your colorful seafood bowl (kaisendon = Insta gold)
- Crab stands with giant displays out front
🕰️ Best time to visit:
- 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM for the freshest picks and local vibe
- Avoid after 10 AM – some items sell out early
- Winter mornings = fewer crowds + hot seafood soup stalls
💸 Bring yen in cash—some stalls are cash only
🎁 Vacuum-packed seafood options available for souvenirs
📦 Shipping service available (domestic only) at some stores
🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 in the Market
- Ebisuya Shokudo
🍚 Kaisendon with customizable toppings
📍Inside Donburi Yokocho Alley
🕒 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🚶 2 min walk from JR Hakodate Station - Uni Murakami Hakodate
🟠 Famous for ultra-fresh sea urchin bowls
📍22-1 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate
🕒 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
🚶 3 min walk from market - Kikuyo Shokudo
🦀 Classic Hokkaido seafood with long-time local fans
📍9-15 Wakamatsu-cho
🕒 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🚶 Across from the market
🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – What to Explore Within the Market
🐟 Seafood Hall Zone
- Crab towers – Live king crabs & grilling stations
- Live squid tank – Experience + sashimi in minutes
- Uni & Ikura shops – Pick your favorite topping
🍈 Fruit & Gift Zone
- Yubari Melon Stand – Summer’s juiciest bite
- Local sweets & dried seafood vendors – Great for souvenirs
- Food samples available at many stalls
🍱 Donburi Yokocho Alley
- Over 20 shops specializing in rice bowls
- Try different combo toppings at different stores
- Some shops offer miso soup sets & tea
🚗 5. Access
📍 From JR Hakodate Station
🚶 1–2 minute walk (just outside west exit)
📍 From Motomachi or Bay Area
🚶 15–20 min walk / ~7 min taxi
🚌 Tram to Hakodate Station
📍 From Hakodate Airport
🚗 ~20 minutes by car or taxi
📍 Local Travel
🚶 Easily walkable area around the station
🧭 Great first stop before heading to Motomachi or Ropeway
🅿️ Paid parking available nearby (early morning = open spots)