Otaru Sankaku Market
A bustling, triangular marketplace near Otaru Station, famous for its incredibly fresh seafood, vibrant kaisendon, and impressive crab displays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresher picks
Otaru Sankaku Market
Best Time
Fewer crowds, fresher picks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling, triangular marketplace near Otaru Station, famous for its incredibly fresh seafood, vibrant kaisendon, and impressive crab displays.
"Sankaku Market is amazing for seafood lovers! Everything is super fresh, and the seafood bowls are loaded with flavor."
Bring Cash! :moneybag:
Many stalls are cash-only, so come prepared. Pay Pay is also accepted by some.
Bargaining Etiquette :shopping_bags:
While prices can vary, heavy bargaining might be frowned upon. Check for handwritten prices on Sundays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kaisendon Feast
Various restaurants within the market
A vibrant seafood bowl piled high with the freshest catch of the day. A true taste of Hokkaido!
Giant King Crabs
Seafood stalls
Marvel at the impressive size and sheer abundance of these majestic crustaceans. A photo-op and a potential meal!
Live Seafood Tanks
Seafood stalls
See octopuses, crabs, and various fish swimming in tanks, ready to be cooked fresh for you.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash is King (Mostly)
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash! :moneybag:
Many stalls are cash-only, so come prepared. Pay Pay is also accepted by some.
Bargaining Etiquette :shopping_bags:
While prices can vary, heavy bargaining might be frowned upon. Check for handwritten prices on Sundays.
Stay Hydrated :droplet:
It can get warm inside the market, especially during peak hours. Bring a fan or water bottle.
Explore All Stalls :mag:
Don't settle for the first vendor; prices and offerings can differ. Take your time to browse.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash! :moneybag:
Many stalls are cash-only, so come prepared. Pay Pay is also accepted by some.
Bargaining Etiquette :shopping_bags:
While prices can vary, heavy bargaining might be frowned upon. Check for handwritten prices on Sundays.
Stay Hydrated :droplet:
It can get warm inside the market, especially during peak hours. Bring a fan or water bottle.
Explore All Stalls :mag:
Don't settle for the first vendor; prices and offerings can differ. Take your time to browse.
Try the Uni :sea_urchin:
Many visitors rave about the sweet and fresh uni (sea urchin) available here.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Otaru Sankaku Market is a vibrant, albeit touristy, seafood hub praised for its incredibly fresh catches and delicious kaisendon. Visitors appreciate the lively atmosphere and the unique experience of seeing live seafood, though some note that prices have increased and can be inconsistent. It's a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts in the area.
"I loved walking around this small market before taking my train back to Sapporo. Very touristy and crowded but cool seeing all the goods being sold in the different stalls, especially the giant crabs. Even if you’re not planning to buy any seafood or other items, I’d say it’s well worth the quick 5 minute stroll just to check it out. Highly recommend if you’re in the area!"
Ben Scarboro
"The place is not as big as Tsukiji market in Tokyo or Nishiki market in Kyoto, but I am satisfied with their fresh seafood. Their salmon and uni were sweet 😋
I ordered the hairy crab 🦀 and it was so meaty and delicious. Pricey though but was worth the experience.
Oh just a reminder!! Be ready with your cash as they only accept cash and Pay Pay. Bring your mini fan also, although they provided us with mini fan while waiting. Weather was like 34 degrees when we visited."
Arlene Leyco
"Very narrow alley selling lots of seafood. Targeted at tourists. They sell huge crabs and other seafood, including dried seafood products.
The alley is on a slope. There are also a few eating places, selling kaisendon.
There is paid parking nearby at the top of the alley.
Recommended if you are in the area, for the atmosphere and vibes!"
Ron Yang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is by train. Take the JR Hakodate Line from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station. Sankaku Market is just a minute's walk from the station. 
Yes, there is paid parking available nearby, typically at the top of the market alley.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from the Otaru Canal area to Sankaku Market, taking about 10-15 minutes.
Many visitors combine a visit to Sankaku Market with exploring the Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street, and the Music Box Museum for a full day.
Absolutely! It's conveniently located right next to Otaru Station, making it very accessible by train.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the market itself is free. You only pay for the food and goods you purchase from the vendors.
The market generally opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. Specific stall hours can vary, but most are open from around 8 AM to 5 PM.
There is no admission fee to enter Otaru Sankaku Market. It's a public marketplace.
While not a primary focus, the market can be lively during local Hokkaido festivals. It's best to check local event listings closer to your travel dates.
Yes, you can visit on a Sunday, but be aware that it can be very crowded. You might see handwritten prices on Sundays.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Kaisendon (seafood bowls), fresh grilled seafood like scallops and crab, uni (sea urchin), and Hokkaido melons are highly recommended. +1
Prices can vary depending on the ingredients and restaurant, but expect to pay anywhere from ¥2,000 to ¥5,000 or more for a generous Kaisendon.
Yes, many visitors buy live crabs or other seafood from the stalls and have it cooked at one of the market's restaurants.
The market is primarily focused on seafood. Vegetarian options are limited, though you might find some fruit or side dishes.
Male crabs are generally more expensive per kilogram than female crabs at Sankaku Market.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant colors of the seafood bowls, the impressive displays of giant crabs, and the bustling atmosphere of the market stalls.
Generally, it's acceptable to take photos of the market and the food. However, it's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-ups of vendors.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the freshness of the seafood. However, the lively atmosphere during lunchtime also makes for great candid shots.
The market itself, with its narrow alleys and abundant seafood displays, is the main attraction. Look for the large crab displays for iconic shots.
While not strictly prohibited, it's best to avoid using flash photography, especially when taking pictures of people, to be respectful of vendors and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the market can get crowded and warm, so consider visiting during off-peak hours. Bringing a stroller might be challenging due to the narrow aisles, so a baby carrier could be more practical. Ensure your little ones are supervised, especially around the bustling stalls. The experience of seeing such unique seafood can be a memorable part of a family trip to Hokkaido.
💰 Budget Travelers
Alternatively, you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and impressive displays of seafood without purchasing expensive meals. Browsing the stalls, taking photos, and perhaps buying a small snack like grilled scallops or a piece of fruit can still offer a fulfilling experience.
Remember that many stalls are cash-only, so having enough yen is crucial to avoid missing out on any potential budget-friendly finds. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Seafood Experience
When choosing a restaurant, you might encounter queues, but they often move quickly. Some visitors recommend looking for specific restaurants like 'Ajidokoro Takeda' or noting that the 'yellow restaurant' had polite owners and affordable prices.
+1 Be prepared for the prices, which are often listed per kilogram and can vary, especially on weekends. Beyond the main dishes, don't miss out on other local delicacies. Freshly grilled scallops and oysters are popular choices, and sampling Hokkaido's famous sweet and juicy melons is a must-do.
+1 The market provides a vibrant and authentic taste of Hokkaido's rich marine bounty, making it a highlight for many visitors. Navigating the Market
The market consists of a narrow alley lined with numerous seafood vendors and small eateries. While it's not as sprawling as Tokyo's Tsukiji or Kyoto's Nishiki Market, it offers a concentrated dose of Otaru's culinary scene.Navigating the market involves walking through this main alley, where you'll see an array of fresh produce, dried seafood products, and, most prominently, live seafood displays.
For those planning their visit, arriving earlier in the day, particularly on weekdays, is often recommended to avoid the largest crowds and potentially secure the best selection.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit