Nijo Market Sapporo
Sapporo's vibrant 'Kitchen,' Nijo Market offers a dazzling array of fresh seafood, from king crab to uni, with delicious dining stalls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest catch, fewer crowds
Nijo Market Sapporo
Best Time
Freshest catch, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sapporo's vibrant 'Kitchen,' Nijo Market offers a dazzling array of fresh seafood, from king crab to uni, with delicious dining stalls.
"It's a feast for the senses even before tasting anything."
🎯 Bargain with a Smile
Many vendors enjoy a bit of friendly bargaining for fun. Don't be afraid to try!
🚶♀️ No Eating While Walking
Enjoy your food at a stall or designated area; eating on the go is frowned upon.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
King Crab Feast
Various stalls
Marvel at and taste the impressive king crabs, a Hokkaido specialty. Many stalls offer them grilled or steamed.
Kaisendon Delights
Eateries within the market
Indulge in a 'kaisendon' (seafood rice bowl) overflowing with the freshest local catches.
Uni & Scallop Sampling
Seafood stalls
Experience the creamy richness of fresh sea urchin (uni) and sweet, succulent scallops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Prices
Market Etiquette Matters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bargain with a Smile
Many vendors enjoy a bit of friendly bargaining for fun. Don't be afraid to try!
🚶♀️ No Eating While Walking
Enjoy your food at a stall or designated area; eating on the go is frowned upon.
🦀 Sample Before You Buy
Some stalls offer small samples of crab, allowing you to taste before committing.
📍 Explore the Edges
Lesser-known stalls on the market's periphery might offer better prices.
nijo market
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bargain with a Smile
Many vendors enjoy a bit of friendly bargaining for fun. Don't be afraid to try!
🚶♀️ No Eating While Walking
Enjoy your food at a stall or designated area; eating on the go is frowned upon.
🦀 Sample Before You Buy
Some stalls offer small samples of crab, allowing you to taste before committing.
📍 Explore the Edges
Lesser-known stalls on the market's periphery might offer better prices.
🍣 Fresh Kaisendon
Donburi shops offer delicious seafood bowls; look for places like Ohiso or Daiichi Kaisenmaru.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nijo Market is a lively and sensory-rich destination, celebrated for its incredibly fresh seafood, particularly king crab and kaisendon. Visitors appreciate the authentic atmosphere and the opportunity to experience Hokkaido's culinary culture firsthand. While some find prices high, the quality and variety generally impress, making it a worthwhile stop for many.
"We visited Nijo Market during our time in Sapporo and loved every bit of it. The atmosphere was lively and filled with the scent of fresh seafood. Stalls were lined with beautiful displays of crabs, scallops, sea urchins, and more—it was a feast for the senses even before tasting anything.
After browsing around, we decided to sit down for lunch at one of the small stalls inside the market. We ordered fresh kaisendon and grilled seafood—everything was incredibly fresh and flavorful. The seafood bowl was overflowing with tuna, salmon roe, sweet shrimp, and uni, and it was easily one of the best meals we had during our Hokkaido trip. The staff at the stall were warm and welcoming, even helping us with recommendations.
The kids also enjoyed walking around afterward, checking out other stalls and watching the seafood being cleaned and grilled on the spot. There’s a very local, down-to-earth feel about the whole place, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Nijo Market is more than just a place to buy seafood—it’s a window into Hokkaido’s food culture and a great spot for a satisfying, authentic lunch in Sapporo."
Crumpled Nomad
"It was a very lively market!
It's very convenient because you can walk from downtown Susukino.
There are a lot of fresh seafood and many shops, so it's hard to choose where to go.
You can sample king crab here and there, so I thought it was great that I could choose a shop I liked and buy it myself.
It's cheaper than in Kanto, after all!
I also had a seafood bowl at Oguma Shoten after wondering where to eat it!
It was very delicious!
Thank you for all the food.
It took about 5 minutes to get there from downtown Susukino.
Most of the shops were seafood shops.
It took about 10 minutes even if you went quickly to the end of the street. The restaurant was small and cozy.
There were quite a lot of customers when I went there at 7.30am.
There were several seafood bowl shops and restaurants, and prices were moderate. The prices were moderate.
Asparagus and potatoes were also available at
.
The market is close to the downtown area
so it was good to be able to use the market easily."
ぼくサノス
"🐟 Nijo Market – Sapporo’s Seafood Playground (Just Don’t Come Hangry) 🍣
If you’re in Sapporo and craving a deep dive into Hokkaido’s seafood scene, Nijo Market is where it all begins. It’s not the biggest market in Japan—but it punches way above its weight when it comes to fresh catches and full-on flavor.
You’ve got crabs the size of small dogs, scallops so fresh they still have ocean attitude, trays of sea urchin, sashimi bowls piled high like edible art, and enough dried fish and seafood snacks to make your backpack smell very interesting for the rest of the day.
There’s a charm to how local and low-key it feels—no massive tourist spectacle here, just real-deal vendors, tiny family-run stalls, and breakfast spots that serve donburi so fresh it practically swims onto your rice. That said, some stalls do cater to tourists, so prices can vary depending on how far you wander.
💡 Pro tip: Come early for the freshest options and to beat the brunch crowd. Look for the smaller shops around the edges—they often have better deals and fewer cameras. And if you’ve never had uni before, this is the place to give it a go."
The Country Collectors
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nijo Market is easily accessible. You can take a subway on the Toho Line from Sapporo Station to Odori Station, then transfer to the Tozai Line and get off at Bus Center Mae Station. Alternatively, it's a pleasant walk of about 20-25 minutes from Sapporo Station.
Yes, Nijo Market is very conveniently located and is just a short 5-10 minute walk from the Susukino area, making it easy to visit before or after exploring the entertainment district.
The most convenient public transport option is the subway. Take the Tozai Line to Bus Center Mae Station, which is just a few minutes' walk from the market.
While there are parking lots nearby, it's generally recommended to use public transport due to potential traffic and parking costs in the downtown area.
Yes, several city buses stop near Nijo Market. Check local bus routes from your starting point for the most direct options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Nijo Market is a public market and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely wander through the stalls.
Most stalls in Nijo Market are open from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, some restaurants may have slightly different hours, and it's advisable to check specific stall times if you have a particular place in mind.
Yes, some stalls at Nijo Market are closed on Wednesdays. It's a good idea to check the schedule beforehand if you plan to visit on a Wednesday.
There is no admission fee to enter Nijo Market. You only pay for the food and goods you purchase.
Most of the market stalls close by late afternoon (around 5:00 PM). While some restaurants might stay open later, the main market experience is best enjoyed during daytime hours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You absolutely must try the king crab, scallops, and sea urchin (uni). Kaisendon (seafood rice bowls) are also a highlight, featuring a generous mix of fresh fish.
There are numerous small eateries and restaurants within the market. Look for stalls offering kaisendon or grilled seafood. Some popular spots mentioned include Ohiso and Daiichi Kaisenmaru.
Prices can vary. While some Redditors find them higher than expected, others note they are cheaper than in the Kanto region. Exploring smaller stalls and bargaining can sometimes lead to better deals. +1
Yes, many stalls sell fresh seafood that you can take away. Some vendors might even offer to prepare it for you on the spot, like grilling.
While seafood is the star, you can also find fresh produce like strawberries, as well as dried seafood snacks and other local delicacies.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Nijo Market offers great photographic opportunities with its vibrant displays of fresh seafood, bustling atmosphere, and colorful stalls.
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing the market's essence. Later in the day, the vibrant colors and activity can also make for dynamic shots.
Focus on the close-ups of the seafood displays, the vendors at work, and the lively interactions between shoppers and sellers. The colorful signs and the market's architecture also provide interesting backdrops.
It's generally polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially vendors. However, wider shots capturing the general atmosphere are usually fine.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide scenes and details. A fast prime lens can be useful for low-light conditions or creating bokeh.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to keep an eye on little ones as the market can get crowded. Designate a meeting spot in case anyone gets separated. While the market is primarily about seafood, you can also find fresh fruits like strawberries, which are usually a safe bet for picky eaters.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider purchasing a smaller portion of a high-value item like scallops or uni to sample, rather than a large crab. Alternatively, focus on enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps a single, well-chosen kaisendon from a reputable shop rather than multiple expensive purchases. Visiting earlier in the day might also yield better prices.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Nijo Market: A Culinary Adventure
When exploring, don't be afraid to engage with the vendors. Many are happy to explain their products and some even offer samples. For a truly authentic experience, try a kaisendon, a rice bowl generously topped with a variety of the freshest sashimi. This is a must-try for any seafood lover visiting Sapporo.
While the market is a feast for the eyes and stomach, remember to be mindful of local customs. Avoid eating while walking, and instead, find a designated spot to savor your purchases. This respect for local etiquette enhances the overall experience for everyone.
Beyond the Tourist Trail: Local Insights
For those looking for a truly local supermarket experience, one Reddit user suggested visiting the Tōkōdō Supermarket at Sapporo Factory. This allows you to purchase sashimi and other food items in a setting frequented by residents, potentially offering different price points and selections.
Ultimately, whether you choose Nijo or an alternative, the key is to be an informed visitor. Redditors often advise that while Nijo Market can be skippable for some due to perceived high prices, a walk-through can still be rewarding for photography and experiencing the general atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit