Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Jogai Ichiba
Experience the vibrant energy of Sapporo's wholesale market, from early morning auctions to delicious seafood feasts in the outer market.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Witness the bustling fish auction.
Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Jogai Ichiba
Best Time
Witness the bustling fish auction.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the vibrant energy of Sapporo's wholesale market, from early morning auctions to delicious seafood feasts in the outer market.
"A must-visit for seafood lovers, offering a taste of Hokkaido's freshest catches."
🎯 Book Auction Viewing Early
Tourist spots for the fish auction are limited and require advance booking. Arrive before 6 AM to register.
🍣 Savor a Kaisendon
Don't miss trying a kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) at one of the market's restaurants.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wholesale Fish Auction
Auction Hall
Witness the energetic early morning fish auction, a true spectacle of commerce and fresh catches.
Kaisendon Feast
Outer Market Restaurants
Indulge in a vibrant kaisendon, a rice bowl piled high with the freshest local seafood.
Outer Market Stalls
Jogai Ichiba
Explore a lively array of stalls offering seafood, produce, and local Hokkaido specialties.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Freshness
Beyond the Auction Floor
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Auction Viewing Early
Tourist spots for the fish auction are limited and require advance booking. Arrive before 6 AM to register.
🍣 Savor a Kaisendon
Don't miss trying a kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) at one of the market's restaurants.
Itinerary Check - 17 days [Sapporo, Otaru, Tokyo+Yokohama, Hakone, Hiroshima, Kansai Region]
Reasonably priced seafood market in Hokkaido
🚶 Explore the Outer Market
The Jogai Ichiba offers a less touristy vibe than some other markets, with great food options.
⏰ Auction Ends Early
The fish auction concludes by 8 AM, so plan your visit accordingly if this is your priority.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Auction Viewing Early
Tourist spots for the fish auction are limited and require advance booking. Arrive before 6 AM to register.
🍣 Savor a Kaisendon
Don't miss trying a kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) at one of the market's restaurants.
🚶 Explore the Outer Market
The Jogai Ichiba offers a less touristy vibe than some other markets, with great food options.
⏰ Auction Ends Early
The fish auction concludes by 8 AM, so plan your visit accordingly if this is your priority.
🛒 Not for Retail Shopping
The wholesale section is primarily for businesses. Focus on the outer market for tourist-friendly purchases.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the market for its incredibly fresh seafood, especially the kaisendon and grilled options. The outer market offers a vibrant atmosphere and a less touristy feel compared to some other markets. However, the wholesale auction requires very early arrival and advance booking, and some find the prices for certain items to be on the higher side.
"Auction only in the morning from 5am to 8am. After 6am most of the auction from fish market has been completed.
Besides, you only can enjoy the auction from the view point on 2/F on saturday.
If you have tight schedule, this can be skip."
Kingsley Wong
"Kaisendon, Soup Kani, Grilled Scallop, Grilled Welk, Grilled Tentacles and sweet honeydew. Been craving for my bowl of kaisendon for my Japanese since arriving Japan. And I finally got it at Sapporo Central Wholesale market. This was from one of the shops with restaurant sitting."
Peter Lin
"Came here as a tourist; they have a program (in Japanese) which is interesting, and while we didn’t get to see the fish auction (it ends early) we did get to see fruits/vegetables auction (around 7AM). The restaurants inside are simple but good (we saw only folks working in the market though that may be because today is a weekday).
I’d highly recommend coming before 6 (5?) and registering to see the auction. (見学) We couldn’t go to the auction floor itself but there are shops around the wholesale market if you want to buy something."
Ed Korthof
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The market is accessible via public transport. Take the Tozai Subway Line to Nijuyonken Station, then it's a short walk. Alternatively, buses also serve the area.
Parking is available, but it can be busy, especially during peak auction hours. Consider public transport if possible.
Taking a taxi or pre-arranging transport might be easiest for the very early auction times, as public transport might not be running yet.
The JR Pass is generally for JR lines. The market is best accessed by subway or local bus lines, which are not covered by the JR Pass.
It's a short subway or bus ride from Sapporo Station, making it a convenient destination for a morning outing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the outer market (Jogai Ichiba) is generally free. However, viewing the wholesale fish auction may require advance reservation and a fee.
The wholesale auction typically runs from 5 AM to 8 AM. The outer market and restaurants are open later, usually until around noon or early afternoon.
Yes, a limited number of tourists can observe the fish auction, but advance reservation is usually required and spots fill up quickly.
No, the outer market (Jogai Ichiba) is free to enter and explore. You only pay for what you purchase.
The fruit and vegetable auction usually begins around 7 AM, offering another glimpse into the market's operations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) is highly recommended. Also try grilled scallops, crab, and other fresh seafood.
While the market is seafood-focused, some restaurants may offer vegetable-based dishes or sides. It's best to inquire directly.
A kaisendon can range from ¥1,500 to ¥3,000 or more, depending on the seafood. Grilled items are generally more affordable.
Yes, the outer market stalls sell a wide variety of fresh seafood that you can purchase to take away.
Yes, the Jogai Ichiba (outer market) is filled with restaurants serving fresh seafood and other local dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the outer market. However, be respectful and ask permission before photographing vendors or their stalls.
Photography during the actual fish auction might be restricted or require special permission. Check with market staff upon arrival.
The vibrant displays of fresh seafood, the bustling market stalls, and the colorful kaisendon bowls make for great photo opportunities.
Avoid intrusive photography, especially during the auction. Focus on capturing the atmosphere and the food.
Early morning offers dramatic light for the auction, while later morning provides good light for food photography in the outer market.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the food: Many stalls offer delicious and visually appealing dishes like kaisendon, which can be a fun way to introduce children to new tastes. Grilled items like scallops or shrimp are often kid-friendly. Look for restaurants with ample seating where you can relax and enjoy your meal. Consider visiting a bit later in the morning to avoid the peak auction crowds.
💰 Budget Travelers
Compare prices between different stalls in the outer market. Some vendors might offer set meals or smaller portions that fit a tighter budget. Visiting slightly after the main auction rush can sometimes lead to better deals as vendors aim to clear stock.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Wholesale Auction
While the fish auction is the main draw for early risers, the market also hosts a fruit and vegetable auction around 7 AM. This offers a different, yet equally fascinating, glimpse into the local trade. It's important to note that the wholesale sections are primarily for trade, and direct retail sales are minimal here. Tourists looking to purchase goods should focus their attention on the outer market.
Key takeaway: If witnessing the auction is a priority, book your spot in advance and prepare for a very early start. Respect the market's operational flow and any photography guidelines provided.
A Culinary Journey in the Outer Market (Jogai Ichiba)
The undisputed star of the Jogai Ichiba is the kaisendon – a generous bowl of steamed rice topped with an artful arrangement of the freshest sashimi. From succulent salmon and rich uni (sea urchin) to plump scallops and sweet shrimp, the variety is astounding. Many stalls also offer delicious grilled seafood, such as scallops, crab legs, and various fish, allowing you to savor the ocean's bounty directly.
Beyond the seafood, you can find local Hokkaido specialties, snacks, and souvenirs. It's the perfect place for a hearty breakfast or an early lunch, immersing yourself in the local food culture. Don't be afraid to explore different stalls and compare offerings; the friendly vendors are often happy to explain their products.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit