Nijo Market — Restaurant in Sapporo

My visit to Nijo Market in Sapporo was a delightful morning adventure filled with fresh seafood treasures and fascinating local traditions. Arriving early had its advantages as the market was not yet crowded, allowing for a leisurely exploration of its many offerings.

The standout feature of Nijo Market is undoubtedly its array of fresh crab and seafood. The sight of vendors proudly displaying their catches from the nearby seas was a seafood lover's dream come true. From succulent crabs to various other marine delicacies, the market was a sensory paradise.

What added a unique charm to the experience was observing local Japanese shoppers selecting their preferred fish and crab, often to be sent directly to their homes. This glimpse into the local customs and traditions was a fascinating cultural immersion.

Nijo Market's atmosphere was bustling yet friendly, with vendors eager to share their knowledge and passion for seafood. Sampling some of the freshest sashimi and seafood dishes was an absolute treat.

In summary, Nijo Market is a must-visit in Sapporo, especially in the morning when it's less crowded. The abundance of fresh seafood, the glimpse into local customs, and the friendly vendors make it a memorable stop for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Hokkaido's maritime bounty...

Nijo Market (二条市場) is a historic seafood market located in central Sapporo, Hokkaido. Established in the early Meiji period (late 19th century), it has been a cornerstone of Sapporo’s culinary scene for over a century. The market is renowned for its fresh seafood offerings, including Hokkaido specialties like crab, sea urchin, and salmon roe. 

⸻

📍 Location & Access • Address: Minami 3-jō Higashi 1–2 chōme, Chūō-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido • Access: Approximately a 5-minute walk from Odori Station on the Nanboku, Tozai, and Toho Subway Lines  

⸻

🕒 Hours & Operations • Market Stalls: Typically open from around 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM • Restaurants: Generally operate from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM • Note: Individual shop hours may vary, and some may close on specific days 

⸻

🦀 Highlights • Fresh Seafood: Vendors offer a variety of seafood, including crab, scallops, and sea urchin. Many stalls can prepare and cook your selections on the spot • Dining Options: The market houses several restaurants and eateries, particularly in the Noren Yokocho area, where visitors can enjoy seafood bowls (kaisendon) and other local dishes • Local Atmosphere: Beyond seafood, the market offers a glimpse into Sapporo’s daily life, with vendors often sharing stories and insights about the...

Although 3 stars from me, I highly recommend a visit & try the fresh seafood for seafoos lovers. It’s a must try experience for me & my family, we are seafood acute addicts. And this visit is a thrilling experience to share. Why 3 stars? Cos I think the dining facility is really inadequate, we need to bring our own drinks & there is minimal condiments to go with the seafood. Seatings are also minimalist, or rare. I see some people eat standing up using makeshift styrofoam boxes piled up as table, as the wind blow, the box would shatter, so as the food. We ate in 2 stores, the first one for it’s plate of 4 oysters & fatty tuna sashimi approx.200gr (we were given a standing stainless steel table) eaten up only within 5 minutes to savour the freshness with some soyu & wasabi, spend 5K yen there. Then to another store selling king crab, approx. 1kg share with other 2 family members while seated in a row behind a low showcase fridge. It’s boiled and this time no condiment, there were 2 plate full of delicious crab meats, it’s fulfilling for 3paxes, spend 12K yen. Move to another store to buy white & red strawberries for about 4K yen, we took those away, and eat on a park bench, soooo sweet, but expensive...