Gourmet seafood nurtured by Hokkaido’s vast land and rich sea has captivated food connoisseurs around the world. I myself was captivated by the freshness and depth of flavor when I visited Sapporo a few years ago. In this article, based on my experience, I will introduce some spots and tips for enjoying Hokkaido’s seafood to the fullest. For foreign travelers, I picked up some English-speaking restaurants and markets. Let me quickly take you on a tour of Hokkaido’s seafood world.
A Treasury of Fresh Seafood Encountered at the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
We recommend starting your Hokkaido seafood gourmet trip at the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market. This market is located close to Sapporo Station and is bustling with activity from early morning. I visited at around 6:00 in the morning. While it was still dimly lit, trucks were bringing in fresh seafood one after another, and the entire market was buzzing with activity. Sea urchins, crabs, squid, scallops, and other seafood unique to Hokkaido were lined up in rows and were spectacularly fresh.
The charm of the market lies in the fact that you can not only visit the market but also enjoy an impromptu kaisendon (a bowl of rice topped with seafood) at the off-site market. In my experience, a waiter at the off-site area of the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market made me a kaisendon (seafood bowl) with fresh sea urchin and salmon roe on the spot. The sweetness of the sea urchin and the crunchy texture of the salmon roe filled my mouth with an unforgettable taste. Many restaurants have English menus for foreigners, so you can order with confidence.
As a tip for visiting the market, I highly recommend going early in the morning. The market is at its peak in the morning, and fresh goods are available. Also, don’t forget to dress warmly as Hokkaido is cold in winter. In my case, I grilled fresh scallops I bought at the market on the spot and ate them. They were juicy, sweet, and had a direct aroma of the sea. What I learned from this experience is that in order to take advantage of the freshness of seafood, choose a place where it is directly delivered from its place of origin. Sapporo Central Wholesale Market is such an ideal spot.
Furthermore, the area around the market is dotted with restaurants that can be easily accessed via Google Maps. In addition to seafood, combinations with Genghis Khan are also popular. Seafood in Hokkaido changes with the seasons, so it is a good idea to check the time of year to visit. For example, squid is in season in summer and crab is best in winter. If you talk directly with the suppliers at the market, as I do, you will get some surprising tips. One fisherman taught me how to tell when sea urchins are fresh. He said it is the ones with brightly colored shells and firm spines.
Time spent at this market is worth more than just a meal. It is a chance to experience the vibrant daily lives of the locals and to experience Hokkaido’s food culture firsthand. It was one of the highlights of my trip and a place I hope you will experience as well.
In Search of the Best Kaisendon: Exploring Sapporo’s Hidden Gems
When it comes to gourmet seafood in Hokkaido, you can’t miss kaisen-don, a bowl of rice topped with seafood. I was particularly impressed by a dish at a small restaurant in Sapporo. While strolling around town, I happened to find a restaurant where I ordered a hearty bowl of kaisen-don (seafood rice topped with sea urchin and salmon). It was a gorgeous-looking bowl of rice topped with sea urchin, salmon, shrimp, and scallops. One bite of the bowl was so richly flavored with the taste of the sea that I couldn’t help but close my eyes and savor it.
As a recommended spot, I would like to mention a restaurant in the Nijo Market area. Many of the menus here are arranged for tourists, and English-speaking staff are available. In my experience, the owner suggested recommended combinations, and the double topping of sea urchin and salmon roe was the best. Prices are reasonable and can be enjoyed from the 1000 yen range.
The secret to a more delicious kaisendon is to use less soy sauce. This is to take advantage of the flavor of the fresh ingredients. Hokkaido seafood is low in calories and rich in nutrients. It is full of vitamins and minerals, making it perfect for health-conscious people. For someone like me, who tends to get sick during a trip, these meals are a lifesaver. In fact, I remember that the seafood bowl I had at the market helped me regain my energy.
In Sapporo, I also recommend restaurants in the Susukino area. Many of them are open until late at night, and the set menus of Genghis Khan and seafood are popular. On a related note, it is also an interesting combination with “Sapporo ramen,” which is often searched for in Google Trend. Seafood ramen was an unexpected discovery. In my case, I had a bowl of seafood followed by ramen, both of which were full of Hokkaido’s charms.
Through these visits to famous restaurants, I realized that seafood in Hokkaido is not just a meal, but a cultural experience. When you visit, ask the locals and find the restaurant of your choice.
Enjoying the King of Crabs: A Unique Luxury Experience in Hokkaido
Crab is a special kind of seafood in Hokkaido. The steamed king crab I tasted in Hakodate was one of the best gourmet experiences of my life. The thick, juicy meat was sweet and plump, the ultimate in luxury. The simple cooking method that makes the most of the freshness of the crab is the Hokkaido style.
I recommend the Hakodate morning market. The system of buying fresh crabs here and having them cooked at a nearby restaurant is convenient. English information boards are available for foreign visitors. On my trip, I had the hairy crabs I selected at the morning market boiled on the spot and enjoyed them hot. The crab had a rich flavor and was very satisfying.
One tip for enjoying crab is to choose the right season. Winter is the best season and the crab is packed with meat. Also, be careful if you are allergic to crab. From my experience, I recommend trying it in small quantities. Hokkaido crab is high in protein and can be eaten without guilt while on a diet. As a related word, pairing with “Hokkaido Genghis Khan” is also popular. Eating Genghis Khan after crab is a fun contrast of flavors.
In Hakodate, crab dishes are served at restaurants in the bay area. Dinner with a night view is romantic. Like me, you can also take pictures as a memory of your trip. This experience will make you deeply feel the bounty of nature in Hokkaido.
Private Wisdom-like Summary
Hokkaido’s seafood delicacies are appealing for their freshness and diversity. Through my own travels, I have learned to take advantage of local markets and make the most of seasonal ingredients. The seafood bowls and crabs at Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, Nijo Market, and Hakodate Morning Market are unforgettable experiences. Many of these spots are also safe for foreign travelers to visit for the finest tastes. We hope that your trip will be enriched from this Private Wisdom.
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