Hakodate Morning Market: Address, Phone Number, Hakodate Morning Market Reviews: 4/5
Hakodate Morning Market
Hakodate Morning Market
4
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Start your day with a domburi breakfast (cooked rice with another type of food on top) at a restaurant in this morning market, which features stalls with fresh seafood and produce
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
926 reviews
Excellent
301
Very good
388
Average
189
Poor
37
Terrible
11
ZenDark30
Portland, OR2,320 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The line to catch your own squid and have it deftly sliced by a woman who feeds hundreds of tourists a day is one of the popular attractions at the market. Other proprietors use samples, hand cut machines and cat calls to lure visitors. Needless to say we were enamored by the creativity of the vendors.
The pancake squid apparatus was especially intriguing. Giant squid are pancakes in a two step process and come out of a rolling machine transparently thin. It’s then ready to eat or packaged for later.
The market seemed to draw mostly tour groups and other visitors. Locals probably stay clear. The wholesale market opens at 6am in the winter and then is open to the public at 7am.
Since we had breakfast at the hotel we missed the wholesale action yet arrived early enough to bypass the larger tour groups. English is spoken sporadically and enough to make a sale.
Compared to the Tokyo and Sapporo fish markets this has a more local atmosphere. It’s also not as overwhelming with welcoming vendors.
Tourist Tip: go early and take time to stroll around. Be adventurous and buy souvenirs and snacks.
The pancake squid apparatus was especially intriguing. Giant squid are pancakes in a two step process and come out of a rolling machine transparently thin. It’s then ready to eat or packaged for later.
The market seemed to draw mostly tour groups and other visitors. Locals probably stay clear. The wholesale market opens at 6am in the winter and then is open to the public at 7am.
Since we had breakfast at the hotel we missed the wholesale action yet arrived early enough to bypass the larger tour groups. English is spoken sporadically and enough to make a sale.
Compared to the Tokyo and Sapporo fish markets this has a more local atmosphere. It’s also not as overwhelming with welcoming vendors.
Tourist Tip: go early and take time to stroll around. Be adventurous and buy souvenirs and snacks.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Getaway24786681468
2 contributions
Dec 2019
Walk or sit and eat. lots of variety. Food can get slightly pricey. If you want to have a go at the dancing squid, go early, as it can get sold out real quick. I recommend at least 2 mornings to fully enjoy the experience.
Written April 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dexperience Undercover
Singapore, Singapore3,786 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
We love the Hakodate Asaichi Morning Market that has approximately 250 stores selling souvenirs, vegetables, fruits and seafood.
The most exciting part of the Hakodate Morning Market is the Squid Fishing experience. The chef will take your catch and prepare squid sashimi.
We also love Snaffle's Hokkaido Hakodate Maple Omelet Catchcake. Ultra Soft Melt In Your Mouth Cheesecake!
Dex Ng Mong Meiyan Dexperience
The most exciting part of the Hakodate Morning Market is the Squid Fishing experience. The chef will take your catch and prepare squid sashimi.
We also love Snaffle's Hokkaido Hakodate Maple Omelet Catchcake. Ultra Soft Melt In Your Mouth Cheesecake!
Dex Ng Mong Meiyan Dexperience
Written April 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
earlgrays
Singapore, Singapore158 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
It is an experience to have a seafood breakfast at any morning markets in Japan. In Hokkaido, go for the king crabs or snow crabs. We had a king crab done in three different ways - cooked in soup, sashimi-style and butter-grilled. Delicious. We also tried the humongous BBQ scallops which were sweet and tasty. We had raw oysters which were humongous in size too. And raw uni (sea urchin). I would recommend to head for the restaurants in the morning market as the smaller stalls offer smaller-sized seafood (e.g. smaller-sized scallops and uni). Do visit early, as it is a morning market. We were there at 8am and there was a sizeable crowd. Although the market opens til 12pm, most stalls were sold out by 10 plus.
Written December 29, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
unescotravelbug
Wooster, OH4,201 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
Hakodate Asaichi (Morning Market) occupied a large open lot next to Hakodate Station and the nearby harbor. It has three large indoor buildings accommodated varieties of fresh seafood shops; sit down restaurants; cook to order small food stands and vendors sell dried seafood products. Outside open area there are many produce and seafood stands stretching along the building’s exits and the small streets. This is one of the Hakodate’s top attractions for the visitors and seafood lovers. The morning market starts as early as 5 or 6am in the morning and closes around noon and 1pm. This morning market offers daily fresh catch and an array of delectable fresh selections for the shoppers to enjoy. This place is also packed with actions and thrills for the tourists, especially in the building Ekini Ichiba (next to the building with many donburi restaurants) where operators set up a large squid tank jammed with live local specialty-the translucent purple squids. For those who want to try squid fishing just pay 900 yens and you get a rod with hook ready for you to fish live squids. For the price it guarantees you to catch one, clean it up for you and makes it a fresh squid sashimi plate for you to savor. But If you catch two on one hook you can only keep one. Children and young adults are their best customers while parents are busy videoing the entire actions. If you are not into the tasting of squid sashimi, watching squid fishing live in action and gutting the squid alive, will sure give you an eye opening experience. Outside market area a similar attraction you will not miss-watching giant octopus swimming in the large tanks with their monstrous arms stretching out, moving around the tank in a slow motion.
For the breakfast you can try Donburi, the local specialty seafood rice bowls, with assortments of seafood toppings over hot steamed rice, offered by the sit-down type restaurants in the first building called Donburi Yokocho Ichiba. There are about 20 restaurants for you to pick, some seemed to be more crowded than the other, probably by words of the mouths. But if you like to sample the varieties in the morning market, the second building Ekini Ichiba has many seafood vendors offer choices of fresh oysters in shells, scallops in shells, other shellfish, live crabs, fish for sashimi, sea urchin and variety of fish roe. You buy what please you, and vendor will then cook to order for you. There are tables and chairs in the center eating area, near the squid fish tank, available for the self-served customers. The third build is a food court and more fast foods vendors selling cooked foods. Keep in mind if you want to try the local specialty hairy crabs, be ready to pay around 60-80 USD a piece and pay even more for the crabs served sashimi style.
This morning market not only is a popular place for shopping seafood and related products, but also offers tasty sweet fruits and fresh vegetables. Among them not to miss is Yubari melon. It is an expensive melon but scrumptiously sweet and grown only in Yubari, Hokkaido. A small wedge of melon can cost 200-300 yens depends on the vendors. The one we bought at 300 yens a wedge sold out quickly. The whole melon could be priced at 2500-3000 yens! And if you still have room for more food try corn on the cobs or soft served ice cream on the cones. Basically if you love seafood, do not miss visiting this market. There is no admission fee. Enjoy while you can.
For the breakfast you can try Donburi, the local specialty seafood rice bowls, with assortments of seafood toppings over hot steamed rice, offered by the sit-down type restaurants in the first building called Donburi Yokocho Ichiba. There are about 20 restaurants for you to pick, some seemed to be more crowded than the other, probably by words of the mouths. But if you like to sample the varieties in the morning market, the second building Ekini Ichiba has many seafood vendors offer choices of fresh oysters in shells, scallops in shells, other shellfish, live crabs, fish for sashimi, sea urchin and variety of fish roe. You buy what please you, and vendor will then cook to order for you. There are tables and chairs in the center eating area, near the squid fish tank, available for the self-served customers. The third build is a food court and more fast foods vendors selling cooked foods. Keep in mind if you want to try the local specialty hairy crabs, be ready to pay around 60-80 USD a piece and pay even more for the crabs served sashimi style.
This morning market not only is a popular place for shopping seafood and related products, but also offers tasty sweet fruits and fresh vegetables. Among them not to miss is Yubari melon. It is an expensive melon but scrumptiously sweet and grown only in Yubari, Hokkaido. A small wedge of melon can cost 200-300 yens depends on the vendors. The one we bought at 300 yens a wedge sold out quickly. The whole melon could be priced at 2500-3000 yens! And if you still have room for more food try corn on the cobs or soft served ice cream on the cones. Basically if you love seafood, do not miss visiting this market. There is no admission fee. Enjoy while you can.
Written January 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Pipo2968
Singapore517 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
We arrived at about 9am and parked at one of the designated parking area for the market. From the banner hanging at the parking area, we think it says in Japanese - "Free 1 hour parking if you spend JPY2000”. So off we go to take in our first experience of the Hokkaido fresh seafood market.
The streets are lined up with shops selling all kind of seafood – crabs, scallops, salmon, salmon roe, tuna, prawns, squids, etc. The place is crowded with both tourists and locals. They also sell the famous yellow honey melon, corn, and ice-cream. We ordered one Alaskan crab leg costing us JPY3800 and the shop lady BBQ it for us with salt. We also ate a very yummy slice of honey melon at JPY100 in a fruits stall. We bought lots of dried seafood and I want to share that we found that prices at this market is more reasonable compared to the Sapporo Seafood Market which we visited at the latter part of our journey.
This place is a MUST visit if you are at Hakodate and do plan to spend at least 2hours including stopping and eating. I will rate this place 10 out of 10 not only for the fresh and reasonable priced seafood but also for the experience and sights.
The streets are lined up with shops selling all kind of seafood – crabs, scallops, salmon, salmon roe, tuna, prawns, squids, etc. The place is crowded with both tourists and locals. They also sell the famous yellow honey melon, corn, and ice-cream. We ordered one Alaskan crab leg costing us JPY3800 and the shop lady BBQ it for us with salt. We also ate a very yummy slice of honey melon at JPY100 in a fruits stall. We bought lots of dried seafood and I want to share that we found that prices at this market is more reasonable compared to the Sapporo Seafood Market which we visited at the latter part of our journey.
This place is a MUST visit if you are at Hakodate and do plan to spend at least 2hours including stopping and eating. I will rate this place 10 out of 10 not only for the fresh and reasonable priced seafood but also for the experience and sights.
Written November 27, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lionheart_sg
Singapore177 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
My family went to the market in the morning and the following were our experiences :
Pros =>
a) Many different live seafood (sashimi) to try out. Eg. sea urchins, abalone, squid and scallop.
b) Many different restaurants to try local seafood dishes, including various crabs.
c) The price is competitive. At least 30% cheaper than the Sapporo seafood market.
d) There is a local market (within the market area) selling vegetables, dried seafood, dried seaweed and fruits.
e) 3 mins walk near the JR station.
Cons =>
a) Can be crowded when tour groups arrive.
b) Many shops closes after 12.00noon.
We will definitely return to the market the next time we visit Hakodate.
Pros =>
a) Many different live seafood (sashimi) to try out. Eg. sea urchins, abalone, squid and scallop.
b) Many different restaurants to try local seafood dishes, including various crabs.
c) The price is competitive. At least 30% cheaper than the Sapporo seafood market.
d) There is a local market (within the market area) selling vegetables, dried seafood, dried seaweed and fruits.
e) 3 mins walk near the JR station.
Cons =>
a) Can be crowded when tour groups arrive.
b) Many shops closes after 12.00noon.
We will definitely return to the market the next time we visit Hakodate.
Written June 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jazzng2015
Singapore, Singapore298 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
As usual in all Japanese morning market, u can find stalls selling with all kind of seafood and crabs.
Different was that is a particular stall for fishing octopus, many of the tourists love to join in for fun, later have it immediately as sashimi in their stomach.
That is an upper deck level ( going up from behind of the building) it is a restaurant/canteen. u just need pay a 500 yen coin, u can have a bowl of seafood rice!
Unbelievable cheap! Right! Taste quite delicious and fresh too ( refer to attached pix ) Do not miss! Opening hour I have forgotten but advise go before noon.
Different was that is a particular stall for fishing octopus, many of the tourists love to join in for fun, later have it immediately as sashimi in their stomach.
That is an upper deck level ( going up from behind of the building) it is a restaurant/canteen. u just need pay a 500 yen coin, u can have a bowl of seafood rice!
Unbelievable cheap! Right! Taste quite delicious and fresh too ( refer to attached pix ) Do not miss! Opening hour I have forgotten but advise go before noon.
Written April 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
glynn t
Leicester, UK74 contributions
Sep 2015
While visiting Hokodate from the cruise ship we found the large morning market within walking distance of the port. It is a large colourful market boasting over 400 shops or stalls, many of which sell numerous varieties of sea food, with the rest being mainly vegetables and fruits. It can get a bit crowded but in this bustling market are small seating areas. Many people buy bowls of rice then 100 Yen tickets from vendors which they exchange at stalls for small pieces of seafood to add to their rice bowl and if you don't like seafood there is a small selection of meat stalls, where they will cook small portions of meat on the counter while you wait. Its quite an interesting way to have lunch along with local people. The huge variety of sea food and other produce along with the bustle gives this market its colour and if you like markets and are in the area, its well worth a visit. Incidentally, a tour from the cruise ship, taking in the market and the Hokodate ropeway cost $75 per person. But the market is free to enter and the ropeway toll is approx. £7( 1200 Yen). So for about 30 minutes walking you can do both from the port by yourself for just the cost of the ropeway toll, a big saving.
Written September 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kmquek
Singapore, Singapore936 contributions
Sep 2014 • Family
Loads of fresh seafood here. Prices seem to be pretty similar throughout the various establishments. Word of advice - take your time and sample various dishes working your way from freshly steamed giant snow crab to sushi/sashimi to Uni to corn on the cob and finally finishing off with musk melon. Another word of advice - have plenty of Yen as some do not take credit cards.
Written September 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Resort593439
1 contribution
Hi, I will travel to Hokkaido in early Dec to Mid Dec with my parents, mother in law and my kids (teenage). Do you recommend this place for us to stop for 1 nite before continue to ski resort ? To my understanding this place is where the bullet train (shinkanshen) last stop in Hokkaido, am I correct ? And my parents are 80 and 70, so presumably they need to rest for 1 nite b4 continue our journey to ski resort. Another question, which ski resort is nearest from Hakodate town ? Thank you
lottyh
Vancouver, Canada29 contributions
There is a good hotel near the Shinkansen station called Grantia Hotel Ekimae in Hakodate. It's a 2-minute walk from the train station. It's reasonably priced and includes buffet breakfast. Japanese-style dinners are offered at Hana Tei restaurant. It features a public hot-spring bath with 13th-floor views. All have a bathtub, fridge and humidifier. Japanese-style sleepwear and slippers are provided for all guests. Limited internet access are provided free at the lobby.
Since you will be staying for the night, don't miss the morning fish market. You can just stroll down the market lanes and browse through. Check the hairy crabs and other seafood that are on display including the famous red cuttlefish that some people eat live! Some vendors offer free tasting of crabs, other seafood.
Viviennek28
Melbourne, Australia107 contributions
I am travelling to Japan in May next year. Would people recommend a visit to Hakodate for two nights? Is there much to see? I will not have a car so will rely on public transport.
raullim7
Singapore, Singapore526 contributions
i was there for 2 nights, all via public transport, the electric train. stay near the train station. first evening went to hakodate mountian, next morning the market. 2nd day abit boring but we made our way to goryokaku, nice view from the top.
we stayed 2 nights before u got to remember, may is summer, longer daylight. i was there 1st week of aug. so by the time u we see the sunset at hakodate mountain, it was pretty late for us to go for a squid restaurant that was a must go for us. if u are keen for the seafood, i think 2 nights is good. 1 night is insufficient for foods
Maisi80
5 contributions
Anyone knows if the market is close during golden week? I wanted to go to Hakodate on 27-29 April 2018
Margaret B
Queensland, Australia608 contributions
I think the previous replies to your question would answer your request.
I was not there at this time.
Florence C
Jakarta, Indonesia39 contributions
Hi,
What time is it close?
Kayjohn
Adelaide South Australia229 contributions
Noted an earlier post claimed a 2.00pm close.
The following is copied and posted from the website "Travel Hakodate"
The Morning Market is open for business from as early as 5 am (6 am during the winter) and closes at noon.
Cheers
Kayjohn
GinnieCWL
8 contributions
Hi. Would like to know if there is any parking space available around the market and its parking charges? Very much appreciate if anyone could help. Thanks in advance.
Gabriella326
Hong Kong, China192 contributions
There's a parking space just opposite the JR station and very close to the market but not sure the fees.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hakodate Morning Market
- We recommend booking Hakodate Morning Market tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Hakodate Morning Market tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Hakodate Morning Market:
- (0.11 mi) Hakodate Danshaku Club
- (0.09 mi) Toyoko Inn Hakodate-ekimae Asaichi
- (0.06 mi) Four Points by Sheraton Hakodate
- (0.09 mi) Hotel Kikuya
- (0.07 mi) Hotel New Ohte
- Restaurants near Hakodate Morning Market:
- (0.00 mi) Morning Market Restaurant Yamasan Michishita Shoten
- (0.00 mi) Mako to Yasube
- (0.00 mi) Hakodate Asaichi Restaurant Ikuratei
- (0.00 mi) Fumi
- (0.01 mi) Hakodatebukkake