Dive into the World of Hakodate Market:Experience Hokkaido’s Freshest Tastes

When people think of Hokkaido, gourmet food is the first thing that comes to mind. Among the many cities in Hokkaido, Hakodate is particularly renowned for its fresh seafood. For seafood lovers, exploring the local markets is the best way to experience the rich flavors of Hakodate’s seafood. If you’re planning a trip to the city, the local markets are not only a great place to enjoy fresh and authentic seafood, but also a great spot to find unique souvenirs. We’ll guide you through the three major markets in Hakodate, popular among locals and tourists from Japan and around the world! Enjoy the delightful experience of exploring these markets to your heart’s content.

3 (Three) Major Markets in Hakodate

1.Hakodate Asaichi (Hakodate Morning Market): A distribution center for fresh seafood

Hakodate Morning Market

Hakodate Asaichi is the most famous and largest market in Hakodate. There are about 250 shops offering a wide variety of fresh seafood and delicious local dishes. Each store in the market has its own unique features. For example, you can observe the process of making “Oboro Konbu” (a type of kelp made from GAGOME kelp), which is harvested from the sea off Hakodate, where artisan hand-shave the kelp. (for a limited time)．You can also see how they make hand-grilled squid. These unique products attract tourists from both Japan and abroad.

Ekini Ichiba ~ Live Squid Fishing Experience

The original “Live Squid Fishing Experience”, perfect for both adults and children, is located within Hakodate’s “Ekini Ichiba”. When reeling in the squid, it may spurt out a column of water, so be prepared to get wet – that’s what makes the challenge so fun. Once you catch the squid alive, the shop owner will skillfully prepare it for you as fresh sashimi, served with ginger soy sauce right at the table. Enjoy the incredible freshness and delicious flavor of live squid!

Donburi Yokocho Ichiba

If you get tired from walking around the Morning Market Square, it’s a great idea to stop by Donburi Yokocho Ichiba. Here, you’ll find about 20 seafood restaurants where you can enjoy delicious seafood bowls made with fresh ingredients. The market is especially busy at lunchtime, and popular restaurants often have long lines. Many of these restaurants offer grilled fish sets or other meal options, so even if you don’t like raw food, you can still enjoy their meals without worry.

• Address: 9-19 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate
• Business hours: (varies by store)
  January to April: 6:00 to 14:00
  May to December: 5:00 to 14:00
• Open all year round
• Website: https://www.hakodate-asaichi.com/

2. Jiyu Ichiba: Savor the Delicious Katte-don

Another popular market is Hakodate Jiyu Ichiba. With a history of 78 years, Hakodate Jiyu Ichiba is famous for its diverse range of products, featuring 40 stores and a lively atmosphere. The market is a trusted supplier for Hakodate city’s artisans/chefs, and the freshness of the products is immediately apparent. The stores offer a wide selection of fresh seafood, specialty foods, and souvenirs. The friendly atmosphere invites you to wander freely through the booths, exploring delicious options that suit your tastes.

Live Squid Fishing Experience

You can also enjoy squid fishing at the Hakodate Jiyu Ichiba. If you’re concerned  about the long lines at Hakodate Asaichi, squid fishing at the Jiyu Ichiba is a great alternative.

Make your own charcoal grilled food and seafood bowl!

Besides the seafood restaurants, Hakodate Jiyū Ichiba also features a charcoal grill corner where you can enjoy grilling your own fresh fish, shellfish and other seafood. You can also stroll around the market, buy your favorite sashimi and rice, and then combine to enjoy as a “Katte-don” (a rice bowl topped with seafood).

Jiyu 8 No Ichi (Number 8 Day Sale)

On the 8th, 18th, and 28th of every month, Hakodate Jiyū Ichiba holds a special sale for 880 yen. This promotion covers not only fresh seafood but also seasonal vegetables and local specialties. Since these special items are available at each store, you need to arrive early, as they may sell out quickly.

• Address: 1-2 Shinkawacho, Hakodate
• Business hours: 7:00-17:00 (varies depending on store)
• Closed: Every Sunday (may be open temporarily, check website)
• Website: http://hakodate-jiyuichiba.com/

3.Nakajima Renbai Ichiba: Hakodate Citizens’ Kitchen

Nakajima Renbai Ichiba, little known to tourists, is a beloved market among locals and is affectionately known as “the kitchen of Hakodate citizens”. This market features a shopping street lined with outdoor stalls that evoke the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa period (1926-1989). As the name of the market, “Renbai” (which means “cheap sale” or “bargain sale”) suggests, many of the stores offer reasonably priced, high-quality food. With a wide range of products on offer, from fresh fish to various local snacks, there are plenty of shopping and dining options to choose from.

The biggest attraction of Nakajima Renbai is its friendly commercial culture, especially evident on Uoya Dori (Fishmonger Street). With their extensive experience, the owners of each store provide recommendations based on customers’ questions and needs. By interacting with these friendly store owners, you can discover new charms of travel.

Uoya Dori (Fishmonger Street)

The biggest attraction of Nakajima Renbai is its
friendly commercial culture, especially evident on Uoya Dori (Fishmonger Street).
With their extensive experience, the owners of each store provide
recommendations based on customers’ questions and needs. By interacting with
these friendly store owners, you can discover new charms of travel.

Nakajima Renbai Ichiba

Nakajima Rembai Fureai Center is a facility operated by a non-profit organization. There is a free social and rest area on the first floor, open to both local residents and tourists who shop at Nakajima Rembai Ichiba. Fresh foods purchased at the market can be enjoyed here, and beverages are also available for sale.

• Address: 25-18 Nakajimacho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
• Business hours: 12:00-17:00 (varies depending on each store)
• Closed: Sundays, bad weather, irregular holidays
• Website: https://www.nakajimarenbai.com/

Lastly

Visiting Hakodate’s markets is a truly interesting and fascinating experience. From fresh seafood to local cuisine, these markets offer a rich gastronomic journey and showcase the passion and dedication to quality of the people of Hakodate. If you are interested in food and culture, we highly recommend visiting Hakodate’s markets to experience their charm.