Hakodate Morning Market – Fresh Seafood, Local Crafts, Delicious Treats

Hakodate Morning Market, located in the heart of Hakodate City, Hokkaido, is a culinary and cultural gem that offers an unparalleled experience for visitors. This bustling market, just a 2-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station, is renowned for its fresh seafood, local crafts, and delicious treats.

Market Layout and Accessibility

Hakodate Morning Market spans across several city blocks, featuring approximately 250 shops and restaurants. The market is divided into street-side shops and facilities such as Donburi Yokocho Market, Ekini Market, and Hakodate Asaichi Hiroba. These areas are easily accessible on foot, with the market's main entrance near JR Hakodate Station.

Business Hours and Holidays

The market operates daily, with varying hours depending on the season:

• January to April: 6:00 am – 2:00 pm
• May to December: 5:00 am – 2:00 pm
  While the market is open year-round, individual shops may have different hours and holidays.

Fresh Seafood

Hakodate Morning Market is a seafood lover's paradise, offering a wide variety of fresh seafood products. Visitors can find everything from crabs, salmon eggs (ikura), and sea urchin (uni) to squid and scallops. One of the unique experiences is the opportunity to catch and eat fresh squid as sashimi on the spot.

Recommended Seafood Spots

1. Asaichi Shokudo Mako-to-Yasube: Known for its reasonably priced seafood bowls, this shop offers a popular dish called the Asaichi Goshoku-don, which includes salmon roe, salmon, shrimp, sea urchin, and an additional ingredient of your choice.
2. Asaichi-no-Ajidokoro Chamu: This shop is famous for its transparent fresh squid sashimi, which is prepared right in front of you.
3. Isseki Nicho Hakodate Shiten: Here, you can choose your seafood and seasonings for personalized grilled dishes. Recommendations include scallops, crab, and oysters.

Local Crafts and Processed Goods

In addition to fresh seafood, the market offers a variety of local crafts and processed goods. You can find shops selling chinmi (processed seafood products), such as salted squid, kelp, and dried marine products. These items make excellent souvenirs and offer a taste of Hakodate's unique culinary culture.

Delicious Treats

Hakodate Morning Market is not just about seafood; it also offers a range of delicious treats and local specialties. Some highlights include:

1. Seafood Rice Bowls: The Donburi Yokocho Market area is lined with restaurants serving seafood rice bowls made with local ingredients.
2. Grilled Seafood: At Isseki Nicho Hakodate Shiten, you can enjoy freshly grilled seafood, including scallops, crab, and oysters.
3. Local Cuisine: Akebono Shokudo offers local cuisine, including Sanpeijiru Soup, a traditional Hakodate dish.

Parking and Facilities

For visitors arriving by car, there are two parking lots available: the Hakodate Morning Market Station-front Parking Lot and the Hakodate Morning Market Parking Lot. The market also has facilities such as restrooms and seating areas, making it a comfortable place to explore.

How to Visit

To visit Hakodate Morning Market, simply exit JR Hakodate Station and walk southwest for about 2 minutes. The market's main entrance will be on your right. For those coming from abroad, the market's address is 9 Wakamatsucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0063.

Payment and Contact Information

The market accepts various payment methods, including JCB, VISA, Mastercard, and mobile payments like AliPay and WechatPay. For inquiries, you can contact the market at +081-138-22-7981 or visit their official website.

Hakodate Morning Market is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Hakodate, offering a rich culinary experience and a glimpse into the local culture. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking for unique souvenirs, this market has something for everyone.