Nijo Market in Sapporo is a lively and interesting place to enjoy fresh Hokkaido seafood and local food. The market has many small shops and restaurants selling crab, salmon, tuna, scallops, sea urchin, salmon roe, dried seafood, fruits, and other local products.
It is especially popular for seafood rice bowls, sashimi, grilled fish, and fresh crab. Many restaurants open from the morning, so it is a good place for breakfast or lunch. The food is fresh and delicious, but prices can be higher because of the central location and premium seafood.
The market is not very large, so it is easy to walk around. However, the narrow paths and restaurants can become crowded during busy hours. Some shops offer samples, and many items are packed for travellers to take home.
Nijo Market is close to central Sapporo and easy to reach from nearby stations. Overall, it is a great place for seafood lovers and anyone who wants to experience the local market atmosphere of Hokkaido.
This is a typical seafood market that makes itself very tourist friendly.
There are lots of stalls selling fresh and dried seafood, as well as fruit. I bought some dried squid and fresh melon/cantaloupe, which was very juicy, though slightly pricey. I also picked up some crab miso to make at home after trying and loving the crab miso soup there.
I tried both fresh and cooked abalone, and both were good.
There are also many sashimi don restaurants to choose from, and you can usually tell which ones are the most popular by the lines.
Tourist trap with highly inflated prices—skip it and go to Hakodate instead
Market Atmosphere: This market feels completely like a tourist trap.
Seafood Quality: Most of the crabs displayed are not live.
Price Comparison: The prices here are significantly higher than those at the Hakodate Morning Market.
Fruit Prices: Melon prices are exorbitant, charging ¥1,800 for a single slice compared to just ¥500 in Hakodate.
Verdict: Avoid this place completely for food. It’s ok as an attraction. Save your money and appetite for better, more authentic markets.
Visited in June 2026.
Sapporo, Hokkaido 🇯🇵 Japan.
If you’re in Sapporo, Nijo Market is a must-visit for anyone who loves fresh seafood. It’s a real local market with the atmosphere of old Hokkaido, where you can try the freshest seafood straight from the counter.
Nijo Ichiba is a small but very lively market in the center of Sapporo. Many stalls work as small cafés — you choose seafood and they cook donburi (rice bowl) or grill it for you right away. It’s especially great to come in the morning or during the day when the market is most lively.
FOOD:
We bought a huge whole crab — they heated it, cleaned it, and cut the shell so it was easy to eat later in the hotel. The crab was very large — we couldn’t finish it in one go! We also bought Hokkaido uni and Russian uni for comparison, plus fresh scallops — sweet, elastic, and incredibly tasty. There are many small cafés at the market where you can snack right on the spot — very convenient.
SERVICE:
Friendly and practical. Many stalls cook to order quickly.
VERDICT:
Nijo Market is an authentic and delicious place to experience Hokkaido’s seafood culture. Fresh, vibrant, and full of local life. Highly recommended — come hungry and bring cash.
•They do have wide variety of fresh seafood and rice bowls in stalls and restaurants. You will get great tasting food just from any store.
•Price however is very expensive. Good to just try.
•Walkable market from Odori, and Tv tower.
•Easy to spot, and aisles are very clean.
