Nijo Market is a historic public seafood and fresh produce market located right in the centre of Sapporo. It stretches along a few narrow streets and offers a wide variety of seafood, vegetables, fruits, and local Hokkaido products, as well as small restaurants and food stalls where you can eat on site.
The atmosphere is lively, especially in the morning, with vendors calling out and visitors browsing the stands. Many sellers are friendly, and the market gives a nice glimpse into Hokkaido’s food culture.
What impressed me the most were the enormous crabs on display. I had never seen such gigantic crabs before, and certainly never so many different kinds of crabs gathered in one place. It was fascinating just to walk around and look at them – definitely one of the highlights of the visit.
At the same time, it’s good to be aware that prices here, particularly for seafood bowls and restaurant meals, are quite high. The market feels more like a tourist-oriented spot than a place for bargain dining.
Overall, Nijo Market is a pleasant and colorful place to visit, perfect for a short stroll, people-watching, and enjoying the atmosphere. I would recommend coming for the experience and the visual impressions – especially if you want to see impressive seafood displays – but not necessarily for the best-value meal in Sapporo.
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.
Went there Oct 2025.
If you’re looking for affordable and fresh king crab, this is the place! Skip the restaurants and go to the market stalls. Choose your crab and they will heat it up for you. You can eat it in tables just behind the stall. You can buy Japanese sweet corn to pair with the crab. You’ll need to bring your own beverage before going there. 4 of us shared a ¥15,000 king crab and ¥200 sweet corn we were super satisfied.
You need to be here!!! The fish market in city. They have got a load of local restaurants. That you can pick the sea creatures up from tank.
If you are not into raw food, seafood can be offered to be cooked.
Honestly, I saw most of boiled on the others’ table looking delicious but I have not much time to wait.
If you have got enough time to enjoy them, please let me know how much it is delicious.
