Hakodate Morning Market is a place where energy and excitement fill the air.
One of the greatest pleasures of traveling is definitely the food, and here at Hakodate Morning Market, fresh and delicious food is a given!
They have a shop and an eat-in area, but what else can they do...?

So, this time, I'll teach you how to enjoy the Hakodate Morning Market!
Want to eat something delicious? Want to see a smile? If that's what you're thinking, then come to Hakodate Morning Market!

<Table of Contents>
1. What kind of place is Hakodate Morning Market?
2. What to buy as a souvenir? Top 3 recommended seafood items by locals + dried seafood
3. Learn tips for choosing the best hairy crab from the pros!
4. This is the place to go if you want to eat seafood!
5. Location and Access Information
Final thoughts

1. What kind of place is Hakodate Morning Market?

First, you probably want to know what kind of place Hakodate Morning Market is!
Broadly speaking, there are three main areas: Donburi Yokocho Market, Ekini Market, and Hakodate Morning Market Plaza, and shops line both sides of the main street of the morning market.

Now, let's take a closer look at points ① through ④!

① Donburi Yokocho Market

Donburi Yokocho is lined with restaurants that serve seafood rice bowls, mainly made with seafood caught in and around Hakodate.

The fact that you can eat there at a relatively reasonable price is also a major plus.
Take your time browsing the menu, and if you find a seafood rice bowl that you really like, go ahead and try it!

② Market at the station

Ekini Market is a wonderful place where you can shop comfortably indoors.
Its distinguishing feature is its convenience, as it sells not only fresh seafood, but also dried fish, delicacies, Hakodate souvenirs, and even sweets.

And above all, the price is cheap!
You can get items at a low price that you could never buy at a supermarket!

Please note that recommendations may vary slightly from store to store, so feel free to ask the staff about anything that catches your eye. They are all friendly and nice people, so it's actually quite enjoyable!

They might just show you a hidden gem!

③ Hakodate Morning Market Square

The market actually has such a well-equipped food court!
What surprised me was the Hakodate Morning Market Plaza.
This complex also houses many trendy shops, including fried chicken restaurants, in addition to seafood restaurants.

I doubt there are many people who are a little tired of seafood, but this is a very convenient option for when you want to eat something different, are feeling a little hungry, or want to take a break!

④ Morning Market Nakadori Street

Nakadori Street is not to be underestimated either.
On both sides, you'll find shops selling seafood and other establishments where you can eat in.

The staff are friendly and easy to talk to, so it's perfect for those who want to shop at their own pace while chatting!
The outdoor area might have a more authentic "market" feel.

★Check out Hokkaido Lab's special feature on Hakodate sightseeing!★

2. What to buy as a souvenir? Top 3 recommended seafood items by locals + dried seafood

So, what would be a good souvenir to buy?
Choosing an item from so many different kinds, and then choosing a store...it can be quite a hassle, right?
So, I'd like to introduce some recommended souvenirs that I heard about from people at the market!

2-1. Squid that are too energetic to be a problem

Q. What is a famous specialty of Hakodate?
A. It's gotta be squid, right?

Everyone answers in unison with the two characters "squid".

Hakodate is famous for its thriving squid fishing industry, and for the delicious, sweet, and chewy squid you can enjoy here. Fresh squid is highly recommended, but be sure to try the salted squid as well, as it's incredibly tasty!

Some shops even offer a unique shipping method called "live squid capsules," where they put live squid into capsules, so be sure to check it out!

*Please note that they do not accept complaints or returns.

As a side note... if they get too energetic... that's right! They spit ink.
Therefore, if you see a live squid in front of you, be careful not to get your face or other body parts close to it.
It will get really, really black.

[Live Squid Capsule Store]
★Maruwa Sugawara
Address: 9-20 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
The official website ishere

2-2. The crab's roe is its lifeblood! "Hairy Crab"

King crab, snow crab, Hanasaki crab, giant spider crab, etc...
As you know, there are many types of crabs, but the one most commonly seen in Hakodate is the "hairy crab."

While the meat in the legs is mainly delicious in king crabs and snow crabs, the best part of hairy crabs is the crab miso.
You can certainly eat the legs too, but nothing beats the crab miso of the hairy crab!

Rich and creamy, and since the market vendors have carefully selected and displayed them, every single one is a winner!
If you order by mail, they will boil the vegetables before sending them, so you don't have to worry about the flavor deteriorating.

A sophisticated way to enjoy crab is to pour sake into the shell after you've finished the crab miso, bring it to a boil, and then gulp it down. It's delicious!
By the way, if you don't drink alcohol, feel free to use it as a base for miso soup!

2-3. Plump and juicy salmon roe

Although the seasoning of salmon roe varies from shop to shop, they use fresh ingredients, so no matter where you eat it, it's plump and absolutely delicious!
Many people apparently buy this as a souvenir for themselves so they can enjoy this taste at home.

Many of the shops are homemade, and each one confidently recommends its products, so you can't go wrong!
The prices are all very affordable, so please do try the authentic flavors!

2-4. If you're looking for dried fish, this is it! "Atka mackerel"

There are many different types of Atka mackerel, which can make choosing difficult, but they keep well, are large, and taste great, making them a very popular item in the dried fish category!
Other popular souvenir items include salmon, sea urchin, and salted seafood.

But if you're unsure which one to choose, the quickest way to decide is to ask the shop staff.
Depending on what we stock at the time, we might have some rare items!

3. Learn tips for choosing the best hairy crab from the pros!

I know I keep repeating myself, but the crab's roe is its most important part. I was taught how to tell which crab is packed full of that delicious roe!

As you can see in the image, press the "lower part" of the crab's shell.
If you touch it and the shell is hard, it means there's plenty of roe inside!

Conversely, unfortunately, there are very few children who become discouraged or depressed.
*It's not a good idea to blindly press every single crab, so be careful.

The instructor who taught me this time is an employee of "Miyazaki Shoten" on Nakadori Street.
This shop is highly recommended if you're looking to buy hairy crabs, as it features a wide selection of professionally selected crabs. You can't go wrong!

They'll listen to any concerns you have, so please feel free to talk to them!
★Morning Market Nakadori: Miyazaki Shoten

4. This is the place to go if you want to eat seafood!

There are so many seafood options, it's hard to choose!
From the perspective of what criteria to use when choosing, we have selected three locations this time.
I hope this is helpful!

4-1. If you're looking for a sure thing, try "Kikuyo Shokudo"!

"The salmon roe is delicious!"

I decided on the "Tomoe Don" after just one comment from the staff member...
Kokokikuyo Shokudo is a long-established restaurant frequented by locals.

Originally, it was a diner used by vendors who came to the morning market for work, but its delicious food became so popular that it became a famous restaurant attracting customers from both within and outside Hokkaido.

The notion that "donburi dishes are all the same as long as you put the toppings on them" will change completely after just one bite.

First, we use A-grade Yumepirika rice from Hokkaido.
I was surprised that it wasn't vinegared rice, but served piping hot!

Donburi (rice bowl dishes) eaten in the Kanto region are generally made with vinegared rice.
In other words, it's clear that it's not in the category of "sushi."

Next, regarding the food, as I mentioned at the beginning, I went with the "Tomoe Donburi," which was recommended by the staff.
A luxurious three-item platter featuring salmon roe, sea urchin, and scallops. How extravagant!

Incidentally, you can choose your favorite items from the menu, so that might be one of the reasons for its popularity.
This time we had three types, but it's possible to add anywhere from one to seven different toppings!

Even greedy people like you will be satisfied with this!!
On the other hand, if you have a favorite sushi topping, you can eat until you're full!
For those who want to eat on the go, we also offer mini-sized bowls, so please choose according to your preference!

[Spot Information: Kikuyo Shokudo]
Phone: 0138-22-3732
営業時間：5：00～14：00（12月～3月は6：00～13：30）
Closed on: New Year's Day
The official website ishere

4-2. If you're looking for a drink, try "Ikadaya".

It would be great if you could eat fresh scallops and sea urchins right there in the market.
But yes, it exists! It really does exist!!

This ikadaya restaurant has a wide selection of scallops and sea urchins, perfect as snacks to go with drinks.
And apparently this is the third restaurant opened by the same owner who runs "Izakaya Jiro" in Hakodate Honcho and "Izakaya Tairyoki" in Daimon! In other words, it's a famous restaurant.

Their specialty is Ika Teppou (350 yen), a meatball made from minced squid.
And the savory aroma of the grilled scallops is so tempting, you just can't resist buying some. It's so unfair! You just can't help but buy some.

The reason I said "a snack to go with alcohol" is...
Believe it or not, they have alcohol!

While there are places in restaurants where you can drink beer, it's rare to find one like this inside a market!
Moreover, in addition to local sake, they have a wide selection of Japanese sake that will impress even the most discerning sake connoisseur.

There's a rest area right in front of you, so for those who love alcohol, the dream of having a drink in the middle of the market becomes a reality.

Ask the stylish bartender about the drinks and snacks, and try to find your own best choice to enjoy a delicious meal!
Of course! People who don't drink alcohol are also very welcome.
[Station Market: Raft Shop]
Phone: 090-8902-5130
The official website ishere

4-3. Source your own ingredients!? A great story to tell when you go to a live squid fishing pond.

The "live squid fishing pond," now a famous attraction at Hakodate Morning Market, is an amazing place where you can catch your own squid and have it prepared as sashimi right there on the spot.
With so many lively squid swimming around, you might think it would be difficult to catch them, but it seems that it's surprisingly easy.

This time, we'd like to share the story of a group of gentlemen who were traveling from the Kanto region and kindly cooperated with our interview!

First, drop your fishing line into the fish tank.
A squid swimming with considerable force versus a customer. I'm half-doubtful whether we'll actually catch it...

The method is very simple.
Simply hook the hook attached to the rig onto the squid's ear!
All you have to do is move the lure a little in the direction the squid is swimming, and you should be able to catch one.

I caught one!
It's really easy, so even beginners have absolutely nothing to worry about!
Many families enjoy it, and it seems to be especially popular with children.
These squid are very energetic, so please be careful of their ink and splashes.

The next person also cast their line and was able to catch a fish easily!
Finally, we took a commemorative photo with the squid. This will be a great memory!

And now, the moment we've all been waiting for: squid sashimi time!
It's incredibly clear, and so fresh that the texture is simply amazing!

It's so springy you can hear a crunching sound when you bite into it! The satisfaction of having caught it yourself makes it taste even better.
You should definitely try squid fishing and squid sashimi! I highly recommend it.

【Facility information】
★Location: Ekini Market
Phone: 0138-22-5330 (Hakodate Station 2nd Commercial Cooperative)
Price: Market price (approximately 500 to 1,700 yen)
The official website ishere

4-4. Eating while walking around is fun too! "Kaneni Morning Market Store"

Now, Nakadori Street offers not only shopping but also many food stalls and shops where you can enjoy street food.
Many people probably feel like they want to eat fresh seafood right now, rather than buying it as a souvenir!

Among them, my top recommendation is "Kaneni Morning Market Store".
Here, you can easily enjoy Ezo abalone and octopus.
Because it is steamed in a bamboo steamer, the delicious flavor is not lost.

The photo shows Ezo abalone. When you pour soy sauce on it and pop it in your mouth...it's surprisingly tender!
It has a more refined and richer flavor than the larger, more expensive black abalone.

To be able to enjoy Ezo abalone so easily... this might just be what you call a moment of pure bliss.

And apparently, this shop sells "crab buns" that can only be found here in the Hakodate market.
I immediately cracked it open! Wow!! There's really crab meat inside.

It tastes just like crab. It's wrapped in a fluffy shell, and just one is enough to satisfy you!

By the way, we have about three types, from the standard to a crab bun with crab miso, so please choose your favorite!

[Kaneni Morning Market Store]
Address: 9-7 Wakamatsucho, Hakodate City
Phone: 0138-22-0103
The official website ishere

5. Location and Access Information

【Traffic access】
★1 minute walk from the North Exit of JR Hokkaido's Hakodate Station
★2-minute walk from Hakodate Station on the Hakodate City Tram.
★From Hakodate Airport to JR Hakodate Station: Shuttle bus - approximately 20 minutes (410 yen one way, 1-3 buses per hour)

[Hakodate Morning Market Information]
Address: 9-19 Wakamatsucho, Hakodate City
Phone: 0120-858-313 (Hakodate Morning Market Cooperative Association Secretariat)
Hours:
May to December: 1:00 AM to 4:00 PM (however, some stores close around 3:00 PM)
May to December: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM (however, some stores close around 3:00 PM)
Closed days: Open all year round (however, this may vary by store)
The official website ishere

*If you spend 2,100 yen or more at a store recommended by the Morning Market Cooperative Association, you will receive 60 minutes of free parking in the first parking lot.
*Even if you use the service at multiple stores, the service will not be duplicated or combined.

Final thoughts

Given that it was a collection of food, perhaps the word "delicious" is the most appropriate description.
However, the phrase "It was fun!" somehow perfectly describes Hakodate Morning Market.

Just browsing the shops is fun, but when you're traveling, you really have to enjoy shopping too!
Furthermore, the staff at the shop were all incredibly friendly, and I often found myself chatting with them for extended periods.
I'd love to see the people at the market again... This place is filled with that kind of warmth.

If you ever travel to Hakodate, be sure to visit the Hakodate Morning Market!

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