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Start your day with the best of Hokkaido’s seafood at Hakodate Morning Market, where you can taste, shop, and even fish for your breakfast.
A Bustling Market Full of Local Charm
Just steps from JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Morning Market (函館朝市) wakes up early and buzzes with the sound of vendors calling out specials, the clatter of seafood being prepared, and the scent of grilled fish wafting through the air.
Spanning several blocks, the market is filled with stalls selling everything from just-caught squid to live king crab. We were struck by how friendly the vendors were. Many offered free samples and encouraged us to try their specialties. Our kids even got to hold a live crab, which was both thrilling and slightly terrifying for them!
Prices here are surprisingly reasonable. Whether you’re picking up dried scallops as souvenirs or ordering a bowl of seafood donburi, you’re getting high-quality ingredients at a fair price.
Seafood Lunch at the Market
Hakodate Morning Market opens as early as 5 AM, but we arrived closer to lunchtime after exploring other parts of the city. By then, the market was in full swing. Stalls were packed with fresh seafood glistening on ice, the scent of grilled scallops filled the air, and we happily sat down to enjoy donburi topped with salmon roe, sea urchin, and tuna.
Even though we missed the early morning bustle, the atmosphere was still lively. Vendors called out specials, regulars browsed for the best catch, and tourists like us wandered from stall to stall. We chatted with friendly fishmongers and took our time soaking it all in. The donburi alone would have made the trip worthwhile. It was bursting with flavor, incredibly fresh, and surprisingly affordable.
Try Squid Fishing for a One-of-a-Kind Experience
One of the most memorable parts of our morning was the squid fishing experience. At a special tank inside the market, our kids had the chance to catch live squid using small fishing rods. Once caught, the vendor quickly prepared the squid into sashimi, slicing it right in front of us.
Watching our son go from catching to eating his squid was both hilarious and heartwarming, and an experience we would never forget. The sashimi was as fresh as it gets.
How to Get to Hakodate Morning Market
Train
- Take the JR Hakodate Line to JR Hakodate Station. The market is a 2-minute walk from the station’s west exit.
Bus
- From Hakodate Airport, take the airport limousine bus to Hakodate Station. It takes about 20 minutes.
Taxi
- A taxi from Hakodate Airport to the market takes about 15 minutes and costs around ¥2,000–¥2,500.
Is Hakodate Morning Market Worth Visiting?
Definitely. Hakodate Morning Market is one of the city’s signature stops and offers much more than just a meal. It’s a celebration of Hokkaido’s rich food culture, filled with warmth, flavor, and local charm. From chatting with friendly vendors to savoring some of the freshest seafood we’ve ever tasted, every part of the experience felt authentic and memorable. If you’re visiting Hakodate, this lively market is a must.
More to Explore Nearby
After sampling fresh seafood at Hakodate Morning Market, make time to explore more of the city’s coastal charm and history:
- Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses – Historic brick buildings turned into shops, cafes, and a festive harborfront walking area.
- Motomachi District – A hillside neighborhood with old churches, Western-style homes, and panoramic views of the bay.
- Mount Hakodate – Ride the ropeway at sunset for one of Japan’s most famous night views.
- Fort Goryokaku – Visit this unique star-shaped fortress and climb the tower for aerial views of the moats and cherry blossoms.
