Sapporo and Otaru Fish Market Guide: Curb Market vs. Nijo Market vs. Sankaku Market

The ultimate Sapporo and Otaru fish market guide! When traveling to Hokkaido, your trip isn’t complete without tasting succulent King Crab, Snow Crab, and Horsehair Crab. From naturally sweet sea urchin (uni) and overflowing seafood rice bowls (Kaisen-don) to freshly grilled shellfish, Hokkaido’s seafood markets are top bucket-list destinations. But with so many options, which market should you choose? What is the most convenient way to get there? Today, Hokkaido Private Car Travel has curated the three most popular fish markets in Sapporo and Otaru, showing you how to feast like a local on the freshest catches.

Sapporo & Otaru Seafood Feast: Sankaku, Nijo, and Curb Markets

Sapporo Central Wholesale Market: Curb Market — The Largest Selection & Maximum Variety

Located just a short distance from Sapporo Station, the Curb Market (Jogai Ichiba) is the region’s most prominent wholesale hub. Its biggest advantage is the unparalleled variety of live seafood shipped directly from fishing ports across Hokkaido daily.

• Top Highlight: Many shops offer a “buy and cook” service. You can personally select a massive King Crab and have the chef steam or grill it on the spot to enjoy its pristine sweetness.
• Hidden Bonus: Beyond premium seafood, this market is highly famous for high-quality dried goods and seasonal local fruits, such as the iconic Yubari King Melon.
• Address: 21, Kita 11-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo

Nijo Market: A Century-Old Historic Food Street in Downtown Sapporo

Situated right in the heart of downtown Sapporo, Nijo Market is a compact gem that can be thoroughly explored in about an hour. Boasting over a century of history, it remains a beloved hotspot for locals and offers relatively budget-friendly prices.

• Top Highlight: Rich in historical charm, it is the absolute perfect spot to kickstart your morning with a lavish, overflowing seafood bowl for breakfast.
• Address: 1 Chome, Minami 3-jo Higashi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo

Otaru Sankaku Market: The Hidden Seafood Treasure with Great Value

Nestled right next to Otaru Station, Sankaku Market is a favorite sanctuary for savvy, in-the-know travelers. Celebrated for its exceptional cost-performance (CP value), this narrow, bustling alleyway is packed with fresh marine delicacies and enthusiastic shopkeepers.

• Top Highlight: The seafood bowls here are world-famous for their jaw-dropping, oversized portions. It is an indispensable stop for road trippers and private car travelers visiting Otaru.
• Address: 3-10-16 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido

Sapporo & Otaru Seafood Tour: Door-to-Door Private Car Service

• Effortless Transit Solutions: While the Curb Market and Sankaku Market are near train stations, they still require a brisk walk outdoors. Booking a premium private car charter guarantees seamless door-to-door drop-offs. It completely saves you from walking through deep winter snow or freezing winds.
• Stress-Free Shopping: When you purchase heavy dried goods, boxes of fresh fruits, or fragile souvenirs at the markets, you don’t have to carry them around all day. Simply leave your shopping bags safely inside our vehicle’s spacious trunk.
• Expert Chauffeur Itineraries: Have a gourmet breakfast at Sapporo’s Nijo Market in the morning. Your driver will then cruise you directly to Otaru’s Sankaku Market for a secondary seafood feast by lunchtime, followed by a relaxing afternoon stroll along the romantic Otaru Canal. Experiencing the best seafood across two different cities in a single day is a luxury that only our Hokkaido private car tour can deliver!