Hakodate Morning Market (Hakodate City, Hokkaido)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Hakodate Morning Market is located right in front of JR Hakodate Station and is one of Hokkaido's leading tourist markets, lined with seafood, produce, souvenir shops, and restaurants. Hakodate has flourished as a port city since ancient times, so the market has a long history, and one of its greatest features is that you can taste fresh seafood caught at the port on the spot. There are around 250 stores lined up within the market (this varies depending on the season and year), and seafood bowls (kaisendon) made with live squid, sea urchin, salmon roe, and crab are popular with tourists. Many stores open early in the morning, making it a popular spot for "breakfast" and "breakfast sightseeing."

Highlights

• Demonstration and provision of live squid: There are restaurants that will cook fresh, transparent squid on the spot, allowing you to savor the firmness and sweetness of the flesh.
• Seafood bowl: A bowl of rice topped with sea urchin, salmon roe, crab, scallops, salmon, and more is a staple at the morning market. It's very satisfying in both volume and freshness.
• Purchase at market price and delivery to other areas: You can buy on the spot and have it delivered to your home by refrigerated delivery. This is convenient for choosing souvenirs (shipping and packaging services vary depending on the store).
• A stroll to enjoy the local atmosphere: It's fun just to listen to the lively calls of the market, interact with the shopkeepers, and look around at the seasonal ingredients.
• Processed goods and souvenirs: There is a wide selection of delicacies, dried fish, processed seafood, local sweets, and miscellaneous goods.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Nearest station: JR Hakodate Station (0-3 minutes walk). Hakodate Morning Market is located right in front of the station.
• From the airport: From Hakodate Airport, take the limousine bus to Hakodate Station, which takes approximately 20-25 minutes (depending on traffic conditions).
• City Transportation: Accessible from Hakodate City Tram (streetcar) stations and bus stops. There is a well-developed transportation network connecting to major tourist destinations.
• By car: Paid parking is available in the surrounding area. It is convenient to use public transportation as it gets crowded in the mornings.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Short tour: 30 minutes to 1 hour (for a quick stroll around the market, looking at souvenirs, and doing a little shopping).
• Dining + Shopping: 1 to 2 hours (eating a seafood bowl and doing shipping procedures and shopping at the store).
• If you want to explore at your leisure: At least 2 hours (if you want to compare different shops, take photos, and enjoy the market experience).

Nearby spots

• Hakodate Mountain Ropeway (famous for its night view): Accessible by car or bus from Hakodate Station, this is a sightseeing highlight.
• Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse (Bay Area): An area where you can enjoy shopping, cafes, and events (accessible on foot or by tram).
• Motomachi district (churches and historical buildings): A popular walking spot.
• Goryokaku Park: Famous for the view from Goryokaku Tower and for its cherry blossoms (accessible by city bus).

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Opening hours vary by store: The entire market opens early in the morning, but the opening hours of each store and restaurant vary, so it's a good idea to check the opening hours of the store you want to visit in advance.
• Crowds: The park is extremely crowded during peak tourist seasons (summer, Golden Week, consecutive holidays, New Year's) and morning peak times (7am-9am). Expect to wait in line.
• Payment: Cash is easy to use, but an increasing number of stores are also accepting credit cards and electronic payments. Please note that card acceptance varies by store.
• Photography etiquette: When taking photos of the interior or products of a store, it is polite to ask permission from the store owner. Also, ask permission when taking photos of people.
• Handling of fresh food: As perishable food is served raw, please be careful if you are pregnant, unwell, or have a food allergy. If shipping or taking away, please check that the food is kept refrigerated.
• Price and negotiation: Generally, you should purchase based on the listed price, but you may be able to negotiate a discount when buying in bulk or in bulk. Avoid bargaining and be polite.
• Garbage handling: Please be considerate of those around you, such as not leaving any garbage inside the market and checking with the store before disposing of any garbage generated by the store.