What it is
Spreading out in front of Hakodate Station, this market is said to trace back to around 1945, when farmers from nearby areas began selling vegetables at the station front just after the war. Today it's said to gather around 250 shops — seafood stalls, produce sellers, and restaurants — with squid-fishing experiences and shops serving seafood bowls and live crab popular with visitors.
How to shop and eat
Many seafood stalls will prepare a seafood bowl on the spot, and sell items like salmon roe and sea urchin by weight. Some market restaurants let you build your own seafood bowl by choosing toppings yourself. What's available and the price depend on the day's catch, so a particular item isn't always guaranteed to be there.
When to visit
Many shops open early, and mornings tend to be the liveliest time. Hours and closing days vary by shop and season, with some shops closing earlier in winter, so it helps to check ahead.
Inside the market is an area known as Donburi Yokocho, said to line up several restaurants side by side, making it easy to compare seafood bowls before choosing. It's just a short walk from JR Hakodate Station, so many travelers are said to stop by between train connections. Footing can get slippery with snow in winter, so comfortable, grippy shoes are recommended. It's also relatively close to Hakodate Airport, making it a common stop at the start or end of a trip. Squid sashimi, a market specialty, is sometimes prepared from a live squid right in front of you, said to offer a distinctly translucent texture.