Nijo Market Sapporo
If you're planning a trip to Sapporo and want to taste Hokkaido's famed seafood at its freshest, there's no better place to start than Nijo Market (Nijo Ichiba). Conveniently located just a few blocks from Odori Park in central Sapporo, this local market offers more than just food—it offers an authentic, hands-on experience with Hokkaido's culinary soul. Whether you're craving a giant bowl of salmon roe, eager to try buttery sea urchin, or just want to explore Japan's vibrant market culture, Nijo Market is a fun, casual, and delicious stop that perfectly fits into any Sapporo itinerary.
Nijo Market dates back to the late 1800s, when fishermen from the nearby Ishikari Bay began selling their catch directly to locals. Over time, the market grew into a local institution, and it's now one of the best places in Sapporo to explore Hokkaido's rich seafood tradition. While smaller than markets in Tokyo or Osaka, Nijo's intimate size and friendly vendors make it more approachable—ideal for first-time visitors to Japan who may feel overwhelmed by massive crowds or complex menus.
What to Do and Eat atMarket
Feast on a Fresh Seafood Bowl (Kaisen-don)
The star attraction here is the kaisen-don—a rice bowl generously topped with ultra-fresh seafood like tuna, scallops, salmon roe (ikura), and Hokkaido's prized uni (sea urchin). It's sushi without the formal setting and makes for the perfect breakfast or early lunch.
Popular restaurants in and around the market include:
Donburi Chaya – Known for customizable donburi bowls and English menus. Try the trio of crab, uni, and ikura. Nijo Ichiba Ohiso -A local favorite with a huge variety of toppings and hearty portions. Kaisendon Ichiba-Affordable and friendly for first-timers, with easy ordering and set combos.
Buy Souvenirs and Hokkaido Specialties
Want to take the taste of Hokkaido home? Many shops sell:
Vacuum-packed dried scallops or squid
Bottled sauces and seafood seasonings
Local miso, kelp (kombu), and pickled vegetables
Fresh fruit like melons or apples in season
Location and How to Get There
Address: Minami 3-jo Higashi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
From Odori Station (Subway Namboku/Tozai/Toho Lines): 5-minute walk
From Sapporo Station: About 15 minutes on foot
Located just east of Odori Park and west of the Sosei River
Opening Hours and Best Times to Visit
Opening Hours: Most shops are open from 7:00 AM to 2:00 or 3:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (7–10 AM) for the freshest seafood and a more relaxed crowd
Closed Days: Varies by shop—some close on certain weekdays, others open daily
Nearby Attractions Worth Exploring
Odori Park: Just a few blocks away; great for a stroll or snack break
Sapporo TV Tower: Climb for a panoramic view of the city
Tanukikoji Shopping Street: A lively covered arcade full of souvenir shops, cafes, and clothing boutiques
Susukino Entertainment District: Japan's northern version of Times Square, especially lively at night
Nijo Market offers the perfect combination of flavor, culture, and atmosphere. Whether you're sipping miso soup next to a local chef or diving into your first uni donburi, you'll walk away with a deeper appreciation for Hokkaido's food culture. It's casual enough for breakfast, fun enough for a group stop, and delicious enough to come back again. For food-loving travelers, families, and first-timers alike, Nijo Market is the real deal.
Chauffeurs and Car Tours
As a reliable limo and tour company, we provide private transfers and car tours for international travelers to/from Nijo Market. We not only offer the service in Sapporo, but also the car charted service throughout Hokkaido, such as Niseko, Otaru, etc.
If you're planning a trip to Sapporo and want to taste Hokkaido's famed seafood at its freshest, there's no better place to start than Nijo Market (Nijo Ichiba). Conveniently located just a few blocks from Odori Park in central Sapporo, this local market offers more than just food—it offers an authentic, hands-on experience with Hokkaido's culinary soul. Whether you're craving a giant bowl of salmon roe, eager to try buttery sea urchin, or just want to explore Japan's vibrant market culture, Nijo Market is a fun, casual, and delicious stop that perfectly fits into any Sapporo itinerary.
Nijo Market dates back to the late 1800s, when fishermen from the nearby Ishikari Bay began selling their catch directly to locals. Over time, the market grew into a local institution, and it's now one of the best places in Sapporo to explore Hokkaido's rich seafood tradition. While smaller than markets in Tokyo or Osaka, Nijo's intimate size and friendly vendors make it more approachable—ideal for first-time visitors to Japan who may feel overwhelmed by massive crowds or complex menus.
What to Do and Eat atMarket
Feast on a Fresh Seafood Bowl (Kaisen-don)
The star attraction here is the kaisen-don—a rice bowl generously topped with ultra-fresh seafood like tuna, scallops, salmon roe (ikura), and Hokkaido's prized uni (sea urchin). It's sushi without the formal setting and makes for the perfect breakfast or early lunch.
Popular restaurants in and around the market include:
Donburi Chaya – Known for customizable donburi bowls and English menus. Try the trio of crab, uni, and ikura. Nijo Ichiba Ohiso -A local favorite with a huge variety of toppings and hearty portions. Kaisendon Ichiba-Affordable and friendly for first-timers, with easy ordering and set combos.
Buy Souvenirs and Hokkaido Specialties
Want to take the taste of Hokkaido home? Many shops sell:
Vacuum-packed dried scallops or squid
Bottled sauces and seafood seasonings
Local miso, kelp (kombu), and pickled vegetables
Fresh fruit like melons or apples in season
Location and How to Get There
Address: Minami 3-jo Higashi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
From Odori Station (Subway Namboku/Tozai/Toho Lines): 5-minute walk
From Sapporo Station: About 15 minutes on foot
Located just east of Odori Park and west of the Sosei River
Opening Hours and Best Times to Visit
Opening Hours: Most shops are open from 7:00 AM to 2:00 or 3:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (7–10 AM) for the freshest seafood and a more relaxed crowd
Closed Days: Varies by shop—some close on certain weekdays, others open daily
Nearby Attractions Worth Exploring
Odori Park: Just a few blocks away; great for a stroll or snack break
Sapporo TV Tower: Climb for a panoramic view of the city
Tanukikoji Shopping Street: A lively covered arcade full of souvenir shops, cafes, and clothing boutiques
Susukino Entertainment District: Japan's northern version of Times Square, especially lively at night
Nijo Market offers the perfect combination of flavor, culture, and atmosphere. Whether you're sipping miso soup next to a local chef or diving into your first uni donburi, you'll walk away with a deeper appreciation for Hokkaido's food culture. It's casual enough for breakfast, fun enough for a group stop, and delicious enough to come back again. For food-loving travelers, families, and first-timers alike, Nijo Market is the real deal.
Chauffeurs and Car Tours
As a reliable limo and tour company, we provide private transfers and car tours for international travelers to/from Nijo Market. We not only offer the service in Sapporo, but also the car charted service throughout Hokkaido, such as Niseko, Otaru, etc.
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Most Frequently Asked Questions
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- Tel: +81 50-3701-6391
- Email: info@japanholiday.com
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