Hakodate and More Places with Great Fish Markets!

If you love fresh seafood and vibrant market culture, Hakodate and other iconic fish markets across Japan should be at the top of your travel list! Hakodate’s fish market scene is legendary, offering some of the freshest catches straight from the sea. It has a bustling atmosphere and a huge variety of seafood delicacies to sample.

But Hakodate is just one of many amazing places with thriving fish markets! In this blog, we’ll explore some of Japan’s best fish markets. Each destination offers a unique experience, making it a must-see spot for seafood lovers.

Omicho Market Kanazawa

Heading to Kanazawa, Omicho Market is another fantastic spot to explore Japan’s seafood culture. Often referred to as “Kanazawa’s Kitchen,” Omicho Market has been serving the region for over 280 years! This market is famous for its fresh seafood, particularly the winter specialty of Kanazawa—snow crabs.

Omicho Market is a hub for seafood lovers and a cultural hotspot. It’s a great place to see how food is an integral part of life in Kanazawa, a city known for its rich history and beautiful gardens, like Kenrokuen Garden. In addition to fresh seafood, you can also find seasonal fruits, vegetables, and even some local Kanazawa sweets. And don’t forget to indulge in a sushi breakfast at one of the many small restaurants inside the market.

Karato Market Shimonoseki

Located in Shimonoseki, Karato Market is the place to go if you want to try fugu (pufferfish). Shimonoseki is known as the “Fugu Capital” of Japan, and Karato Market is where you can experience this delicacy safely. The market is particularly lively during weekends and holidays when vendors prepare fresh sashimi, sushi, and other seafood dishes that you can enjoy on the spot.

What sets Karato Market apart is its stunning waterfront location. You can grab some fresh seafood and enjoy it while gazing out over the Kanmon Strait, which separates Honshu and Kyushu. Karato Market is also famous for its Iki-Iki Bakangai, a weekend food fair where vendors prepare freshly cooked seafood for snacking as you stroll around the market. It’s an excellent destination for foodies and a must-visit if you’re ever in the Yamaguchi Prefecture area.

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Hakodate Morning Market

Let’s start with the star of the show—Hakodate Morning Market. This iconic market, known locally as Hakodate Asaichi, is one of Hokkaido’s most famous tourist destinations. It’s not hard to see why: here, you can wander through over 250 stalls selling fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, and more. One of the market’s highlights is the chance to sample “kaisen-don,” a rice bowl loaded with fresh sashimi. You can pick your seafood, and it’s prepared on the spot for you to enjoy.

Besides the incredible seafood, Hakodate Morning Market is famous for its friendly and lively atmosphere. Many vendors will invite you to try their goods; some even offer live squid fishing experiences! The market is just a few minutes’ walk from Hakodate Station, making it an easy and exciting way to kickstart your day.

Kuromon Market Osaka

No list of Japan’s top fish markets would be complete without mentioning Kuromon Market in Osaka. Known as the “Kitchen of Osaka,” Kuromon Market has been a beloved spot for chefs and locals for over 190 years. This bustling market is not just about seafood—it’s a haven for all Japanese delicacies, from wagyu beef to fresh fruit and traditional sweets.

Kuromon Market is especially popular with tourists for its street food. Many stalls sell freshly grilled seafood skewers, oysters, and sushi you can enjoy while walking through the vibrant, covered market streets.

Beyond the market, Osaka itself is a food lover’s paradise. Famous for dishes like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), Osaka’s food scene is one of the best in Japan, making Kuromon Market a perfect starting point for your culinary adventure.

Hirome Market Kochi

Last but not least, we have Hirome Market in Kochi. This market is slightly different from the others on this list because it combines a traditional market with a food court-like atmosphere. Hirome Market is where locals and visitors enjoy fresh seafood in a laid-back, social setting.

One of the most famous dishes here is katsuo no tataki—seared bonito fish, a specialty of Kochi. You can order it freshly made and enjoy it with some sake. The market has a fun, casual vibe, with long communal tables where people sit together, making it a great place to meet locals and fellow travelers.

Why should I go to fish markets in places like Hakodate?

People visit fish markets like Hakodate because these markets offer the freshest seafood and provide a truly immersive cultural experience. Unlike restaurants, markets allow you to interact directly with vendors, learn about the local produce, and even sample unique regional delicacies on the spot. Plus, many of these markets are located in scenic coastal towns or cities, and their history and attractions make them ideal for a full-day adventure.

Fish markets like Hakodate Morning Market, Omicho Market, and Kuromon Market also offer an authentic glimpse into local life and the role of seafood in Japanese culture. Have you ever been to a fish market in Japan? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!