Indulging in Hokkaido’s Seafood: A Gourmet Journey from Sapporo to Otaru

Hokkaido is a gastronomic hotspot, famous for its abundant seafood. Among these treasures, the area spanning from Sapporo to Otaru is a prime spot for enjoying fresh seafood. Here, we introduce a gourmet journey featuring the finest seafood delights available in both Sapporo and Otaru.

Sapporo Chapter: Starting with Breakfast at the Market

1. Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Outer Market

The gourmet journey begins at the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Outer Market. Here, you can enjoy rice bowls (donburi) and grilled dishes made with fresh seafood. Highly recommended is the “Uni, Ikura, and Crab Donburi.” You can savor a harmony of Hokkaido’s rich sea urchin (uni), popping salmon roe (ikura), and sweet crab.

• Recommended Shop: ‘Oiso’ at Nijo Market
• Popular Menu Item: Three-Color Donburi (Uni, Ikura, Crab)

2. Seafood Delights in Susukino at Night

When it comes to nightlife in Sapporo, Susukino is the place to be. Here, you can enjoy fresh seafood at izakayas (Japanese pubs) and sushi restaurants. Must-try items include charcoal-grilled local *hokke* (a type of songpole fish) and sashimi made from live squid.

• Recommended Shop: Sushi Restaurant ‘Genmotsu Hanamaru’
• Popular Menu Item: Sashimi platter of live squid, Charcoal-grilled Hokke

Otaru Chapter: Fresh Gourmet Experiences Unique to a Port Town

3. Seafood Lunch at the Otaru Sankaku Market

After arriving in Otaru from Sapporo (about 30 minutes by train), the first stop should be the “Otaru Sankaku Market.” Here, you can enjoy exquisite seafood at affordable prices. Many restaurants within the market allow you to select your own fish and have it served in a donburi.

• Recommended Shop: ‘Takinami Shokudo’
• Popular Menu Item: Custom Seafood Donburi (A customizable bowl with preferred ingredients)

4. Enjoying Sushi Along the Otaru Canal

Otaru is also famous as a “Sushi Town.” It boasts many renowned establishments that serve sushi using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Savoring premium sushi while enjoying the scenery of the Otaru Canal is pure bliss.

• Recommended Shop: ‘Masushi’
• Popular Menu Item: Chef’s Selection Nigiri Course (Omakase)

5. Seafood Souvenirs from Otaru

To round off your trip, pick up popular seafood processed goods as souvenirs in Otaru. Highly recommended items include Hokkaido kelp, dried scallops, and *ruibe* (fermented raw salmon). These can be purchased at various markets and gift shops.

• Recommended Souvenir: Seafood delicacy set, Ikura soy sauce marinated roe

Summary

The seafood gourmet journey from Sapporo to Otaru is a route where you can fully enjoy the fresh bounty of Hokkaido’s sea. Start with a luxurious seafood donburi at the market in the morning, enjoy Otaru’s famous sushi at noon, and savor local flavors in Susukino at night. Through this trip, we hope you experience the incredible charm of Hokkaido’s marine cuisine!

関連記事

Top 10 Delicious Foods of Japan: A Culinary Journey Through a Nation of Gourmet Delights 日本の重点産業分野における大規模支援策：経済産業省・総務省・国土交通省・農林水産省 Conquering Japan’s Best Local Eats! Affordable and Delicious Must-Try Foods Exploring Hokkaido’s Nature: A 5-Day Drive from Sapporo to Hakodate