Sapporo Central Wholesale Market (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Sapporo Central Wholesale Market?
What makes it 76% Couple-Friendly: Couples enjoy sharing kaisendon breakfasts and watching the animated fish auction together, but the utilitarian setting and 5 a.m. start offer limited romantic atmosphere.
Positives:
- Daily Fresh Seafood: Catch the daily Hokkaido catch delivered in the early morning.
- Local Market Atmosphere: Experience a working market with real buyers and sellers.
- Photo Opportunities: Capture colorful displays of crabs, uni and seasonal produce.
Challenges:
- Very Early Start: Auctions begin at 5:15 AM, requiring an early wake-up.
- Limited English: Some vendors may speak little English—carry a translation app.
- Weekend Crowds: Stalls and restaurants get busy on weekend mornings.
What is Sapporo Central Wholesale Market?
- A wholesale distribution center founded in 1959 that aggregates fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables and artisanal food products from across Hokkaido
- The largest market in Hokkaido with over 80 in-house wholesalers alongside a 100-meter curb market of 63 specialized retailers offering seafood, produce, confectionery and sake
- Designated as the 17th central wholesale market in Japan, directing Hokkaido staples such as salmon, king crab and cod into local and national supply chains
What is so special about Sapporo Central Wholesale Market for couple trip?
- Join a free early-morning fish auction tour.
- Stroll hand-in-hand through 60+ fresh seafood and produce stalls.
- Savor Hokkaido kaisendon topped with uni and king crab.
- Opt for a private guide tour to learn market secrets.
Recommended visit duration: 1-3 hours
Why 1-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: This gives time to join the auction tour, browse stalls, and enjoy a seafood brunch without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
Fish Auction Tour:
Join a free guided fish auction from 5:15–6:30 AM to see professional buyers in action.
Tip: Book by phone at least 2 days in advance (call +81-11-6113111). Arrive 10 minutes early.
Browse Jogai Curb Market:
Stroll over 60 stalls selling fresh seafood, vegetables and local snacks.
Tip: Arrive at 6:00 AM for best selections and fewer crowds. Wear non-slip shoes.
Seafood Brunch at Kitano Gourmet-tei:
Try kaisendon rice bowls topped with Hokkaido uni, salmon roe or king crab.
Tip: Get there before 9 AM to avoid the line. Budget ¥1,500–¥2,500 per person.
Private Market & Breakfast Tour:
Take a 2–3 hour private tour with an English guide to see auctions and specialty shops.
Tip: Book via Viator at least 3 days ahead. Cost is ¥11,000 for up to 3 people.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
- Book Auctions Early: Reserve the free auction tour at least 2 days ahead by calling market office.
- Visit on Weekdays: Go Monday–Friday and arrive by 6:00 AM to beat the crowds.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Floors can be wet—choose non-slip footwear for safety.
Reviews of Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
Peter Lin
Kaisendon, Soup Kani, Grilled Scallop, Grilled Welk, Grilled Tentacles and sweet honeydew. Been craving for my bowl of kaisendon for my Japanese since arriving Japan. And I finally got it at Sapporo Central Wholesale market. This was from one of the shops with restaurant sitting.
James Wernicke Sr.
Not for retail! No tourists.
Ed Korthof
Came here as a tourist; they have a program (in Japanese) which is interesting, and while we didn’t get to see the fish auction (it ends early) we did get to see fruits/vegetables auction (around 7AM). The restaurants inside are simple but good (we saw only folks working in the market though that may be because today is a weekday). I’d highly recommend coming before 6 (5?) and registering to see ...
Zachary Hubbell
This is the professional fresh fish auction, meant primarily for members (local businesses who buy fresh fish in bulk). Similar to other fish auctions in Japan, a limited number of tourists are apparently allowed to visit, but only by advance reservation.
Kingsley Wong
Auction only in the morning from 5am to 8am. After 6am most of the auction from fish market has been completed. Besides, you only can enjoy the auction from the view point on 2/F on saturday. If you have tight schedule, this can be skip.
When is the best time to visit Sapporo Central Wholesale Market (Sapporo, Japan)?
Visit in December–February to see abundant king and hairy crab. Late-year New Year ingredients arrive from mid-December.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Fish auction tour | JPY 0 |
| Seafood brunch at Kitano Gourmet-tei (2 people) | JPY 4,000 |
| Private Market & Breakfast tour | JPY 11,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 15,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
Address: 20-chōme-2-1 Kita 12 Jōnishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0012, Japan
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About Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 11-611-311110 BEST nearby Activities
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