Sapporo Central Wholesale Market (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Sapporo Central Wholesale Market?
Couples can share an early-morning auction tour and split a fresh seafood bowl, but the utilitarian market setting offers limited seating together and little romantic ambience after breakfast rush.
Positives:
- Quiet Morning Atmosphere: Arrive before 7 AM to enjoy stalls with fewer visitors.
- Authentic Local Dining: Sit at the counter in Kitano Gourmet-tei for a front-row view of chefs at work.
Challenges:
- Early Start Required: Fish auctions begin at 5:15 AM, requiring a very early wake-up.
- Limited English Support: Most stalls use Japanese labels; have a translation app ready.
What is so special about Sapporo Central Wholesale Market for couple trip?
- Experience a live tuna auction at dawn together
- Wander colorful stalls of fresh Hokkaido seafood hand in hand
- Share a kaisendon brunch at a family-run eatery for an authentic moment
Recommended visit duration: 1-3 hours
Why 1-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time for an early auction tour, market stroll, and seafood brunch without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
Join the Early-Morning Auction Tour:
Watch the tuna auction at 5:15 AM on a guided tour.
Tip: Book by phone or email at least two days before to secure spots.
Stroll the Jogai Curb Market:
Explore over 60 stalls of fresh seafood, produce, and dried goods.
Tip: Arrive by 6 AM for the best light and fewer crowds for photos.
Seafood Brunch at Kitano Gourmet-tei:
Share a kaisendon topped with uni, salmon roe, or king crab.
Tip: Order the chef’s special for the freshest catch; ask staff for pairing suggestions.
Content Notice: Some content on this page may be written with the assistance of AI tools. We regularly update to ensure accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Auction Tour | JPY 0 |
| Seafood Brunch (for 2) | JPY 4,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 4,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Sapporo Central Wholesale Market?
Visit November–January to taste peak-season king crab, hairy crab, and salmon roe.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
- Book in Advance: Reserve the free auction tour at least two days ahead by calling +81 11-611-3111.
- Take Public Transport: Use the Toho Line to Nishi 11-chome Station for a 5-minute walk and avoid parking.
Map of Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
Address: 20-chōme-2-1 Kita 12 Jōnishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0012, Japan
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
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.
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 11-611-3111See available options
Promo on Trip.comExplore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
See available options
Promo on Trip.com