Sapporo Central Wholesale Market (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Sapporo Central Wholesale Market?
What makes it 58% Baby-Friendly: Flat paths suit strollers and one eatery has a lift, high chairs, and a diaper table, but no public nursing room, strong odors, and dense morning crowds make visits only moderately convenient.
Positives:
- Stroller-Friendly Aisles: Most curb-market aisles are flat and wide, making stroller navigation easy.
- Baby-Friendly Amenities: Kitano Gourmet-tei offers baby chairs, diaper-changing stations, and lift access.
Challenges:
- Limited Nursing Rooms: No dedicated nursing room; ask shop staff or use nearby mall facilities.
- Icy Ground in Winter: Outdoor areas can be slippery when cold; attach winter wheels or use a baby carrier if needed.
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 with baby?
- Stroller-accessible aisles with live crab tanks delight babies.
- On-site restaurant offers baby chairs, diaper stations, and lift access.
- Early breakfast seafood bowls give a fresh family meal.
- Coin lockers let you store baby supplies and travel light.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time to browse stalls, enjoy a meal, and take baby breaks without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
Market Browsing & Tank Watching:
After 8:00 AM, stroll wide curb-market aisles and watch live crabs in water tanks.
Tip: Use a stroller to glide through flat aisles and point out colorful seafood to your baby.
Family Seafood Meal at Kitano Gourmet-tei:
Enjoy kaisendon and miso soup with baby chairs and diaper-changing stations available.
Tip: Ask staff for the lift and baby chair on arrival to save time.
Use Coin Lockers:
Store extra diapers or snacks in coin lockers at Shokudō Nagaya near the Curb Market.
Tip: Keep 200 yen coins handy since lockers open 7:00–13:30.
Accessible Restroom Visit:
Use stroller-accessible public restrooms with wide stalls scattered across the market.
Tip: Locate the closest restroom when you enter to plan breaks smoothly.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
- Arrive After 8:00 AM: Stalls are open and the market is less crowded, so aisles stay clear for strollers.
- Store Supplies on Site: Use coin lockers to keep extra diapers and snacks handy without carrying a heavy bag.
- Call Ahead for Other Eateries: If visiting restaurants beyond Kitano Gourmet-tei, confirm stroller and baby-care access by phone.
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)?
In winter, dress baby in warm layers and watch for icy patches on outdoor aisles; in autumn, look for seasonal Hokkaido crab specials.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Two seafood bowls at Kitano Gourmet-tei | JPY 3,000 |
| Snack souvenir (dried seafood) | JPY 500 |
| Coin locker rental | JPY 200 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,700 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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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.
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+81 11-611-311110 BEST nearby Activities
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