Sapporo Central Wholesale Market (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Sapporo Central Wholesale Market?
School-age children enjoy watching live crabs and picking snacks after 9 AM, and one restaurant has high chairs, yet crowded wet floors, fish smells, and lack of play areas may tire them quickly.
Positives:
- Stroller & Wheelchair Access: Wide, level aisles make browsing easy with a stroller.
- Hands-On Fun: Live tanks and bright produce keep children engaged.
Challenges:
- Early Auctions: Fish auctions start before 6 AM and are too early for most kids.
- Limited English: Some vendors speak little English; point-and-choose works best.
What is so special about Sapporo Central Wholesale Market for with kids?
- Stroll wide aisles to watch live crabs
- Enjoy family-friendly seafood bowls with baby care facilities
- Let kids pick and taste snacks at market stalls
- Find seasonal fruits in summer and fresh crabs in winter
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to stroll stalls, enjoy a meal and let kids pick snacks without rush.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
Mid-Morning Market Walk:
Arrive after 9:00 AM to see tanks of live crabs and colorful produce.
Tip: Let kids choose a piece of fruit or dried seafood snack at a stall.
Family Seafood Bowl at Kitano Gourmet-tei:
Try kaisendon or grilled scallops in a family-friendly setting.
Tip: Ask staff for baby chairs and use the diaper-changing table if needed.
Kids’ Snack Souvenir Shopping:
Browse stalls for small packs of dried squid or salmon jerky.
Tip: Keep each snack under ¥500 and let kids pick child-friendly packaging.
Fruit & Vegetable Tasting:
Visit fruit stalls for seasonal berries or melon samples.
Tip: Ask vendors for sample cuts so kids can taste before buying.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult seafood bowls (¥1,500 each) | JPY 3,000 |
| 2 kid-sized portions or shared meal | JPY 1,000 |
| Kids’ snack souvenirs | JPY 600 |
| Coin locker for supplies | JPY 200 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 4,800 |
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?
Winter (Dec–Jan) brings fresh king crab and salmon. Summer (Jul–Aug) offers sweet berries and melons.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
- Visit on Weekdays: Avoid weekend crowds by coming Tuesday–Thursday mornings.
- Time Your Meal: Eat around 10 AM when restaurants open and lines are short.
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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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
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