Sapporo Central Wholesale Market (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Sapporo Central Wholesale Market?
What makes it 67% Kids-Friendly: Kids like peering into live-crab tanks and picking snack souvenirs, and aisles are fairly wide, yet 5 a.m. auctions, knife stalls, slippery floors, and no play corners curb comfort and safety.
Positives:
- Kid Engagement: Kids love watching live crabs in tanks and spotting colorful fruits.
- Family Facilities: Accessible restrooms, stroller-friendly aisles and baby chairs at Kitano Gourmet-tei make exploring easy.
Challenges:
- Early Stalls Open: Most fish auctions start before 7 AM, too early for young children.
- Peak Crowd Times: The market gets busy around lunch and year-end; hold hands in narrow aisles.
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 kids?
- Kids can see live crabs and colorful produce up close.
- Family-friendly amenities include stroller access, high chairs and diaper-changing stations.
- Enjoy fresh seafood bowls and grilled scallops at Kitano Gourmet-tei.
- Pick fun snack souvenirs like dried squid or salmon jerky.
- Mid-morning visits avoid very early auctions and heavy crowds.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This allows time to stroll stalls, enjoy a family seafood meal and shop without tiring younger kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
Mid-Morning Market Walk:
Arrive after 9:00 AM to stroll wide curb-market aisles and watch crabs in tanks.
Tip: Let each child pick a fruit or dried seafood snack to try.
Family Seafood Meal at Kitano Gourmet-tei:
Enjoy seafood rice bowls, miso soup and grilled scallops in a family-friendly restaurant.
Tip: Use the free high chairs, diaper-changing table and lift access for strollers.
Souvenir Snack Shopping:
Browse stalls for kid-friendly snack souvenirs like dried squid or salmon jerky.
Tip: Look for small packs (¥300–¥600) and let kids carry their own in a backpack.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Sapporo Central Wholesale Market
- Visit After 9 AM: Restaurants open and auction halls quiet down by mid-morning, making it easier with kids.
- Use Coin Lockers: Store extra snacks or stroller gear in coin lockers (¥100–¥200) to keep hands free.
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)?
Late December to early January features fresh king crab, hairy crab and salmon roe for tasting and gifts. Markets run busy then; visit midweek after 9 AM to avoid crowds.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family seafood bowls (4 bowls @ ¥1,500) | JPY 6,000 |
| Kids’ snack souvenirs (4 @ ¥300) | JPY 1,200 |
| Coin locker | JPY 200 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 7,400 |
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
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Sapporo Central Wholesale Market (Sapporo)?
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
Explore 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!
10 BEST nearby Activities