Sapporo Crab Market (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Sapporo Crab Market?
What makes it 76% Couple-Friendly: Couples can share freshly cooked king crab, try multiple seafood bowls, and enjoy lively market atmosphere, yet the crowded lanes and fishy smells limit privacy and lingering romance.
Positives:
- Local Expertise: Vendors gladly explain crab species and cooking tips.
- Convenient Delivery: Free hotel delivery makes carrying fresh seafood hassle-free.
Challenges:
- Peak Hours: The market is busiest 8:00–11:00, causing queues and crowding.
- Limited Seating: Popular stalls have few seats; be ready to stand or wait for a table.
What is Sapporo Crab Market?
- A street-side seafood market adjacent to the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market in Hokkaido
- Home to dozens of vendors specializing in Hokkaido crab varieties, including king crab, snow crab and hairy crab, offered live and fresh
- A market spanning roughly 80,000 square meters since 1960, featuring a wide range of local aquatic products and agricultural specialties
What is so special about Sapporo Crab Market for couple trip?
- Sample snow, king, and hairy crab in one meal
- Select and cook live crabs side-by-side
- Stroll stalls with free melon and seafood samples
- Use hotel delivery to send seafood home hassle-free
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: This gives you time to wander stalls, sample crab bowls, and enjoy fresh sashimi together.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Sapporo Crab Market
Three Crab Bowl:
Try a rice bowl with snow, king, and hairy crab.
Tip: Order soon after opening to taste peak freshness and avoid lines.
Scallop Sashimi:
Eat fresh scallop sliced at the stall tank.
Tip: Ask for extra soy sauce and wasabi to enhance the flavor.
Live Crab Cooking:
Select a live king or hairy crab and have it boiled on site.
Tip: Weigh the crab before ordering to control cost and share the experience.
Market Stroll and Samples:
Walk the alleys and taste melon, corn, and salmon roe samples.
Tip: Start at the far end of the market to beat crowds and collect more samples.
Hotel Delivery Service:
Ship seafood purchases to your hotel without carrying boxes.
Tip: Reserve delivery at the stall before you pay to ensure same-day service.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Sapporo Crab Market
- Early Arrival: Arrive at 6:00 when stalls open for the best picks and shortest lines.
- Carry Cash: Some stalls don’t accept cards; bring small yen bills and coins.
Reviews of Sapporo Crab Market
Dora Chan
Well worth coming. Even though I was a bit skeptical at first as my hotel did not seem to know the place and there seemed to be only a few tourists around. The place I went to took their last order at 2:30pm. BUT this was such a great experience. The uni was so creamy. The snow crab was amazingly sweet and succulent. Everything else I tried - the salmon, the tuna, the ikura, the hairy crab miso s...
geo ong
Many places to choose from, pick your crab and have them cook it for you. Or order from the menu. Or they have ready cooked. We had to go with a stall with its own restaurant at the 2nd floor. Overcooked the grilled king crab. But the boiled snow crab, and surf clam was good!
Farah Abdul Rahim
Walking from Nijuyonken Station through icy road.. Reaching the market after about 10 min... There are shops that sell seafood especially crabs for you to take home while others provide area for dine in - either boil or grill.. There are fresh oyster in the menu. Toilets are available in the shop..
A Martin (Abecbebec)
Tried melon and grape here and it was juicy and sweet. Tried king crab too while we are here and it was good. The crab is sweet and so good. Too bad we didnt get a bigger one since it was quite pricey. We got it for 15000 yen per kg and it was quite a good deal. Other places charges up to 25k per kg for a live king crab. Need to get 4-5kg next time
Lloyd Lim
Navigating through Sapporo Crab Market, I felt the tourist trap undertow, but the crab freshness shone through, albeit with the expected price twists for us visitors. On the bright side, no extra charges for cooking the crab you pick. Head to the restaurant at the back for a personal touch to your crab feast. If crab isn't your thing, dive into a variety of seafood bowls – a real taste of Sapporo,...
When is the best time to visit Sapporo Crab Market (Sapporo, Japan)?
Visit December–February for peak crab season when king and hairy crabs are plump. In summer, look for juicy Hokkaido melon and grilled corn samples.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Three Crab Bowl (per person) | JPY 4,000 |
| Scallop sashimi (one scallop) | JPY 550 |
| Live king crab cooking (per crab) | JPY 3,500 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 12,050 |
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 Crab Market
Address: 21-chōme-2-3 Kita 11 Jōnishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0011, Japan
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About Sapporo Crab 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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