Sapporo Crab Market (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Sapporo Crab Market?
What makes it 81% Kids-Friendly: School-age children are welcome, can spot live crabs, sample melon, and order half-size bowls, plus toilets and coin lockers exist, but tight aisles demand close supervision and hand holding.
Positives:
- Stroller-Friendly Access: Most shops have gentle ramps and wide entrances for strollers.
- Family Seating: Behind many stalls you’ll find communal seating halls with high chairs.
- Nearby Facilities: Clean restrooms and coin lockers are close to the parking area.
Challenges:
- Crowded Aisles: Narrow lanes fill up quickly between 8:00–11:00 AM.
- Uneven Floors: Watch for wet or uneven floor sections near stalls.
- Limited Play Space: No dedicated area; kids must stay close to parents.
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 with kids?
- Free melon and corn samples for kids
- Kids-size crab croquettes and bowls
- Interactive crab spotting game
- Handheld seafood skewers for on-the-go
- Family-friendly seating with high chairs
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to sample treats, play crab-spotting and eat without rushing young kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Sapporo Crab Market
Fruit and Veggie Samples:
Let kids try free Hokkaido melon slices and grilled corn kernels.
Tip: Most stalls offer bite-size samples—start here to warm up their appetites.
Order Kids-Size Seafood Bowls:
Ask for half-size crab croquettes or seafood rice bowls.
Tip: Staff offer portions around ¥1,000–¥1,200 for children.
Crab Spotting Game:
Walk the aisles and have kids point out the biggest crabs in the tanks.
Tip: Turn it into a competition: who finds the tallest legs?
Seafood Skewers:
Enjoy grilled scallop or fish skewers as a fun handheld snack.
Tip: Skewers cost about ¥400–¥500 each—perfect for little hands.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Sapporo Crab Market
- Arrive Early: Get here by 6:30 AM to avoid the busiest crowds.
- Use Coin Lockers: Store large bags near the No. 1 parking lot toilets for free movement.
- Plan Lunch Timing: Order main dishes before 11:00 AM to beat the lunch rush.
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)?
In July–August Hokkaido melon and corn are sweetest. From November–February try fresh hairy crab at peak season.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Three-crab bowl (adult) | JPY 4,000 |
| Kids-size seafood bowl | JPY 1,200 |
| Grilled scallop skewer | JPY 500 |
| Sample tasting | JPY 0 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 13,800 |
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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