Experience Hokkaido Seafood in Summer – King Crab, Scallops, and Rich Salmon Roe

When the summer heat spreads across Japan, Hokkaido becomes a refreshing haven with its pleasant climate and beautiful nature. For food lovers, summer in Hokkaido is the perfect time to savor the very best of seafood. This is the season when king crabs are at their fattest, scallops are at their sweetest, and fresh salmon roe over a bowl of kaisen-don is more tempting than ever.

Thanks to its coastal location, Hokkaido is truly a “seafood paradise” with an abundance of fresh local specialties.

Join us on a culinary journey through Northern Japan’s seas, discovering the must-try Hokkaido delicacies in the guide below.

1. Discover Hokkaido’s Summer Seafood Paradise

Blessed with long coastlines and cold waters year-round, Hokkaido is hailed as Japan’s “seafood paradise.” Seafood here is renowned for its top quality, freshness, and exquisite taste. Summer is the best season for delicacies like crab, scallops, sea urchins, and salmon, when they reach peak flavor and richness.

If you love premium seafood, enjoying freshly caught delicacies by the seaside under the cool summer breeze, or immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of seafood markets filled with the scent of the ocean—Hokkaido in summer has it all.

2. What to Eat in Hokkaido? Must-Try Summer Seafood

2.1 King crab - Culinary symbol of Hokkaido

King crab (Tarabagani) is Hokkaido’s pride. These crabs are known for their giant size, bright red shells, long legs, and sweet, rich white meat. During summer, king crabs are especially plump, firm, and flavorful.

You can enjoy them steamed to savor their pure natural sweetness, or grilled over charcoal for a bolder, smoky taste. For the ultimate experience, gather your friends, pick a giant crab from a market stall, and have it prepared on the spot—served hot, fresh, and juicy.

These giant crabs with exquisite flavor are a signature specialty of Hokkaido.

2.2 Scallops – Sweet and Tender, Melting in Your Mouth

Hokkaido scallops (Hotate) are famous for their thick, tender meat, natural sweetness, and pleasant aroma. Summer is when scallops thrive, especially along the eastern coast. Must-try scallop dishes include scallop sashimi, scallops grilled with butter and garlic, deep-fried scallops, or pan-seared scallops with miso sauce.

Hokkaido scallops are sweet, tender, and can be prepared in many unique ways.

2.3 Salmon Roe and Cod Roe – The “Golden Topping” for Kaisen-don

Beyond taste, Hokkaido’s fish roe is visually stunning, with its vibrant colors and glossy texture. It is a premium ingredient for kaisen-don rice bowls that embody the essence of Japanese cuisine, with flavors that are truly unforgettable:

Salmon roe (Ikura): Round, glistening eggs that burst in your mouth, releasing fresh, briny juice with a rich yet refreshing flavor. Salmon roe is often featured in kaisen-don and sushi.
Cod roe (Mentaiko): Highly nutritious, usually salted for longer preservation. It has a mildly spicy flavor and a delightful crunch, making it a favorite among Vietnamese travelers. Cod roe can be eaten with plain rice or used as a sauce for udon noodles or toasted bread.

2.4 Sea Urchin (Uni) – The Rich “Ocean Cream”

If you want to try a dish with a truly unforgettable and unique flavor, choose sea urchin (uni)—a premium specialty of Hokkaido. In summer, uni reaches its peak creaminess, melting instantly in your mouth with a nutty, milk-like aftertaste. You can enjoy fresh uni with rice, in sushi, or try the famous “uni don”—a bowl of white rice topped with golden sea urchin, so rich and smooth it needs no additional seasoning.

The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth flavor of sea urchin is irresistible to travelers.

2.5 Kaisen-don – A Complete Taste of the Ocean

If you’re unsure what to order, a bowl of kaisen-don is the perfect choice—Hokkaido’s iconic rice dish featuring a colorful assortment of fresh seafood neatly arranged over fluffy white rice. Each restaurant offers its own version, but the most popular combinations often include salmon, squid, scallops, sea urchin, or a mix of salmon roe, crab, and sweet shrimp (amaebi), bringing together the very best flavors of Hokkaido’s summer seas.

A seafood-filled kaisen-don lets visitors savor the full essence of Hokkaido’s bountiful seas.

3. Famous Seafood Markets in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is not only renowned for its fresh seafood but also for its lively seafood markets, where you can enjoy specialty dishes on the spot. Each market has its own charm—from ready-to-eat stalls to fun activities like choosing your own ingredients to create the perfect kaisen-don. Here are some must-visit seafood markets during your Hokkaido trip.

Hokkaido’s seafood markets are always a popular destination thanks to their fresh ingredients and reasonable prices.

3.1 Nijo Market – A Famous Spot in Central Sapporo

Located in the heart of Sapporo, just a few minutes’ walk from Sapporo Station, Nijo Market is a convenient stop for travelers combining sightseeing with food adventures. With a history of over 100 years, Nijo Market is the ideal place to find Hokkaido’s signature fresh seafood, especially king crab, scallops, and various types of salmon. The market is particularly famous for its kaisen-don stalls, where you can pick your ingredients and have them prepared on the spot.

Address: 1 Minami 3 Jo Higashi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

3.2 Sapporo Curb Market – A Local Seafood Paradise

Located right next to Sapporo’s central wholesale market, Curb Market (Sapporo Jogai Ichiba) is one of the city’s largest public markets, with nearly 80 shops and restaurants stretching across several streets. The market is famous for its abundant selection of fresh seafood such as king crab, sea urchin, salmon roe, squid, and scallops—the very essence of Hokkaido cuisine. In summer, you’ll also find high-quality local produce like melons, corn, and potatoes.

The stalls cater to both locals and tourists, offering fair prices and guaranteed quality. A must-try experience here is enjoying a fresh seafood rice bowl (donburi) at one of the market’s restaurants, where you can savor the natural sweetness of Hokkaido’s ocean treasures.

Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Kita 11 Jonishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

3.3 Hakodate Morning Market (Asaichi) – Unique Live Squid Fishing Experience

Located right in front of JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Morning Market (Hakodate Asaichi) is a must-visit stop for food lovers. With around 250 stalls, the market offers a wide variety of Hokkaido’s renowned fresh seafood such as crab, scallops, sea urchin, salmon roe, and even live squid—along with local produce and prepared specialties.

A highlight here is the Donburi Yokocho Ichiba, home to many famous seafood rice bowl (kaisen-don) restaurants. Next door, the Ekini Ichiba features tanks of live squid, where visitors can try fishing for squid themselves and enjoy freshly made sashimi right on the spot. In addition, Asaichi Hiroba provides fresh vegetables, local products, souvenirs, and casual dining options.

With its prime location just one minute on foot from JR Hakodate Station, combined with a lively and friendly atmosphere, this market is an ideal place to experience the flavors of Hokkaido seafood in the morning.

Address: Hakodate Morning Market, 9-19 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Opening hours: 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM daily (from January to April opening at 6:00 AM; hours vary by shop)

3.4 Sankaku Market (Otaru) – Quality Kaisen-don Near the Station

Situated right next to JR Otaru Station, Sankaku Market is a convenient stop for visitors exploring this famous port city. Although smaller in scale compared to other markets, Sankaku stands out for its excellent seafood quality and on-the-spot preparation service. The kaisen-don here is always generously topped with salmon roe, scallops, salmon, and sea urchin, winning the hearts of both locals and tourists alike.

Address: 3-10-16 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

3.5 Kushiro Washo Market – Create Your Own Katte-don

As one of Hokkaido’s three most famous markets—along with Nijo Market (Sapporo) and Hakodate Morning Market—Kushiro Washo Market embodies the food culture of Eastern Hokkaido. Conveniently located near Kushiro Station, this indoor market hosts dozens of stalls selling fresh seafood, meat, vegetables, and local specialties.

The highlight here is Katte-don, an exciting culinary experience often described as a “mini buffet” in the heart of Hokkaido. You start with a bowl of plain rice, then freely choose your favorite fresh seafood such as salmon, sea urchin, salmon roe, or scallops to build your own personalized kaisen-don. Many stalls also serve seasonal crab and hot seafood dishes, making it a perfect spot for a hearty lunch during your Kushiro journey.

Address: 13-25 Wakamatsucho, Kushiro, Hokkaido
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Sundays and public holidays)

If you love fresh seafood and bustling local markets, don’t miss the chance to experience Hokkaido’s summer culinary delights. What are you waiting for? Book your flight tickets to Japan now—and remember to hunt for 0 VND tickets with Vietjet from 12:00 to 2:00 PM every day to make your journey even more perfect. For more information, see details HERE.

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