Hakodate Morning Market

Hakodate Morning Market is a mega market sprawling in a fishing port near Hakodate Station. The market started to take its form in a rather spontaneous manner around 1945. Currently, the market hosts approximately 250 sellers handling freshly caught seafood brought to the port as well as Hakodate’s local agricultural products. It is also equipped with eateries serving not only its workers but also the public. Due to its nature, the market opens early in the morning and many businesses close shortly past noon. Visiting early in the day is strongly recommended.

(Source: ハッピーセミリタイア生活in淡路島)

Donburi Alley

A section within Hakodate Morning Market called Donburi Alley serves the most delicious bowl of steaming-hot rice (donburi) topped-off with the freshest seafood. Our recommendation is “iki-ika odori don (a donburi with a dancing squid)” from Ikkatei Tabiji, a donburi dish with a huge piece of Hakodate’s famous squid. Enjoy the taste of the squid so freshly prepared that it moves on the bed of rice as if it’s dancing.

(Source: 食べログ)

Squid fishing at Ekini Market

At another section called Ekini Market lies a pond for squid fishing. As soon as you cast your fishing line attached to a specially-designed pole, fresh squids are caught splashing the water. You can have your squid prepared for eating right on the spot. It tastes even better when you catch it yourself!

(Source: 酒とタバコとロックンロール)

Hakodate Morning Market Square

Hakodate Morning Market Square, open since 2014, consists of the food court and the space that sells items that were caught or produced in Hakodate and its neighboring towns. They have items perfect for souvenirs such as dried fish, famous Hokkaido ramen, and sweets. When you are done filling up your stomach with food at the market, come to this square for souvenir shopping.