King Crab and Snow Crab Delights

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Snow Crabs are another popular choice during the exciting 2026 winter travel season. These specific crabs offer a delicate texture and a very rich, savory ocean flavor. You can choose to buy whole crabs or pre-packed legs for a quick snack. Prices for these items usually range from 5,000 to 15,000 yen per crab.

Hairy Crab is a local specialty that you should definitely try while visiting Sapporo. These smaller crabs are known for having very intense flavor and delicious crab roe inside. They are most abundant during the colder months when the water temperatures drop significantly. This variety offers a unique taste that sets it apart from larger crab species.

Fresh Sea Urchin and Salmon Roe Bowls

A visit to Nijo Market is totally incomplete without eating a famous kaisen-don bowl. These seafood bowls feature thick layers of fresh sea urchin and salty salmon roe. The creamy uni melts on your tongue with every single bite of the dish. Local chefs prepare these bowls using traditional Hokkaido methods and fresh ingredients.

Many small restaurants inside the market offer various customizable seafood bowls for visitors. You can choose your favorite toppings like sweet scallops or fatty bluefin tuna slices. Most premium bowls cost between 2,500 and 4,500 yen depending on the ingredients. Check out what to eat at Sapporo winter markets for more delicious meal ideas.

The salmon roe, or ikura, is particularly famous for its bright color and popping texture. These eggs are marinated in a special soy sauce blend to enhance their natural sweetness. Eating a bowl of ikura-don provides a burst of flavor that represents the Hokkaido sea. It is a must-try dish for anyone exploring the Sapporo Winter Food Festivals 2026 events.

Seasonal Grilled Scallops and Oysters

Walking through the narrow market aisles reveals many enticing aromas from the various stalls. Vendors grill giant scallops over open charcoal flames to create a wonderful smoky scent. They often add a large dash of local butter and savory soy sauce. These warm snacks are perfect for keeping you cozy on cold winter mornings.

You should also try the grilled oysters sourced from the nearby cold Saroma Lake. These oysters are exceptionally plump and juicy during the peak of the winter months. One freshly grilled piece usually costs around 500 to 800 yen at most stalls. It is a very affordable way to sample these world-class local Japanese delicacies.

Grilled Atka mackerel, known locally as hokke, is another hearty winter favorite for many. This fish is split open and grilled until the skin becomes perfectly crispy and golden. The meat remains juicy and pairs wonderfully with a bowl of hot miso soup. It provides a filling and warm breakfast option for visitors exploring the market.

Tips for Nijo Market Winter Seafood Specialties in Sapporo

Nijo Market opens its doors very early every single day at 7:00 AM sharp. Most of the seafood stalls begin to close by 5:00 PM in the evening. Arriving before 9:00 AM ensures you get the best selection of fresh fish. You will also manage to avoid the largest crowds of hungry international tourists.

The market is located very near the popular Odori Park and TV Tower area. You can easily walk there in about ten minutes from the main city center. Please remember to dress warmly because the market aisles are only semi-outdoors and cold. Visit the Sapporo Travel website to find more helpful local transit maps.

Many vendors at Nijo Market now accept major credit cards for larger seafood purchases. However, it is still wise to carry some Japanese yen for smaller street food snacks. Always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of the beautiful seafood displays. If you want to see more attractions, check the Sapporo Snow Festival 2026 guide online.