CityBuddy
Nijo Market
Best time to visit
Early morning offers the freshest catch and the most vibrant auction action, while midday is perfect for sampling street food and fewer crowds.
Budget tips
No entry fee invites casual browsing; save money by tasting samples instead of full meals, and consider visiting weekday mornings for better deals.
Recommended for
Food lovers, Cultural explorers, Photographers
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: Stalls brim with over 250 varieties of fresh seafood, including sparkling crabs and sea urchins that locals rave about. Shoppers enjoy sampling unique Hokkaido specialties like soft-serve corn flavored ice cream right on the spot.
Highlights: An iconic sight is the energetic auction scene where live bids for giant king crabs can reach jaw-dropping prices early in the morning. Lively vendors often offer generous tastes, making it a feast of colors, smells, and tastes all converging in one vibrant space.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as the market involves a lot of walking and standing.
- Capture photos of the vibrant auction but be respectful of the vendors' space.
- Skip restaurants outside the market; freshest meals are right at the stalls.
- Avoid weekends if possible to dodge the busiest, cramped times.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Sapporo, Japan, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
