Local Guide
5 Otaru Markets to Enjoy the Delicacies of the Land and Sea and Local Vibrancy

Otaru, which once flourished as Hokkaido's sea gateway, was home to many markets. It is said that there were over 20 in the 1980s, but in recent years many of the markets have disappeared due to the spread of supermarkets and convenience stores. However, there are still markets that are loved by locals and tourists alike. The great appeal of visiting markets is the opportunity to experience the lively daily life of locals and the joy of finding gourmet food and souvenirs that are a little different from those in tourist spots. Many markets are within walking distance of JR Otaru Station and Minami-Otaru Station, so we will introduce you to some of Otaru's markets that are easy to visit during your trip.

A convenient market near the station where you can enjoy delicious seafood

Located just 3 minutes from Otaru Station, it is bustling with tourists. The lively calls to the shop lift your spirits.
Located just 3 minutes from Otaru Station, it is bustling with tourists. The lively calls to the shop lift your spirits.

Otaru Triangle Market started as a place where a few street vendors set up shop after the war, and got its name from the triangular shape of the land and roofs. The 200m-long market is a gentle slope, and 15 stores are lined up on both sides of the narrow passage, selling everything from high-quality seafood such as crabs, scallops, and sea urchins to seasonal fish and vegetables that decorate local dining tables every day. Six of the stores are Dining Area, and you can eat there any time the market is open. Many of the restaurants are run directly by fishmongers, and the wide variety of menus, including rice bowls made with extremely fresh seafood, daily set meals, and original rice bowls cooked on the spot with fresh fish you have purchased, will leave you dizzy. It is the only market in Otaru that is open every day, so you can drop by without worrying about your itinerary.

Comments Local Guide
The appeal of the market restaurant is that it is more accessible than a sushi restaurant and you can enjoy extremely fresh seafood bowls. When you shop, it's also fun to chat with the unique store staff and negotiate discounts.
Otaru Triangle Market
  • 住所3-10-16 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido MAP
  • アクセスAbout 3 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station
  • 営業時間8:00-17:00 *Varies by store
  • 定休日January 1st
  • TEL0134-23-2446
  • 駐車場Purchase over 2,000 yen to get 1 hour free at affiliated Parking

A retro Showa-era space harmonizes with young, unique shops

Long-established stores and new shops coexist to open up new possibilities in the market. This is the "spirit of the market."
Long-established stores and new shops coexist to open up new possibilities in the market. This is the "spirit of the market."

From the postwar period through the 1950s, Otaru Central Market was bustling with peddlers known as the "Gangan Corps," who packed fresh fish into cans and peddled them around. Due to its history, it is the only market to be selected as a constituent cultural property of Japan Heritage.
The market is made up of three shared buildings, and in addition to traditional shops selling fresh fish, meat, vegetables, and prepared foods, there are 28 shops, including stylish cafes, stand bars, and flower shops. The free space inside the market, the Gangan Gallery, is also where art exhibitions and workshops are held from time to time. The unique atmosphere of the market, which combines the Showa retro atmosphere of the market's history as a community kitchen with the adventurous spirit of the younger generation, is what makes Otaru Central Market so appealing.

Comments Local Guide
It's Direction, just a 5-minute walk from Otaru Station. Every Tuesday and Friday, for every purchase of 200 yen or more, you'll receive a raffle ticket, allowing you to participate in a raffle. Join the locals and take part in the raffle.
Otaru Central Market
  • 住所3-11-2 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido MAP
  • アクセスAbout 5 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station
  • 営業時間9:00-18:00 *Varies by store
  • 定休日Sundays and holidays
  • TEL0134-22-5384
  • 駐車場None (use nearby paid Parking)

The Otaru local kitchen bustles with locals from early in the morning

One of the joys of visiting the market is satisfying your hunger with the prepared foods and kamaboko you have purchased.
One of the joys of visiting the market is satisfying your hunger with the prepared foods and kamaboko you have purchased.

This market is closely tied to local life, with 27 stores selling fresh fish, meat, vegetables, prepared foods, and daily necessities. Many customers visit from outside Otaru, including Sapporo, and the market is overflowing with activity immediately after opening. Just walking around looking at the products you can't find outside of Hokkaido, such as plump raw Atka mackerel and surprisingly cheap hairy crabs, is sure to get you excited.
As it is well known as the kitchen of the citizens of Otaru, the variety of prepared dishes is also eye-catching. Along with croquettes and kinpira, you can also find dishes such as tsubu-ni and ika-zangi, which are unique to Hokkaido markets. There is a large rest area inside the market, so we recommend purchasing prepared dishes that catch your eye and tasting them on the spot.

Comments Local Guide
The venue also houses a sushi restaurant, a cafeteria, a bakery, and a coffee shop, so you can enjoy plenty of shopping and gourmet food.
Minamitaru Market
  • 住所12-1 Shintomicho, Otaru, Hokkaido MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 8 minutes walk from JR Minami Otaru Station
  • 営業時間9:00-18:00 *Varies by store
  • 定休日Sunday
  • TEL0134-23-0722
  • 駐車場free

A lineup of shops that support Otaru's dining table and daily life

Locally familiar fish such as sandfish, kasube, and willow prawns are on display.
Locally familiar fish such as sandfish, kasube, and willow prawns are on display.

Built in 1999 as a response to an increase in the number of customers at Minamitaru Market, this is the newest market in Otaru. It has a large Parking and is open on Sundays, so it attracts many locals and tourists alike. There are 20 stores selling fresh fish, processed seafood, vegetables, and prepared foods, and you can find seasonal delicacies that make perfect souvenirs, such as crab, scallops, shrimp, asparagus, corn, melon, and Otaru's local sake.
In addition to shops selling clothing and daily necessities, the market is also home to a specialty store run by Mitsuuma, a local manufacturer of rain boots that has been in business for over 100 years, making it a place that is closely tied to the lifestyles of Otaru. There are also stylish rain boots for outdoor use and for use around town, making it well worth a visit.

Comments Local Guide
There is also a seafood restaurant that uses fresh ingredients, and a ramen shop that is a collaboration between two popular izakaya restaurants in the city, which are recommended for those who want to satisfy their hunger.
Shinnantaru Market
  • 住所8-11 Chikko, Otaru, Hokkaido MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 12 minutes walk from JR Minami Otaru Station
  • 営業時間9:30-18:00 *Varies by store
  • 定休日Wednesday
  • TEL0134-27-5068
  • 駐車場free

Enjoy a luxurious breakfast at Otaru's only morning market

Asaichi Shokudo: Enjoy a wide variety of seafood bowls at reasonable prices
Asaichi Shokudo: Enjoy a wide variety of seafood bowls at reasonable prices

This morning market is the earliest in Otaru city and opens at 4:00 a.m. Two of the 12 stores on-site are Dining Area, where you can enjoy sushi, seafood bowls, set meals, and other dishes made with fresh ingredients from the market, a luxury that can only be found at a morning market.
Between 7:00 and 8:00, the market is bustling with local customers looking for fresh fish that has just arrived from the wholesale market. Inside the market, there are shops specializing in fresh fish, crab, dried fish, kamaboko, and more, and it's fun to browse the different products on offer. In winter, there are also Hokkaido local dishes such as "izushi" (rice sushi) and "pickled herring," made by fermenting fish and vegetables with koji, allowing you to experience the home-style flavors that have been passed down in Otaru.

Comments Local Guide
The products selected by the experts at this specialty store are fresh and reasonably priced, and even locals are satisfied with them. It's definitely worth getting up early to go and buy some.
Rinyu Morning Market
  • 住所3-10-15 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 6 minutes by car from JR Otaru Station
  • 営業時間4:00-14:00 *Varies by store
  • 定休日Sunday
  • TEL0134-22-0257
  • 駐車場free
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