5 markets in Otaru where you can enjoy the bounty of the sea and mountains and the local atmosphere
Otaru, which once flourished as the gateway to the sea for Hokkaido, used to have many markets. It is said that there were over 20 in the 1980s, but in recent years, many have disappeared due to the spread of supermarkets and convenience stores. However, there are still markets that remain beloved by locals and tourists alike. The joy of experiencing the vibrant daily life of the locals and finding gourmet food and souvenirs that are a bit different from typical tourist spots is a major appeal of market hopping. Here, we introduce Otaru's markets, many of which are within walking distance from JR Otaru Station or Minami-Otaru Station, making them easy to visit during your trip.
1Otaru Sankaku Market
A convenient market near the station that will get you excited about seafood gourmet
Otaru Sankaku Market began after the war when a few street vendors set up shop, and it got its name from the triangular shape of the land and roof. The approximately 200-meter-long market is a gentle slope, with 15 shops lined up on both sides of the narrow aisle, ranging from high-end seafood like crab, scallops, and sea urchin to seasonal fish and produce that color the local dining tables every day. Six of these are eateries, where you can eat at any time while the market is open. Many are run directly by fishmongers, offering such a wide variety of menus that you might have trouble choosing, including rice bowls and daily set meals using incredibly fresh seafood, as well as original rice bowls where you can have the fresh fish you purchased prepared on the spot. It is the only market in Otaru that is open every day, which is a great convenience as you don't have to worry about your travel itinerary.
Local
Supporter
The charm of a market cafeteria is that it is more accessible than a sushi restaurant, yet you can still enjoy incredibly fresh seafood bowls. When shopping, chatting with the unique staff and even negotiating prices is also part of the fun.
- Otaru Sankaku Market
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3-10-16 Inaho, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP 
Approx. 3-minute walk from JR Otaru Station
8:00–17:00 *Varies by store
January 1st
1 hour of free parking at affiliated lots with purchases of 2,000 yen or more
2Otaru Chuo Market
A Showa-retro space harmonized with unique shops run by young entrepreneurs
Otaru Chuo Market is said to have bustled with peddlers known as the "Gangan Butai" (Gangan Corps), who sold fresh fish packed in one-to (18-liter) cans, from the postwar period through the 1950s. Because of this history, it is the only market selected as a component of a Japan Heritage site.
The market consists of three joint buildings and features 34 shops, including traditional stores selling fresh fish, meat, produce, and deli items, as well as stylish cafes and stand-up bars. The "Gangan Gallery," a free space within the market, hosts art exhibitions and workshops from time to time. The unique atmosphere, where the Showa-retro vibe of a place that served as the city's kitchen blends with the adventurous spirit of the younger generation, is the great charm of Otaru Chuo Market.
Local
Supporter
With excellent access, it is about a 5-minute walk from Otaru Station. Every Tuesday and Friday, you receive one coin for every purchase of 300 yen or more, which you can use to participate in a gachapon game. Try your luck alongside the locals.
- Otaru Chuo Market
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- 3-11-2 Inaho, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP
- Approx. 5-minute walk from JR Otaru Station
- 9:00–17:30 *Varies by store
- Sundays and holidays
0134-22-5384- None (Please use nearby paid parking)
3Nantaru Market
The kitchen of Otaru citizens, bustling with locals from the morning
This market is closely tied to local life, with 23 shops selling fresh fish, meat, produce, and deli items. Many customers visit not only from within Otaru but also from outside the city, such as Sapporo, and the market is filled with overflowing energy right from opening time. You are sure to be excited just by walking around and seeing items you wouldn't find outside of Hokkaido, such as plump, fresh Atka mackerel and surprisingly inexpensive horsehair crab.
As it is beloved as the kitchen for Otaru citizens, the variety of deli items is also eye-catching. Seeing "tsubu-ni" (simmered whelk) and "ika-zangi" (fried squid) lined up alongside croquettes and kinpira is something unique to a Hokkaido market. There is a large rest area inside the market, so we recommend buying deli items that catch your eye and tasting them on the spot.
Local
Supporter
Inside the market, there are sushi restaurants, cafeterias, bakeries, and coffee shops, allowing you to fully enjoy both shopping and gourmet food.
- Nantaru Market
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- 12-1 Shintomi-cho, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP
- Approx. 8-minute walk from JR Minami-Otaru Station
- 9:00–18:00 *Varies by store
- Sunday
- 0134-23-0722
- Free
4Shin-Nantaru Market
A lineup of shops that support Otaru's dining tables and daily life
Built in 1999 due to the increasing number of customers at Nan-taru Market, this is the newest market in Otaru. It is equipped with a large parking lot and is open on Sundays, so it is visited by many tourists as well as local customers. About 20 shops sell fresh fish, processed marine products, produce, and more, where you can get seasonal Otaru delicacies such as crab, scallops, shrimp, asparagus, corn, and melons.
In addition to shops selling ingredients, there are also bakeries, specialty kamaboko (fish cake) shops, deli shops, and eateries, making the ability to enjoy Otaru gourmet food on the spot another unique charm of Shin-Nan-taru Market.
Local
Supporter
Since you can encounter the flavors of Otaru just by walking around one floor, it is also recommended for those who want to sightsee quickly and efficiently.
- Shin-Nantaru Market
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- 8-11 Chikkou, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP
- Approx. 12-minute walk from JR Minami-Otaru Station
- 9:00–18:00 *Varies by store; some stores close when sold out
- Wednesday
- 0134-27-5068
- Free
5Rinyu Morning Market
Enjoy a luxurious breakfast at the only morning market in Otaru City.
This morning market opens at 4:00 AM, the earliest in Otaru. Two of the shops inside are eateries where you can enjoy sushi, seafood bowls, and set meals made with fresh market ingredients—a luxury unique to the morning market.
Around 7:00 to 8:00 AM, it gets very busy with local customers looking for fresh fish that has just arrived from the wholesale market. The market is lined with specialty shops focusing on fresh fish, as well as crab, dried fish, and kamaboko (fish cake), and it is fun to examine the different selections at each one. In winter, you can also find Hokkaido local dishes like "izushi" (fermented fish and vegetables with koji) and "nishin-zuke" (herring pickles), allowing you to encounter the home-cooked flavors passed down in Otaru.
Local
Supporter
The items selected by specialty store experts offer freshness and prices that satisfy even the locals. It is worth waking up early to go shopping.
- Rinyu Morning Market
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- 3-10-15 Ironai, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP
- Approx. 6 minutes by car from JR Otaru Station
- 4:00–14:00 *Varies by store
- Sunday
- 0134-22-0257
- Free
MAP
- Nearby Hoshino Resorts facilities
Local supporter in charge of this article
OMO5 Otaru
Otaru City, Hokkaido
A boutique hotel renovated from a historical building. You can enjoy a retro trip in Otaru.
Access Approx. 9-minute walk from JR Otaru Station
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥6,000