Hakodate Morning Market, Morning market near Hakodate Station, Japan.
Hakodate Morning Market is a fresh food market next to Hakodate Station, with around 250 stalls selling seafood, vegetables, and local food products from the nearby fishing port. It is spread across several connected outdoor and semi-covered sections, each focused on a different type of goods.
The market started in 1945, shortly after World War II, when vendors began selling basic food near the train station to meet local demand. Over the following decades it grew steadily and gradually took shape as a set of distinct sections.
Vendors lay out their daily catch on open stalls, and it is easy to see what is in season just by walking through the rows. Many sellers are happy to explain what they are selling and how it is usually prepared.
Arriving early in the morning gives the best chance to see all stalls open and fully stocked, as many begin closing around midday. The market is right next to Hakodate Station, so it is easy to reach on foot from the platform.
In one section, visitors can fish live squid out of tanks and have them prepared on the spot to eat right away. Squid is a local specialty of Hakodate, and this hands-on activity is one of the few places in Japan where it is offered to visitors in this way.
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