Contents
1. Kaisen Don at Donburi Yokocho: A Local Favorite
Located within the bustling Hakodate Morning Market, Donburi Yokocho is a small alleyway packed with donburi (rice bowl) specialty shops. Among the many options, the Kaisen Don—a mixed seafood rice bowl—is the standout dish that draws locals and tourists alike. This bowl typically features an artful assortment of the freshest seafood, including tuna, scallop, sea urchin, ikura (salmon roe), squid, and sweet shrimp, all elegantly arranged over a bed of warm, vinegared rice.
What makes the Kaisen Don at Donburi Yokocho particularly special is the freshness and variety of ingredients sourced straight from the adjacent market. The seafood is caught locally in the waters surrounding Hokkaido, ensuring both taste and texture are at their peak. Each vendor in Donburi Yokocho has their own version of the Kaisen Don, with some offering customizable bowls so you can pick your favorite toppings.
Prices for a standard Kaisen Don range from ¥2,000 to ¥3,500 (approximately $13 to $23 USD), depending on the toppings and portion size. While it may seem a bit pricey compared to typical Japanese meals, the quality and freshness of the ingredients make it worth every yen. For those wanting to splurge, premium versions featuring larger portions of uni (sea urchin) or king crab are also available.
Dining at Donburi Yokocho is also a cultural experience. The small eateries offer counter seating where you can interact with friendly local chefs who often share insights about the seafood and fishing practices in Hokkaido. The atmosphere is casual yet vibrant, making it perfect for both solo travelers and families.
If you’re visiting Hakodate in the morning, there’s no better way to start your day than with a Kaisen Don from Donburi Yokocho. It’s a true taste of Hokkaido and a must-try for any seafood lover.
2. Uni Ikura Don from Kita no Donburiya Takinami
If you’re a fan of rich, creamy sea urchin and briny bursts of salmon roe, the Uni Ikura Don at Kita no Donburiya Takinami is a dish you simply can’t miss. Nestled within the lively Hakodate Morning Market, this beloved eatery is known for its generous portions and ultra-fresh toppings. The Uni Ikura Don features Hokkaido’s finest uni (sea urchin) and ikura (salmon roe), elegantly layered over a perfectly seasoned bed of rice.
What sets Takinami apart is its strict focus on quality. The uni is sourced directly from the Sea of Japan and carefully selected for its sweetness and smooth texture. Unlike some places that serve uni with a fishy aftertaste, Takinami’s uni is incredibly clean, almost buttery in flavor. The ikura adds the perfect contrast—salty, juicy, and with a satisfying pop in every bite.
This donburi is a little more upscale in terms of pricing. A typical Uni Ikura Don here costs around ¥3,000 to ¥4,500 (approximately $20 to $30 USD), depending on the size and quality of the ingredients. Some seasonal versions include premium bafun uni, which commands a higher price due to its rarity and deeper flavor profile.
Takinami’s setting is warm and welcoming, with counter seats that let you watch the chefs prepare your meal right in front of you. It’s a great place to take your time and savor each bite. Many locals and returning tourists consider this one of the best places to enjoy seafood in Hakodate—not just for the food, but for the hospitality as well.
If you’re looking to indulge in the very best of Hokkaido’s seafood offerings, the Uni Ikura Don from Kita no Donburiya Takinami should be high on your list. It’s a luxurious and unforgettable way to experience the true essence of Hakodate’s morning market culture.
3. Crab Heaven: Kani Don from Marukatsu Suisan
For crab lovers, there’s no better stop in the Hakodate Morning Market than Marukatsu Suisan, a seafood specialist known for its incredibly fresh and generous crab rice bowls. The Kani Don (crab donburi) served here is nothing short of heavenly—overflowing with sweet, succulent crab meat piled high atop a steaming bowl of white rice. Whether you prefer red king crab, snow crab, or hairy crab, Marukatsu Suisan has something that will satisfy your craving.
Each bowl is crafted with care and precision. The crab is freshly boiled or steamed, then delicately hand-shredded to ensure a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth experience. The natural sweetness of the crab is enhanced with a subtle touch of soy sauce or wasabi on the side, allowing the flavor of the seafood to shine through without overwhelming the palate.
Prices for a Kani Don at Marukatsu Suisan typically range between ¥2,500 and ¥4,800 (around $17 to $32 USD), depending on the type and amount of crab. Some premium versions feature thick cuts of king crab leg meat or a mix of different crab varieties for a more diverse tasting experience. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can even add toppings like uni or ikura for an additional fee.
What makes Marukatsu Suisan stand out is not only the freshness of their crab but also the setting. The shop is part of a larger seafood market area, and many of their crabs are displayed live in water tanks. You can actually choose your crab and watch it prepared right in front of you, which adds a fun and interactive element to your meal.
Crab lovers visiting Hakodate would be remiss to skip Marukatsu Suisan. Their Kani Don is the ultimate expression of Hokkaido’s prized seafood, offering a rich and satisfying taste of the sea that you’ll remember long after your trip. It’s not just a meal—it’s a full-on crab experience.
4. Fresh & Balanced: Kaisendon at Asaichi Shokudo
Tucked inside the lively Hakodate Morning Market, Asaichi Shokudo is a humble yet highly regarded eatery known for its exceptionally balanced kaisendon—a seafood rice bowl that brings together freshness, variety, and harmony in every bite. This bowl is ideal for those who want to enjoy a wide range of seafood flavors without overwhelming richness, making it a favorite among both first-time visitors and seasoned foodies.
The kaisendon at Asaichi Shokudo typically includes a colorful assortment of sashimi such as tuna, squid, shrimp, scallop, salmon, and a modest portion of uni and ikura. The ingredients are carefully selected and sliced to maintain the natural textures and flavors of each seafood type. Served atop a perfectly vinegared bed of rice, the bowl is often garnished with shredded nori, pickled ginger, and a small dab of freshly grated wasabi.
What makes this kaisendon stand out is the perfect balance of richness and freshness. Each component complements the others without overpowering them. The taste is clean and refreshing, offering a true showcase of Hakodate’s seafood bounty. Asaichi Shokudo also prepares its rice with a subtle blend of vinegar and kombu broth, adding an extra layer of umami that enhances the seafood even further.
Prices for a regular-sized kaisendon here range from ¥1,800 to ¥2,800 (approximately $12 to $19 USD), making it one of the more affordable options without sacrificing quality. There are also larger portions or deluxe versions available for those looking to enjoy extra toppings or seasonal specialties.
The restaurant itself is welcoming and unpretentious, with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying a leisurely breakfast or early lunch. Many diners praise the friendliness of the staff, who are happy to explain each topping or make recommendations for first-timers. Whether you’re new to seafood bowls or a long-time fan, the kaisendon at Asaichi Shokudo offers a fresh, balanced, and deeply satisfying experience that reflects the heart of Hakodate’s culinary scene.
5. Luxury Bowl: Premium Seafood Don at Eki-mae Ichiba
For those seeking a truly indulgent seafood experience in Hakodate, the Premium Seafood Don at Eki-mae Ichiba is the ultimate choice. Located just steps from Hakodate Station, this market restaurant is famous for serving extravagant seafood bowls topped with the finest delicacies Hokkaido has to offer. It’s a luxurious way to end—or begin—your morning market adventure.
The Premium Seafood Don is a visual and culinary masterpiece. The bowl typically features an abundant array of top-grade ingredients such as bafun uni (Hokkaido sea urchin), large portions of ikura (salmon roe), thick cuts of chutoro (medium-fatty tuna), succulent scallops, sweet shrimp, and even king crab legs. Each component is meticulously selected for its freshness, texture, and flavor profile, offering a multi-layered taste experience in every bite.
What truly sets this bowl apart is its quality and exclusivity. Many of the ingredients are sourced daily and in limited quantities, ensuring each bowl is crafted with premium seafood at its seasonal best. The rice, too, is of high quality—steamed to perfection and subtly seasoned to support the flavors of the toppings without overpowering them.
Given its upscale nature, the Premium Seafood Don is priced accordingly, typically ranging from ¥4,500 to ¥6,000 (approximately $30 to $40 USD). While it’s certainly a splurge compared to other offerings in the market, most visitors agree it’s well worth the price for the unforgettable taste and presentation. Some deluxe versions may even include a side of miso soup, pickles, or a small dessert, rounding out the experience.
The atmosphere at Eki-mae Ichiba is polished yet welcoming, with staff who take pride in presenting each dish with care and elegance. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply rewarding yourself with the best of Hokkaido’s seafood, this luxury bowl delivers on all fronts. It’s not just a meal—it’s a celebration of the ocean’s finest, crafted with passion and served with flair.
How Immigrants Can Actively Participate in Society Through Volunteering and Community Engagement
