Japan Guide
Hokkaidō
Asa-ichi
Any tour of Hakodate should kick off at the atmospheric morning market immediately to the west of the station. Even if you arrive at the relatively late hour of 9am, there's still plenty to see at the hundreds of tightly packed stalls in this waterside location. Old ladies in headscarves squat amid piles of vegetables and flowers at the back of the market, and huge, alien-like red crabs, squid and musk melons are the local specialities. Don't leave without trying one of the noodle or donburi stalls. Opening time: Mon– Sat 5am– noon