Let’s go crab hunting together—a winter food adventure in Hokkaido!

In winter Japan, besides the snow-covered landscapes, what many people look forward to most is savoring plump crabs boiled until bright red. Hokkaido is truly the kingdom of crabs, offering a wide variety including the red king crab, snow crab, and giant spider crab. With so many choices that dazzle the eyes, these crabs are not only fresh and delicious but also available in numerous cooking styles—from sashimi, hot pot, and grilled to deep-fried tempura. All kinds of top-tier crab dishes can only be enjoyed to the fullest here in their place of origin in Hokkaido, so you can indulge without worrying about breaking the bank!

The Japanese love crabs so much that there's even a song called "かに食べ行こ～" ("Let’s Go Eat Crabs"). This shows just how highly regarded crabs are in the culinary world. The most commonly eaten crabs include the matsuba crab, king crab, and snow crab. The most satisfying way to enjoy them is by simply boiling them. When you snap off a leg, pull out the long, tender meat, and pop it into your mouth, the rich, chewy sweetness is absolutely worth the trip to Hokkaido. Meanwhile, the zuwaigani (snow crab) is hailed as the representative of “winter flavors,” esteemed both in price and taste. Simply boil it and serve with a dash of vinegar, or turn it into an exquisite crab hot pot—cut the legs into sections, add scallops, chrysanthemum greens, tofu, mushrooms, and glass noodles, and you’ll be treated to an incredible broth.

For those looking for affordable yet delicious crab and shrimp dishes, the Crab & Shrimp Battle is a great option. The restaurant offers around 70 types of crab and shrimp dishes, covering everything from steamed and boiled to grilled and fried. There’s also the highly popular all-you-can-eat crab course, featuring sushi, chawanmushi (steamed egg custard), and the lengthy legs of the three major crabs. The average budget is about ¥4,725, and you can enjoy a hearty meal. In addition, there’s a hidden gem near the station where you can find local seafood vendors. Their signature dish is a flavorful seafood rice bowl packed with generous portions. The ultimate crab hot pot made on-site is another highlight—crab legs are cut into pieces and cooked with scallops, spinach, tofu, mushrooms, and glass noodles, resulting in an absolutely fantastic soup.

If restaurants can’t fully satisfy your cravings, head over to the seafood shops in the morning market. Fresh, bright-red crabs are always on display, and the friendly stall owners often offer free tastings of charcoal-grilled snow crab legs—don’t hesitate to try them, as they’re complimentary. Some shops even offer special crab meat buns stuffed with generous amounts of crab filling. Every bite bursts with intense crab flavor, making your Hokkaido crab journey truly memorable.

Crab & Shrimp Battle
Address: 12F, F45 Building, 4-5 Minami 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Phone: 011-210-0411　
Access: 2-minute walk from Susukino Station on the subway
Business Hours: 16:00–24:00

Seafood Douraku
Address: 2nd Floor, 3-4 Minami 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Phone: 011-512-9999
Access: 1-minute walk from Susukino Station on the subway
Business Hours: 16:30–23:30

Read more: Sushi is also a Hokkaido culinary highlight (provided by Tripass Attractions)