The suction cup stuck to my tongue—watch out, the "live squid sashimi" at Hakodate Morning Market still wriggles when you eat it!

▲ Live squid fishing is one of the popular activities at Hakodate Morning Market. (Photo by reporter Chen Rui-zhong, the same below)

Reporter Chen Rui-zhong / Hakodate Report

Hakodate is an important city in Japan’s Hokkaido region and one of its main gateways. Its rich fishing harvests often keep seafood enthusiasts coming back for more. Every early morning, while the sky is still pale with dawn, Hakodate Morning Market is already alive with bustling commerce. Visitors can find a wide range of fresh seafood here, as well as dried scallops ideal for gifts. The market also features“Squid Fishing”—a special experience that lets you catch and eat your squid fresh.

▲ A variety of fresh seafood, including king crabs, is available at the market.

Covering about 3 hectares, Hakodate Morning Market has approximately 160 shops. From king crabs and scallops to salmon, seaweed, sea urchins, and fresh vegetables, everything is on offer. You can even see lively king crabs darting around in water tanks, and the chorus of vendors’ calls boosts the lively shopping atmosphere. With such a wide selection and vibrant energy, Hakodate Morning Market has become a top tourist destination, attracting around 1.8 to 2 million visitors annually, making it one of Japan’s most famous morning markets.

▲ Squid fishing at Hakodate Morning Market.

▲ Tanks full of squid are enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

Beyond the many stalls offering diverse items, several shop tanks at Hakodate Morning Market feature live squids constantly swimming in circles, while onlookers watch eagerly. In addition to enjoying squid dishes, the market’s most iconic activity is hands-on“Live Squid Fishing.”。

▲ Squid often squirt water when caught—so anglers need to watch out.

What seems like a simple squid-fishing activity actually tests your hand-eye coordination. The fishing hook doesn’t use bait; instead, you hook the squid’s triangular fin to pull it up. No matter the size, all squids are priced the same, so it's common to see anglers peering intently into the tank, with friends egging them on: “That one’s so fat—go for it!” Once caught, the squid often squirts water everywhere, causing shrieks and adding to the fun atmosphere.

▲ Sliced squid and liver, bursting with umami.

Once you’ve caught your prize, a chef nearby takes over. With skilled knife work, they peel, slice the squid, and scoop out the liver to plate it—all ready to eat as fresh sashimi. The semi-transparent squid slices are chewy with no fishy taste; dip them in grated ginger, fish liver, and soy sauce for a true taste of the ocean.When you pick up a squid tentacle, it may still be wriggling—and might even suck onto your tongue, showing just how fresh it is.。

▲ In addition to squid, the market also serves generous portions of other fresh seafood<饭。

Compared to going out to sea to catch squid in Taiwan, Hakodate Morning Market’s “sea fishing” is much more relaxing—you don’t have to worry about seasickness either. Catch a squid and enjoy it with friends—it’s a blast.

▲ Hakodate Morning Market.

Hakodate Morning Market
Address: 9-19 Wakamatsu-cho, Hakodate City
Business Hours: January to April 06:00–12:00; May to December 05:00–12:00
Squid Fishing Price: 910 JPY (approx. NT$244)

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