SUSHI & SEAFOOD

Surrounded by the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk, the coastline of Hokkaido is a place where different ocean currents converge, bringing bountiful harvests of a variety of seasonal seafood. Thanks to this environment, fresh seafood can be enjoyed year-round in Hokkaido. Crab, for example, is considered a winter dish in the rest of Japan, but in Hokkaido it is available even in summer. A favorite here is vivid orange-red salmon roe that bursts in your mouth, releasing a rich umami flavor. Fishermen deliver catches from every coast to seafood hotspots such as the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market, Hokkaido’s biggest wholesale market, and the Nijo Fish Market, which is brimming with tourists hoping to snag a fresh bite. Sapporo is also a hub for chefs with first-class culinary skills. With the best chefs using the best ingredients, you’re in for a truly memorable dining experience. Sapporo is known for its high-quality sushi, and restaurants run the gamut from fine dining to unpretentious conveyor belt joints.