“Yokohama Chinatown” is one of Yokohama’s most iconic tourist destinations. This bustling area packed with hundreds of shops within a 500-meter square is known as Japan’s largest Chinatown and is always alive with crowds of visitors. The sheer depth of its culinary culture is overwhelming—ranging from long-established Chinese restaurants that have protected traditional flavors for generations, to “Malatang” (spicy numb soup), which is highly popular among young people in 2026, as well as casual street foods like fried xiaolongbao.

From authentic dishes at long-standing establishments to the Malatang trending in 2026, it really is a town with a wide range of dining options.

Since you can choose between street food and full-course meals, you will never get bored and can always find something new and delicious no matter how many times you go. It is a highly recommended tourist destination.

Beyond the gourmet food, the area features beautiful Pailou (gates) built throughout the town and historic, vibrant architecture, with plenty of highlights for a stroll—making it perfect for both sightseeing and dates.

Highlights of Yokohama Chinatown

A Hub of Chinese Food Culture: Over 500 Chinese Restaurants Gathered Together

Boasting over 500 dining establishments packed within a 500-meter square that stretches in every direction, this is Japan’s largest Chinatown.

Famous restaurants representing the four major regions of Chinese cuisine—Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Sichuan—gather all in one place, allowing you to savor traditional flavors crafted by skilled chefs. A major draw is being able to enjoy authentic Chinese food culture across a wide range of budgets and moods, with options from high-end luxury courses at long-established spots loved for generations to reasonable lunches at hidden gems tucked away in the back alleys.

Easy Trendsetting Street-Food Snacks

You can easily pick up a wide variety of takeout foods at shops along the main street and back alleys, and even enjoy eating them right on the spot.

Classic items like “fried xiaolongbao,” known for their crispy bottoms and overflowing meat juices, and giant “pork buns” are staple sights in this town that is always bustling with people. You can also casually sample new dim sum and trendsetting sweets of the moment, such as the spicy “Malatang” that has become a massive hit in recent years and the addictive sweet-and-savory “Chashu Melon Pan” (BBQ pork melon pan).

Easy Access to Palmistry, Four Pillars of Destiny, and Fortune-Telling

As you walk through Chinatown, you will see fortune-telling signs everywhere. Chinatown is actually a surprising hub where you can casually try a diverse range of fortune-telling methods, including palmistry, the Four Pillars of Destiny, tarot, and Feng Shui.

Many shops offer palm reading at affordable prices starting from around 500 to 1,000 yen per session, which is a plus because you can easily drop in between sightseeing or during a date. Trying an authentic reading by a professional fortune-teller for a fun travel memory or a quick test of luck is a classic way to spend time unique to Chinatown.

The Richly Colored “Kanteibyo Temple,” Home to the Deity of Business Prosperity

Standing in the center of Chinatown, this beautiful temple (shrine) is truly the symbol of the town. “Guan Yu,” a hero of the Three Kingdoms and an actual historical general, was highly skilled in financial management and is therefore enshrined here as a deity of business prosperity and academic success.

The moment you step into the grounds, your eyes will be drawn to the beauty of traditional Chinese architecture. The columns adorned with detailed carvings, the dazzling gold leaf, and the richly colored decorations that look stunning against the blue sky are absolutely worth seeing.

“Baby Star Land,” with Limited Souvenirs You Can Only Buy Here

Located on the 2nd floor of the commercial facility “Yokohama Hakurankan,” this popular spot is free to enter and easy to drop by. In addition to watching the manufacturing process through the glass, you can taste warm, fragrant “freshly made Baby Star” ramen snacks right on the spot.

The shop is lined with special Baby Star snacks in limited Yokohama Chinatown packaging and unique original goods available only here.

Location and Access for “Yokohama Chinatown”

Location

Located in Yamashitacho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, it is within walking distance of several nearby stations.

The closest is “Motomachi-Chukagai Station” on the Minato Mirai Line, just a 1-minute walk from Exit 1. It is also about a 5-minute walk from “Ishikawacho Station (Chinatown Exit)” on the JR Negishi and Keihin-Tohoku Lines, and about a 7-minute walk toward Yokohama Stadium from “Kannai Station” on the JR and Yokohama City Subway lines.

If you are not fond of walking, a taxi is also recommended. We suggest boarding from JR “Sakuragicho Station” and telling the driver, “Pass the Choyomon (East Gate) of Chinatown and drop me off near the Yamashita-Koen-mae intersection.” This drops you off just before the main street; the ride takes about 10 minutes and costs around 1,500 yen.

Photo Gallery: “Yokohama Chinatown”

Take a look at these photos of “Yokohama Chinatown.”

Shot in June 2026: Chinatown around 10:00 AM on a weekday Monday (just after the rain stopped). With fewer tourists, you can enjoy Chinatown at a leisurely pace.

Shot in June 2026: Inside the fortune-telling salon “Rokusenkan.” Small Chinese-style rooms are lined up where individuals can get their fortunes read privately.

Shot in June 2026: Ichiba-dori (Market Street) in Chinatown. Many restaurants line the narrow alley.

Shot in June 2026: Baby Star Land limited edition items—perfect for souvenirs.

Shot in June 2026: “Kanteibyo Temple.” The stairs are a bit steep. It is well worth visiting to pray!

Shot in June 2026: Small items and souvenirs available in Chinatown. Many shops selling miscellaneous goods line the streets.

FAQ for “Yokohama Chinatown”

Summary: “Yokohama Chinatown”

Yokohama Chinatown is Japan’s largest Chinatown, where traditional flavors protected for generations and the latest trends are tightly packed within a 500-meter square. Every time you visit, there are lively new discoveries, and it is packed with appeal that never fails to satisfy whether you come for dining, strolling, or experiences.

Whether you choose to feel the energy of the main street bustling with crowds or step into the back alleys in search of deep, hidden gems, there are countless ways to enjoy yourself, making Yokohama Chinatown a delightful place to visit no matter how many times you go.

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Located in Nagoya’s business district: “Fushimi Underground Street”! Beyond the suspicious stairs lies an underground shopping street filled with the atmosphere of the Showa era. In recent years, it has become a “Senbero” area where people can casually enjoy drinks at low prices—a place where many locals exchange drinks every day.

I heard there’s a drinking street with a retro Showa atmosphere in Nagoya.

That’s “Fushimi Underground Street”! This place is truly a wonderfully refreshing Showa-style Senbero street. They will warmly welcome you even as a tourist.

Based on photos taken during the author’s actual visit, this article introduces Fushimi Underground Street.

Charms of Fushimi Underground Street

Truly “Senbero”: Places Where You Can Drink Enjoyably and Affordably

Many shops offer sets of drinks and snacks for around 1,000 yen, and even if you keep going with two or three glasses of beer or sours, 3,000 yen is more than enough to fully enjoy—that is part of the appeal. Featured drinks vary by shop, from sake to whiskey, and with many distinct places such as chicken specialty shops and oden shops, you can enjoy shop-hopping.

Fushimi Underground Street Fuses a Showa-Retro Atmosphere with New, Modern Shops

Fushimi Underground Street is a place that feels nostalgic yet modern. Just when you sense the good old days, the shops turn out to be modern, showcasing the owners’ wonderful efforts and creativity—a gathering of shops where you can drink enjoyably.

Right in the Middle of Nagoya City, an Underground Street Right Next to Fushimi Subway Station

Located right next to the East Gate of Nagoya City Subway’s “Fushimi Station.” You can go straight into the underground street after getting off the subway, but heading up to the surface once and then down these (suspicious-looking) stairs into the underground is also part of the fun.

Fushimi Underground Street Shop Experience Reports / Recommended Restaurant

Oden Specialty Restaurant “Getsuran” (Recommended) Visited June 2026

“Getsuran” is a cozy shop run by a landlady (Mama) and female staff. The atmosphere is soft, and because the counter runs along the street, you can see at a glance whether seats are open, making it easy for solo visitors to enter and be warmly welcomed.

Of course, parties and groups can also enjoy drinking at the table seats in front of the shop.

Features of “Getsuran”

• The stewed “oden” is simply delicious and pairs well with alcohol.
• The landlady and female staff offer a soft, comfortable environment.
• Because the counter lines the front of the shop, it is easy for solo visitors to enter (you can look inside the shop before entering rather than going into the back).
• A simple, clean interior, typical of a shop run by women.

Recommended Dishes at “Getsuran”

“Oden Daikon Radish,” stewed until its softness really stands out. The flavor has thoroughly soaked in, and its soft texture makes it satisfying to eat.

The landlady’s handmade “Nagaimo Yam with Salted Kelp” features a crunchy texture that pairs exquisitely with the salty taste of salted kelp. It is an exquisite snack that goes well with beer and shochu, and a must-try.

“Getsuran” Experience Report (Visited June 2026)

On a certain day in June, I visited Fushimi Underground Street for coverage. At “Getsuran,” I could see empty seats at the counter running along the wide-open entrance facing the walkway. Drawn in by the solo-friendly atmosphere and the smiles of the landlady and female staff, I was pulled right into the restaurant.

Since it was an oden shop, I ordered the “2 Oden Pieces + Appetizer + Draft Beer Set” (1,500 JPY). As the conversation picked up, I ordered an additional single beer. Talking happily with the landlady and staff (Miyuki-chan and Yurika-chan) over delicious oden, I had a fun time for a total of 2,200 JPY in just under an hour! It was a great restaurant.

Location and Access of Fushimi Underground Street

Location

Because it is directly connected to the East Gate of Nagoya City Subway’s “Fushimi Station,” you can reach it without getting wet even on rainy days. It is in an excellent location, just one station (approx. 2 to 3 minutes) by subway from Nagoya Station or Sakae Station, making it easy to drop by after work or between sightseeing.

FAQ for Fushimi Underground Street

Summary: “Fushimi Underground Street”

Fushimi Underground Street, stretching beneath Nagoya’s business district, is a valuable area where comfortable eateries tailored to modern needs gather while retaining a Showa-retro atmosphere. Alongside incredible ease of access that lets you drop by casually after work or during sightseeing, each shop operates with its own unique care and passion.

Fushimi Underground Street is a place where unique liveliness and kindness coexist to warmly welcome even first-time visitors or solo guests. When visiting Nagoya, you will want to go down the stairs to this underground and experience “Senbero” in a Showa-nostalgic space.

Recommended Hotels for Sightseeing and Business Trips in Nagoya

While Nagoya offers an abundance of hotels and plenty of options, accommodation prices have been rising lately, making it harder to find a budget-friendly hotel that truly fits your needs.

To make the most of your stay in Nagoya, the area you should choose will vary greatly depending on whether you prioritize convenience for traveling, want to keep accommodation costs down, or wish to enjoy the nightlife. Booking a place without knowing the characteristics of the neighborhood could lead to disappointments, such as finding out it is much farther from the station than expected or too noisy at night to get a good sleep.

To ensure a successful hotel search in Nagoya, please use the following article as a guide.

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Nagoya - Recommended Hotels by Area!

While the Nagoya Station area is a great option, the best neighborhood in Nagoya really depends on what you want to do. I'll take you through them, so read carefully and find the perfect hotel for you!

Enjoy Nagoya to the Fullest!

Click here for the Nagoya Recommended Hotels by Area!" article

Choosing the right hotel is key to enjoying your time in Nagoya

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Chitosetsuru Sake Museum is a facility operated by Nippon Seishu Co., Ltd., the only sake brewery in Sapporo, located in Chuo-ku, Sapporo City. In addition to exhibiting the history and culture of sake brewing dating back to the Meiji era, a directly operated shop is attached on the premises.

At the directly operated shop, you will find unpasteurized raw sake direct from the factory, limited Japanese sake sold only here, processed foods using sake lees, sake cups, and other items. Sake lees soft-serve ice cream specially made by the brewery is also sold.

It is used by tourists and residents as a hub for local sake in central Sapporo. In this article, based on photos from the author’s own visit, we introduce the charms of Chitosetsuru Sake Museum.

Anywhere in Sapporo to taste local sake properly—and buy limited bottles too?

Chitosetsuru Sake Museum combines exhibits with a shop. We’ll cover limited sake and even sake-lees soft serve.

Highlights of Chitosetsuru Sake Museum

Many Interesting Exhibits at Chitosetsuru Sake Museum

Inside Chitosetsuru Sake Museum, numerous materials that convey the history of sake brewing are on display. On top of the wooden counter, precise miniature models reproducing traditional sake brewing processes are lined up so you can visually follow the flow of production. These are precious historical materials that record the brewery’s journey.

Attractive Direct Sake Sales Unique to a Company Shop

At the directly operated shop attached to Chitosetsuru Sake Museum, a wide variety of products are sold. Detailed explanation panels beside the products let you choose while checking each ingredient rice, rice-polishing ratio, and flavor profile. Besides Japanese sake, foods using sake lees and original goods are also stocked, giving it the full feel of a brewery-direct shop.

Sake Tasting Is Available

Inside the building, a tasting counter where you can sample the Japanese sake on offer is permanently set up. The brands served rotate depending on the season or day, with multiple brewery representatives prepared, such as Junmai Daiginjo and Tokubetsu Junmai-shu.

At the counter, you can taste while receiving explanations of the differences in ingredient rice and production methods, as well as the flavor characteristics of each brand.

Chitosetsuru Sake Museum Limited Junmai Namazake “Yukidaruma”

Inside the directly operated shop, “Chitosetsuru Sake Museum Limited Junmai Namazake Yukidaruma” is sold. This product is limited to this facility, and the label with a snowman design is cute. It also makes an ideal souvenir.

Location and Access for Chitosetsuru Sake Museum

Location

Chitosetsuru Sake Museum is located at South 3 East 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City. By public transportation, it is about a 5-minute walk from Exit 9 of Subway Tozai Line “Bus Center-Mae Station.” It is also within walking distance of Nijo Market.

Information on Chitosetsuru Sake Museum

Frequently Asked Questions about Chitosetsuru Sake Museum

A wonderful hotel in Sapporo featuring an all-you-can-eat seafood breakfast.

While there are plenty of hotels in Sapporo, you can choose one that perfectly fits your budget and how you want to enjoy your trip—ranging from budget-friendly accommodations meant simply for sleeping, to hotels featuring hot springs (large public baths) and buffet-style breakfasts with all-you-can-eat seafood. However, it can be quite difficult to make a choice without knowing the best recommendations.

Since you're going out of your way for a special trip, you definitely don't want to regret your hotel choice. You want to carefully weigh your options and stay somewhere wonderful. For anyone feeling this way, our top recommendation is Dormy Inn PREMIUM Sapporo, where you can enjoy seafood bowls to your heart's content for breakfast.

＼Recommended Hotel "Dormy Inn PREMIUM Sapporo"／

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Above all, the all-you-can-eat seafood breakfast is simply irresistible! Complete with an onsen (large public bath) and situated in the absolute best location right along Tanukikoji, it’s a hotel you’ll want to stay at at least once to savor the hot spring and breakfast experience.

＼Hotel Reservations Are First Come, First Served／

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Dormy Inn PREMIUM Sapporo

Recommended

Recommended Hotels in Sapporo, Hokkaido by Area!

Whether you stay near "Sapporo Station" for easy airport access and JR day trips, stay near Odori Park for business convenience, or stay in the "Susukino" area to enjoy the famous Jingisukan (grilled mutton) and nightlife bars to your heart's content—choosing a hotel that matches your travel purpose is a key factor in making your stay in Sapporo fulfilling.

＼ Smart Hotel Selection for Savvy Travelers ／

Click here for the article: Recommended Hotels in Sapporo, Hokkaido by Area! Sapporo Station, Odori Park, Susukino, Nakajima Park

The hotel you choose will dramatically boost your trip satisfaction

Summary: Chitosetsuru Sake Museum

Chitosetsuru Sake Museum is a facility operated by a Sapporo sake brewery, combining historical exhibits of sake brewing dating back to the Meiji era with a directly operated shop. Located in central Sapporo as a hub for local sake culture, it opens historical materials to the public and sells products directly.

• Historical Exhibits: Miniature models reproducing traditional sake brewing processes, as well as precious tools and photos from those times, are open to the public.
• Limited Sales: Unpasteurized raw sake direct from the factory, facility-limited brands such as “Yukidaruma,” and processed sake lees products are available.
• Hands-on Experiences: A Japanese sake tasting counter is available, along with tasting of the preparation water used in sake brewing.

Inside the building, you can not only learn about history but also choose brands through product browsing and tasting unique to a directly operated shop. Admission is free, and the setup lets a wide range of people—from sake enthusiasts to tourists—experience Sapporo’s local sake culture from multiple angles.

Suddenly an Aquarium Appears in the City! Right Near Tanukikoji and Susukino “AOAO SAPPORO”

An AOAO SAPPORO Aquarium experience review. AOAO SAPPORO Aquarium is an urban aquarium opened in July 2023 in Tanukikoji, Sapporo. It is a great location where you can drop by the aquarium while enjoying shopping or eating before and after. Naturally great for families and couples, even solo visitors can thoroughly enjoy the aquarium and spend a wonderful time.

Introducing a wonderful AOAO SAPPORO Aquarium experience review.

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Introducing the Highlights of AOAO SAPPORO

This is an experience review of AOAO SAPPORO Aquarium. Opened in July 2023 in Tanukikoji, Sapporo, AOAO SAPPORO is an urban aquarium. Located in a prime spot where you can easily drop by while enjoying shopping and dining before or after your visit, it is perfect for families, dates, or even solo visitors looking to spend a wonderful and engaging time.

＼ Meet the Penguins in Tanukikoji! ／

Click here for the article introducing the highlights of AOAO SAPPORO

Aquariums are always a soothing, relaxing space whenever you visit

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“Morioka Bus Center” serves as a base for strolling around Morioka. Reborn as a new facility in 2022, it has been transformed from a place merely for waiting for ordinary buses into a place where you can eat, drink, and have fun.

On the 1st floor, there is a food hall and shops where popular local stores gather; on the 2nd floor, there is a coffee shop where jazz plays; and on the 3rd floor, there are accommodation facilities and even a sauna—making it a place packed with “fun.”

Morioka Bus Center was renovated—can you actually eat and hang out while waiting?

There’s a food hall, café, lodging, and even a sauna. How to use it for food and drinks, plus tips to know.

In this article, based on photos from the author’s own visit, we introduce the charms of Morioka Bus Center, where you can eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.

Highlights of “Morioka Bus Center”

The Main Building Has Regained Its Original Bus Center Role

Since the old center closed in 2016, the site sat vacant for a while, but through the 2022 renewal, its role as Morioka’s eastern gateway was revived once again.

The new main building offers a spacious waiting area rather than being a mere stop, so you can wait for buses comfortably in air-conditioned and heated surroundings. Digitally displayed guideboards are also easy to understand, serving as important transport infrastructure for Morioka citizens.

Adjacent to the bus center waiting room, the eatery (Soba-dokoro Nambu) has a full lineup of easy-to-enjoy menus, starting with the famous “Niku Soba” (meat soba). Being able to eat quickly while waiting for a bus carries on the strengths of the traditional bus center.

Niku Soba is a filling bowl topped with plenty of meat simmered sweet and savory. Side menu items such as soft-serve ice cream, coffee, and shaved ice in summer are also well stocked. While it is a new and clean space, the charm lies in savoring that somewhat comforting feel of “station soba / bus-waiting gourmet.”

Eating and Drinking at the Annex Izakaya, Restaurant, and Food Court

The annex next to the main building is a food hall where popular local stores gather, so you can enjoy meals and drinks in a free-form style. Counters for Morioka craft beer or local sake, skewer grills, authentic cuisine, and more cover a diverse range of genres.

Because it is an open space without partitions, you can mix and match menus from several shops—casually drinking during the day on your own, or spending lively time in a group—and feel the energy of present-day Morioka. It is a solid spot that makes you want to come specifically to eat and drink, not just while waiting for a bus.

Recommended Shop “Morioka Craft Beer BAEREN”

When you want a quick drink while waiting for a bus, Morioka’s craft beer BAEREN is just right. At this counter inside the annex food hall, you can enjoy authentic craft beer that Morioka is proud to share with the world.

Being able to order casually starting from a single glass is a real plus. Despite the authentic bar atmosphere, because it is an open spot inside a bus center, you can enjoy Morioka’s flavors without hesitation even in the short time before departure.

A recommended dish is the roast plate assortment of Short-Horn Beef, Platinum Pork, and Iwate Chicken (1,000 JPY), a menu item that pairs just right with BAEREN’s bitter beer.

Having a glass of your preferred beer from “Colonia,” “Tsunagu Beer,” “Lemon Radler,” “Classic,” “Alt,” and “Schwarz” is simply irresistible.

The Annex Features a Super Sento Facility

On the 3rd floor of the bus center’s annex, a full-fledged thermal bath facility, “SPA & SAUNA KANAN SPA,” is fully outfitted. Being able to refresh in a sauna or large public bath while waiting for a bus or between legs of a trip is a rare setup nationwide.

• Authentic Finnish-style Sauna: Featuring an authentic sauna capable of self-löyly, with quality that even sauna lovers can appreciate.
• Choice of Cold Plunge and Outdoor Air Bathing: With a firmly chilled cold plunge and outdoor air bathing in the rooftop area, you can experience authentic “totonoi” (sauna-refreshment) right in the middle of the city.
• Stylish and Clean Space: A modern interior with the sparkling cleanliness unique to a new facility opened in 2022.
• Empty-handed Visits Welcome: Because amenities such as rental towels are also well stocked, you can casually drop by on a whim between sightseeing or business trips.

Hotel Annex “HOTEL MAZARIUM”

On the 3rd floor of the annex is the lifestyle museum hotel “HOTEL MAZARIUM.” This hotel features artworks produced by Heralbony throughout guest rooms and shared spaces, creating a special place where the stay itself becomes an art experience.

While it sits in a very convenient location inside the bus center building, stepping inside offers a modern, calm atmosphere that makes you forget the hustle and bustle outside. All rooms use Simmons beds, with a clear focus on comfortable sleep. Directly connected to the “KANAN SPA” introduced above, it serves as a stay base where you can feel Morioka’s new culture while enjoying saunas and spas.

Hotel Mazarium: A Highly Recommended Hotel Near Nakanohashi-dori

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Hotel Mazarium

Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Museum

Located inside the “HOTEL MAZARIUM” lounge on the 3rd floor of the annex is the “Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Museum,” which traces the career of world-renowned jazz pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi. It is a precious spot where not only fans but anyone can casually encounter that culture.

Inside, Toshiko’s precious photos and materials, as well as numerous award trophies, are on display. At the attached cafe “Cafe Bar West38,” you can also enjoy coffee, the famous jazz curry, or drinks while listening to authentic jazz. Live performances are also held regularly, so you can enjoy a grown-up Morioka moment with high-quality music—all while remaining inside the bus center.

Key Points to Note at “Morioka Bus Center”

Key Point: Buses Passing the Bus Center Do Not Appear on the Bus Center’s Electronic Display Board

Regarding the splendid electronic display board inside the Morioka Bus Center building, there is actually a rule that “what is displayed here are only buses that originate from or terminate at the Bus Center (or highway buses and the like that enter the premises).”

Many buses coming from the Morioka Station direction that “pass the Bus Center and continue farther on (such as to Prefectural Central Hospital or Chabatake)” do not enter the building and instead stop at the outdoor street-side bus stop. These do not appear on the indoor monitors at all.

If you panic thinking “the bus I want is not on the display board” and wait inside the building, the bus may pass by at the outdoor street-side stop. It is important to confirm in advance whether the bus you want is an “inside-premises” type or a “stops at the outdoor bus stop” type.

(Departure/arrival platform inside the Bus Center premises)

(Bus stop in front of the Bus Center)

Location and Access for “Morioka Bus Center”

Location

Morioka Bus Center is located on “Nakanohashi-dori” in central Morioka City. From JR Morioka Station, take the “Morioka City Center Loop Bus ‘Dendenmushi'” from the East Exit Bus Terminal, or a bus bound for Chabatake/Suidobashi; the ride takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Get off at the “Morioka Bus Center” stop.

On foot, it takes about 20 to 25 minutes from Morioka Station via Odori Shopping Street or the Nakatsu River. The surrounding area is next to “monaka” and “Hotline Sakanacho,” making it truly a starting point for strolling around town. By car, using the attached dedicated parking lot or nearby coin parking is convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions about “Morioka Bus Center”

Recommended Hotels for Sightseeing and Business Trips in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture

Because Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, is a castle town and an ancient city, Morioka Station, where the Shinkansen stops, and Morioka's downtown area (entertainment and commercial district) are slightly separated. Compared to prefectural capitals in other prefectures (regional areas), Morioka is a city where shops still relatively remain in the center of town (such as the Odori arcade street). Furthermore, as a city of water and greenery with three rivers flowing through it, hotels suitable for sightseeing and business trips are scattered throughout the area.

Among them, the hotel areas in Morioka City are roughly divided into three main zones. The recommended areas vary depending on your priorities—such as location, city sightseeing, gourmet dining, or proximity to downtown/entertainment districts—so choosing a hotel that fits your purpose is recommended.

If you are looking for a hotel in Morioka City, please be sure to check out the following article.

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Recommended Hotels for Morioka Sightseeing

The ancient capital of Morioka, a former castle town, retains the charm of good old Japan. To fully enjoy and sightsee Morioka, choose a high-quality hotel in a recommended area.

＼ Enjoy Morioka to the Fullest ／

Introducing Recommended Hotels for Sightseeing and Business Trips in Morioka, Iwate

Choosing the right hotel is essential for sightseeing in Morioka

Summary: Morioka Bus Center

Morioka Bus Center, renewed in 2022, overturns the old image of a waiting area and has been reborn as a multifunctional spot packed with Morioka’s “food, culture, and healing.”

As a stroll base for the Nakanohashi and Sakanacho areas, or as a destination in its own right—use the renewed Morioka Bus Center wisely and enjoy deeper Morioka sightseeing!

Recommended

Morioka Castle Site Park: A Relaxing Haven for Morioka Citizens in Iwate

The castle of Iwate’s Nanbu Domain was “Kozukata Castle” (officially “Morioka Castle”) in Morioka. Here, we introduce Morioka Castle Site Park (Iwate Park), which currently serves as a relaxing park for Morioka locals. It is a delightful park surrounded by water and lush greenery where you can also feel the rich history.

＼ A Relaxing Park for Morioka Citizens ／

Click here for the article on walking trails at the wonderful Morioka Castle Site Park (Iwate Park)

Morioka Castle Site Park surrounded by beautiful rivers and greenery

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The area extending from Nakanohashi to Sakanacho in Morioka has a compact concentration of spots that are just right for strolling around town. It is perfect for a walk at your own pace—whether you amble along the river, gaze at the large red-brick building, or wander straight through the arcade as you please.

Featuring “Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall,” a National Important Cultural Property, the scenery of the Nakatsu River flowing through the center of town toward Iwate Park, and “hot line Sakanacho,” an all-weather arcade shopping street, it is a place where you can feel Morioka’s local atmosphere and tranquility.

Want a relaxed walk past Morioka’s Red Brick Hall and the river—is Nakanohashi and Sakanacho easy to explore?

The distances are just right for strolling. We’ve mapped Red Brick Hall, Nakatsu River, and Hot Line Sakanacho.

In this article, based on photos actually taken by the author while walking, we introduce the surroundings of Nakanohashi and Sakanacho.

Nakanohashi & Sakanacho Area Guide / Highlights

Iwate Park and Nakatsu River — a Park of Water and Greenery for Pleasant Riverside Strolling

The area around the Morioka Castle Site (Iwate Park) and the Nakatsu River flowing beside it is rich in water and greenery. Splendid stone walls remain inside the park, so you can enjoy a stroll while walking among the trees.

A pedestrian path runs along the Nakatsu River right next to it, letting you pass under bridges or go down to the water’s edge while listening to the river’s murmur. Despite being in the central area, it has a sense of openness, making it just right for a leisurely stroll while gazing at the river’s flow.

Recommended

Morioka Castle Site Park: A Relaxing Haven for Morioka Citizens in Iwate

The castle of Iwate’s Nanbu Domain was “Kozukata Castle” (officially “Morioka Castle”) in Morioka. Here, we introduce Morioka Castle Site Park (Iwate Park), which currently serves as a relaxing park for Morioka locals. It is a delightful park surrounded by water and lush greenery where you can also feel the rich history.

＼ A Relaxing Park for Morioka Citizens ／

Click here for the article on walking trails at the wonderful Morioka Castle Site Park (Iwate Park)

Morioka Castle Site Park surrounded by beautiful rivers and greenery

Recently, entry to the pedestrian path along the riverbed has been prohibited.

A Historic Building: the Beautiful, Striking Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall

What particularly catches the eye at the Nakanohashi intersection is the “Iwate Bank Red Brick Hall,” built in 1911. Its exterior—red bricks with white granite lines—lets you feel the modern atmosphere of the Meiji and Taisho eras.

This building was designed by Kingo Tatsuno, who also worked on Tokyo Station, and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Simply gazing at it from the outside conveys the detail and dignity of its construction, but parts of the interior can also be toured for free. Its historic appearance, blending into the city as a matter of course, can be called a symbolic presence when walking through Morioka.

Recommended

A Masterpiece of Retro Architecture: Iwate Bank Red Brick Building

Located along the Nakatsu River in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, the “Iwate Bank Red Brick Building” is a brick structure completed in 1911 (Meiji 44). Formerly used as the main head office of a bank, it has undergone preservation and repair work and is now open to the public as one of Morioka’s iconic historical buildings.

＼ A Stunning Building ／

Click here for a comprehensive guide to the appeal of the retro architectural masterpiece “Iwate Bank Red Brick Building”

You can tour the interior with full access admission (paid entry).

A New Spot in the Nakanohashi & Sakanacho Area / Shopping Mall “monaka”

Opened in 2024, “monaka” is a complex that serves as a new landmark on Nakanohashi-dori. Built on the site of the former “Nakasan Department Store,” it houses a direct-from-farm market lined with fresh local ingredients, eateries, household-goods shops, and more.

Despite being a state-of-the-art building, it features a calm design that blends into the surrounding streetscape. From the 1st floor to the upper floors, rest spaces as well as shopping are well provided, making it convenient to drop by casually after walking by the Nakatsu River or Red Brick Hall. It is a gourmet and shopping spot recommended for strolling in the Nakanohashi and Sakanacho areas where you can feel a new breeze of Morioka.

Rare “Ebisu-ya’s Round Taiyaki” Available to Eat

In the 1st-floor eatery area, rare “round taiyaki (260 JPY per piece)” are available. Featuring the nostalgic taste of traditional taiyaki in a modern round shape, it is a taiyaki that seems to express the style and chicness of Morioka locals.

Nostalgia-Evoking Traditional Arcade “hot line Sakanacho”

“hot line Sakanacho” is an all-weather arcade shopping street about 365 meters long, exuding a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere. Long-established tea shops, clothing stores, and other businesses that have continued from earlier times line the street, making it a place filled with everyday life where locals come for daily shopping.

With the times, unfortunately it no longer has the liveliness of days past, but even so—parents with children or elderly couples walking leisurely, or sometimes elementary school students running through—it remains a shopping street that makes you glad it still preserves the merits of a locally rooted arcade.

Because the wide pedestrian-only pathway has a roof, you can walk on rainy or snowy days without worrying about the weather. Unlike modern shopping malls, it is suited to wandering and gazing at shopfronts while feeling the atmosphere of a shopping street where time flows slowly.

“Plaza Odette”: a Multifunctional Spot Convenient for Tourist Information and Rest

Standing right near Nakanohashi, “Plaza Odette” is a complex perfect for gathering tourist information and resting. Inside, there is a tourist information center where you can obtain town-strolling pamphlets, and a shop lined with Morioka specialties is also attached.

On the 2nd floor, there is the “Morioka Tegamikan” (Morioka Letter Museum) displaying letters of predecessors, where you can quietly touch upon history. A large plaza extends in front of the building, and using it as a starting point when strolling by the Nakatsu River or Red Brick Hall—or as a drop-in spot when tired from walking—is recommended.

Location & Access for Nakanohashi & Sakanacho

Location

The Nakanohashi & Sakanacho area is located about 1.5 kilometers east of Morioka Station, across the Nakatsu River. From JR Morioka Station, it is convenient to take buses from the bus terminal departure points (Nos. 5, 6, 12, 13, etc.)—such as the “Morioka City Center Loop Bus ‘Dendenmushi'” or buses bound for “Chabatake”—and get off at “Morioka Bus Center” or “Nakanohashi-dori 1-chome.”

The bus ride takes about 10 to 15 minutes. From Morioka Bus Center, everything is right nearby on foot, and the Red Brick Hall, hot line Sakanacho, and Iwate Park (Morioka Castle Site Park) are all within a few minutes’ walk. By car, using nearby paid parking lots or the parking lot at Morioka Bus Center makes for a smooth stroll.

History of Nakanohashi & Sakanacho

Recommended Hotels for Sightseeing and Business Trips in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture

Because Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, is a castle town and an ancient city, Morioka Station, where the Shinkansen stops, and Morioka's downtown area (entertainment and commercial district) are slightly separated. Compared to prefectural capitals in other prefectures (regional areas), Morioka is a city where shops still relatively remain in the center of town (such as the Odori arcade street). Furthermore, as a city of water and greenery with three rivers flowing through it, hotels suitable for sightseeing and business trips are scattered throughout the area.

Among them, the hotel areas in Morioka City are roughly divided into three main zones. The recommended areas vary depending on your priorities—such as location, city sightseeing, gourmet dining, or proximity to downtown/entertainment districts—so choosing a hotel that fits your purpose is recommended.

If you are looking for a hotel in Morioka City, please be sure to check out the following article.

Recommended

Recommended Hotels for Morioka Sightseeing

The ancient capital of Morioka, a former castle town, retains the charm of good old Japan. To fully enjoy and sightsee Morioka, choose a high-quality hotel in a recommended area.

＼ Enjoy Morioka to the Fullest ／

Introducing Recommended Hotels for Sightseeing and Business Trips in Morioka, Iwate

Choosing the right hotel is essential for sightseeing in Morioka

Summary: Nakanohashi & Sakanacho Area Guide

The area extending from Nakanohashi to Sakanacho in Morioka is just right for strolling, where historic buildings, nature, and local everyday life are gathered in a compact area. Walking while listening to the murmur of the Nakatsu River, gazing at the dignified Red Brick Hall, and taking in the present-day air of Morioka on the shopping street—you can spend a relaxed time like that.

Rushing around famous tourist spots is fine, but why not wander around Nakanohashi at your own pace sometimes? In the river’s flow and the shopping street’s atmosphere, comfort unique to Morioka will surely be found.

“Daiji Shimizu” and “Morioka Hachimangu,” which you can walk to from Sakanacho or Nakanohashi and are just right for a stroll to feel good old Morioka, are also recommended routes for walking around Morioka.

Recommended

Nostalgic “Daiji Shimizu” and Beautiful “Morioka Hachimangu Shrine”

In Morioka, an old city where the charm of a good old river town still lives on, “Morioka Hachimangu Shrine” (located slightly away from the station) and “Daiji Shimizu” (about a 15-minute walk from the shrine) are nostalgic landmarks that evoke the atmosphere of Japan’s good old days.

＼ Good Old Morioka & Ancient City Charm ／

Click here for the article on exploring Morioka: Visiting nostalgic “Daiji Shimizu” and beautiful “Morioka Hachimangu Shrine”

Introducing “Daiji Shimizu” and “Morioka Hachimangu Shrine.”

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Author: Boon

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Located about a 3-minute walk from the East Exit of Odawara Station, where the Shinkansen and conventional lines meet, Tenseien Odawara Station Annex—inside the commercial complex “Minaka Odawara”—is a resort hotel right by the station, convenient for both business and sightseeing. In the large public bath on the 10th floor, you can enjoy natural hot springs (water transported from the source) shared with Hakone Yumoto, an alkaline simple spring with a soft feel on the skin. On the 14th floor, an observation footbath garden and sky dining overlook Sagami Bay and the town around Odawara Castle, so you can savor morning and evening meals alongside stunning views.

I’ve been wanting to visit Odawara.

“Odawara has a castle, the seafood is delicious, and it’s close to the Tokyo metropolitan area—highly recommended! Above all, ‘Tenseien Odawara Station Annex’ in front of the station lets you enjoy both a large public bath and delicious food, and being right in front of the station, it’s ideal as a sightseeing base!”

In this article, based on the author’s actual stay, we introduce the charms of Tenseien Odawara Station Annex.

Charms of “Tenseien Odawara Station Annex”

Luxurious Dinner at Sky Dining

If you’re staying at Tenseien Odawara Station Annex, what you’ll definitely want to book as a package is the luxurious dinner at Sky Dining on the 14th floor of the shopping mall Minaka Odawara. The cityscape of Odawara City and Odawara Castle visible from the restaurant’s windows, along with Sagami Bay, grow even more beautiful from dusk as night falls.

Each item in the “Assorted Hassun Appetizers” had a well-balanced seasoning and was delicious, and as a start to the meal, it gently whetted the appetite.

Parboiled pike conger, plum cartilage, chopped wasabi, smoked scallops, quail eggs, ratatouille, salted pufferfish entrails, milt tofu topped with sea urchin, seafood main roll, kelp-cured Spanish mackerel.

The golden powder sprinkled over is dried mullet roe. All were delicious, but the “parboiled pike conger” was particularly exquisite!

Next, the “Assorted Sashimi” arrives. Three to four types of fish come out in generous portions—a satisfying amount to eat. Because Odawara is a seaside town, fresh sashimi from Odawara is one of the dishes you definitely want to try.

The main dish is marbled shabu-shabu meat. The shabu-shabu beef—tender and packed with beef umami—wrapped in black sauce (ponzu or black sesame sauce) makes for an exquisite taste.

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Rakuten Travel, Tenseien Odawara Station Annex

A highly recommended hotel right in front of Odawara Station where you can enjoy sightseeing, local dining, entertainment, and a large public bath.

Rakuten Travel, Tenseien Odawara Station Annex

＼ Check Out the Official Site for Yourself! ／

Click here for Rakuten Travel Tenseien Odawara Station Annex

Click here for details on the Original Shabu-Shabu Set + Accommodation Plan

The entertainment area in front of the hotel offers a delightful atmosphere reminiscent of the Edo period

Outstanding Views of the Odawara Cityscape, Odawara Castle, Aerial Corridor + Footbath

Stepping outside from Sky Dining on the 14th floor, a free footbath sits in the terrace area overlooking the cityscape of Odawara. Soaking your feet slowly in the hot water while looking out at Sagami Bay is deeply atmospheric and feels good.

How clearly Odawara Castle stands out in the town of Odawara is also a strong point of Odawara City. With mountains behind it, greenery surrounding the castle, and Sagami Bay below, the castle sits in an unbeatable location.

Hakone Yumoto Onsen “Beautiful Skin Spring”

Rare for a hotel right by the station, there is a large public bath with a hot spring. The spring is “water transported from the source” brought from Hakone Yumoto—an authentic natural hot spring that blends softly into the skin.

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Agoda, Enjoy the Hot Springs at Tenseien Odawara Station Annex

While stocks last!

The hot spring is on the 10th floor, and from there you can also enjoy the cityscape of Odawara and Odawara Castle.

Directly Connected to the Station: Convenient Location Just 3 Minutes on Foot After Getting Off the Shinkansen

Because “Tenseien Odawara Station Annex” sits on the upper floors of the station-building commercial complex “Minaka Odawara,” it is directly connected to the station—a convenient location where you can walk to the front desk in 3 minutes even after getting off the Shinkansen at Odawara. A dedicated passage runs from Odawara Station to “Tenseien Odawara Station Annex,” so you can check in as you are without getting wet even on rainy days.

Space in Front of the Hotel Where You Can Enjoy an Edo Atmosphere

Lined up in front of the hotel are shops and restaurants that seem to recreate an Edo streetscape—an enjoyable event space where you can relax on the outdoor terrace after buying coffee at a cafe, or stroll around looking for souvenirs.

Furthermore, what is fully worth seeing is the scene at night. The Edo-atmosphere scenery—paper lanterns and gentle light standing out in the quiet after night falls and people disappear—feels as if you’ve stepped into another world. Simply sitting on a chair and watching the twilight will let you feel a touch of Japan’s beauty throughout your body.

A Filling Breakfast Buffet

Breakfast at “Tenseien Odawara Station Annex,” like dinner, is at Sky Dining on the 14th floor. While overlooking Sagami Bay and the refreshing morning cityscape of Odawara, you can enjoy numerous exquisite dishes from the morning onward, filling your stomach before you know it.

Standard items like salads, sausages, and bacon go without saying, and from famous Odawara oden to fried horse mackerel, dried fish, salted fish entrails, and even negitoro (sashimi), it is a breakfast buffet you can enjoy Japanese- or Western-style, as you prefer.

Points of Concern for “Tenseien Odawara Station Annex”

“Tenseien Odawara Station Annex” is a hotel rather than an inn, known for having many single rooms for solo travelers. Staying in a double room or Japanese-style room as a couple or with friends is naturally wonderful, but it is also a welcome hotel with solid rooms and plans for solo travelers. However, how narrow the single room is can be surprising.

Surprisingly Narrow Single Room

For the charm-filled “Tenseien Odawara Station Annex,” one thing to be ready for on a solo trip is how narrow the single room is. The space beside the bed is about enough for one person to pass through; the front side is slightly wider, so opening a suitcase is possible, but the table (desk) is narrow, making it a tough room for telework in the hotel.

Note that because it is directly connected to the station, train sounds can be heard a little during the daytime (at night trains are not running, so there is no problem).

As for how hard or soft the bed is, preferences vary, but generally it is somewhat firm; because the pillow is low, those who want a high, firm pillow should ask at the front desk.

Location and Access of “Tenseien Odawara Station Annex”

Location

A dedicated passage runs from Odawara Station to “Tenseien Odawara Station Annex,” so you can check in as you are without getting wet even on rainy days.

Getting off at Odawara Station, head inside Lusca (LUSCA). Because it is a food court, you will already want to eat here, but with restaurants in Odawara City and in the Edo event space in front of the hotel as well, pass through and hold out.

Passing through Lusca leads straight into the covered passage to “Tenseien Odawara Station Annex.” Because there is a roof, you can go to the hotel without getting wet even on rainy days.

Rates of “Tenseien Odawara Station Annex”

Rates change depending on the season. These are rates in ordinary (non–high-season) periods (in high season, rates run about 1.5 times as high).

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Room	Price
	Single Room Approx. 15,000 – 20,000 JPY View details on Agoda
	Moderate Twin Room Approx. 20,000 – 25,000 JPY View details on Agoda

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Room
Single Room Approx. 20,000 – 25,000 JPY View details on Agoda
Moderate Twin Room Approx. 20,000 – 25,000 JPY   View details on Agoda

＼Recommended Hotel: Tenseien Odawara Station Annex／

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＼Here are the recommended hotels in Odawara!／

Click here for hotel details and reservations on Agoda.

Worried about availability? Book early!

Tenseien Odawara Station Annex

Recommended Spots Around the Hotel (Odawara)

Symbol of Odawara, Odawara Castle

Odawara Castle, reachable in about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, is a historic castle in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. During the Sengoku period, it served as the base for the Hojo clan’s control over the Kanto region. A formidable castle known for its solid total enclosure and vast castle town—drawing attention even during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Siege of Odawara—the castle tower has now been restored, and historical museums and beautiful gardens have been developed around it, making it popular as a tourist destination and one of Odawara’s sightseeing spots. In spring, it draws many cherry blossom viewers as a famous sakura spot, so you can enjoy history and nature at once.

Odawara Beach Coastline

Odawara’s beach coastline is about a 15-to-20-minute walk from Odawara Station and the hotel. Gazing at the horizon feels quite good. There was no one swimming (because it was a weekday?).

Odawara “Oshare Yokocho”

Odawara is a castle town that has flourished since old times; among its spots, “Oshare Yokocho,” a 5-minute walk from Odawara Station, has an outstanding atmosphere. Besides eateries, there are atmospheric places like snacks and BARs, so a walk to enjoy Odawara at night also has a quaint charm.

Extra: “Selectable Yukata,” Highly Popular Among Women

“Tenseien Odawara Station Annex” has a yukata selection service delightful for women (paid: 100 JPY per garment). Going to the footbath in a cute yukata and looking out over the cityscape of Odawara feels good. Looking great in photos is guaranteed.

Summary: Tenseien Odawara Station Annex

Located about a 3-minute walk from the East Exit of Odawara Station, where the Shinkansen and conventional lines meet, Tenseien Odawara Station Annex—inside the commercial complex “Minaka Odawara”—is a resort hotel right by the station, convenient for both business and sightseeing. In the large public bath on the 10th floor, you can enjoy natural hot springs (water transported from the source) shared with Hakone Yumoto, an alkaline simple spring with a soft feel on the skin. On the 14th floor, an observation footbath garden and sky dining overlook Sagami Bay and the town around Odawara Castle, so you can savor morning and evening meals alongside stunning views.

Odawara is a charming town where you can feel history, and also a gourmet town rich in the blessings of both sea and mountains; spending a relaxing day at the recommended hotel Tenseien Odawara Station Annex also makes for a wonderful vacation.

＼Recommended Hotel: Tenseien Odawara Station Annex／

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＼Here are the recommended hotels in Odawara!／

Click here for hotel details and reservations on Agoda.

Worried about availability? Book early!

Tenseien Odawara Station Annex

Recommended

Around Tokyo Bay (Tokyo → Kamakura → Kurihama → Ferry → Kanaya)

Introducing the “Around Tokyo Bay Date Course,” a unique and refreshing twist on typical Tokyo dates. Even for couples tired of the same old routine, this itinerary is packed with charm—eat, drink, feel the sea breeze, and experience a fresh, exciting way to enjoy Tokyo for a whole day.

＼ Make Today Something Special ／

Click here for the article on Tokyo’s recommended ferry date: “Around Tokyo Bay (Tokyo → Kamakura → Kurihama → Ferry → Kanaya)”

A day to enjoy Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Chiba

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Akita’s Omagari Fireworks Festival (National Fireworks Competition) is a spectacle many people hope to see at least once in a lifetime, but on the day of the event, the venue becomes extremely crowded. Omagari is normally a small town, so it does not have the capacity to handle such a massive influx of tourists and fireworks spectators. Naturally, hotels—including those in surrounding areas—become intensely crowded.

The 2026 Omagari Fireworks Festival (National Fireworks Competition) will take place on Saturday, August 29.

Hotels and Shinkansen for Omagari Fireworks are sold out—any options still left for 2026?

Nearby towns and last-train timing are key. We’ve gathered hotel workarounds and Shinkansen tips for this year.

In this article, we cover the hotel situation (recommended areas) and Shinkansen information (last trains) for the Omagari Fireworks Festival.

Omagari Fireworks Festival: Regular Last Trains and Special Train Info from Omagari Station

As the Omagari Fireworks Festival approaches, getting a hotel around Omagari Station becomes nearly impossible. For that reason, the nearest major cities (“Morioka City,” “Akita City,” and “Yokote City / Yuzawa City”) become the places to look for lodging.

Let’s check the last train times from Omagari Station in advance.

Travel Time from Omagari on Ordinary Days (Train)

*In typical years, special extra trains (described below) operate on the day of the Omagari Fireworks Festival.

▼Special Extra Trains on the Day▼

Information on special Shinkansen extra trains between Omagari and Morioka for the Omagari Fireworks Festival is available on the JR East Morioka website (news releases).

While there are many Shinkansen (bullet train) services between Tokyo and Morioka, the number of services drops off sharply between Morioka and Akita. Therefore, one option is to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Morioka, rent a car in Morioka, and drive to Omagari.

Let’s search for Shinkansen tickets right away!

Click here to search for Shinkansen tickets

Book your JR Shinkansen and Limited Express tickets ♪ Receive them at home without waiting in line at the ticket counter or vending machine!【NAVITIME Travel】

Shinkansen reservations are first-come, first-served

If you arrange for a rental car, you won’t have to worry about catching the last train from Omagari, and you can travel on to places like Akita City or Morioka City on the same day, allowing you to enjoy the Omagari Fireworks Festival while sightseeing in the surrounding area. Since it is quite a distance from Tokyo, the recommended option is to take the Shinkansen to Morioka, rent a car there, and travel by car.

Car rentals are also first-come, first-served!

Click here to reserve a rental car

Compare and search for budget car rentals all in one place with AirTrip

If you wait until you’re ready to book and find everything sold out, you’ll be in trouble, so make your arrangements early!

On the day of the Omagari Fireworks Festival, checking and reserving special extra trains in advance, then heading to the nearest major city (“Morioka City,” “Akita City,” or “Yokote City / Yuzawa City”) to stay overnight is the last resort when working out travel and hotel plans.

▼Hotel Search on the Day▼

Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture: Recommended Hotels by Area!

Entertainment districts, sightseeing, and gourmet information too! Station area, Odori, Nakanohashi-dori, etc.

Recommended

Recommended Hotels for Sightseeing in Morioka

Morioka is an old castle town where the charm of good old Japan still lives on. To fully enjoy and explore Morioka, choose a high-quality hotel in a recommended area.

＼ Enjoy Morioka to the Fullest ／

Introducing recommended hotels for sightseeing and business trips in Morioka, Iwate

Choosing the right hotel is essential for sightseeing in Morioka

Omagari Fireworks Festival: Hotels Around Omagari Station (Near the Fireworks Venue)

Hotels around Omagari Station sometimes give priority to fireworks officials, and reservations fill up fast, making them hard to get—but early booking can still work. Here is a list of main hotels in Omagari (★3 or above in Agoda ratings).

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Hotel Route-Inn Omagari Ekimae

Agoda

Green Hotel Omagari

Agoda

Omagari Empire Hotel

Agoda

Cancellations and similar openings may fortunately pop up. Check frequently.

Lesser-Known Hidden-Gem Areas on the Day of the Omagari Fireworks Festival (Recommended Hotels)

On the day of the Omagari Fireworks Festival (National Fireworks Competition), reserving a hotel around Omagari Station or near the fireworks venue is insanely difficult, so in reality, you will be searching for hotels in nearby hidden-gem areas. The hidden-gem areas are “Morioka City,” “Akita City,” and “Yokote City / Yuzawa City.”

Looking at a map, they seem quite far, but by train (Shinkansen, etc.) they are reachable in about 20 to 40 minutes; jumping on a train after watching the fireworks in Omagari (reserving a seat is recommended for the Shinkansen) and staying overnight in each area is how you use these hidden-gem areas.

Recommended Hidden-Gem Area 1: “Morioka”

“Morioka” is one of the recommended areas. From Omagari Station to Morioka Station takes about 1 hour by Shinkansen, so it feels a bit far, but in reality, because it is the Shinkansen (as long as a seat is secured), sitting comfortably in your seat (and sipping a beer or something similar), you arrive in no time.

Recommended Hotels in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture

Here are recommended hotels in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. In Morioka City, recommended areas fall into “Morioka Station Area,” “Odori Area,” and “Nakanohashi-dori Area,” with picks for each.

Area	Hotel Name
Morioka Station Area	Hotel Metropolitan Morioka New Wing Featuring 121 guest rooms, this major hotel offers well-balanced facilities and comfortable rooms for a reliable, worry-free stay. View details on Agoda
Morioka Station Area	Daiwa Roynet Hotel Morioka Ekimae A reliable hotel from the trusted Daiwa Roynet Group. With high-quality rooms, a well-balanced breakfast, and dependable nationwide chain standards, it sits near the station with great amenities and river views that add extra value. View details on Agoda
Odori Area	Daiwa Roynet Hotel Morioka A reliable hotel from the trusted Daiwa Roynet Group. Room quality is consistently high, and common areas are kept spotlessly clean, making it a safe and comfortable choice. View details on Agoda
Odori Area	Hotel Royal Morioka Despite its relatively affordable rates, the rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable. Conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from the lively Odori downtown area, with a department store right across the street for easy shopping and dining. View details on Agoda
Nakanohashi Street Area	HOTEL MAZARIUM A newly opened hotel on Morioka’s Nakanohashi Street. Although slightly far from Morioka Station, it sits in an area rich with dining options and surrounded by the charm of a long-established regional city stretching from Morioka Castle Site Park and the Nakatsu River. Its modern design makes it a hotel you’ll definitely want to try at least once. View details on Agoda

Considering the fatigue left after traveling for 1 hour at night following the Omagari Fireworks Festival, the Morioka Station Area is the easiest. However, even in Morioka, a scramble for hotel reservations on the day of the Omagari Fireworks Festival is expected. “Hotel Mazarium” in the Nakanohashi-dori area, slightly far from the station but close by taxi, is another hidden-gem hotel.

Hotel Mazarium: A Highly Recommended Hotel Near Nakanohashi-dori

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＼Book your hotel early for a better deal／

Agoda: View hotel details and book here.

Worried about availability? Book early!

Hotel Mazarium

“Hotel Mazarium” is a new complex reborn on October 4, 2022—housing a hotel, spa, food court, and more—after Morioka’s aging Bus Center transit hub was redeveloped. The facility is new, and “Hotel Mazarium” is a hotel with a strong sense of design.

Because it is a new facility a bit away from Morioka Station, it is a hotel where reservations are relatively easy to get.

Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture: Recommended Hotels by Area!
Entertainment districts, sightseeing, and gourmet information too! Station area, Odori, Nakanohashi-dori, etc.

Recommended

Recommended Hotels for Sightseeing in Morioka

Morioka is an old castle town where the charm of good old Japan still lives on. To fully enjoy and explore Morioka, choose a high-quality hotel in a recommended area.

＼ Enjoy Morioka to the Fullest ／

Introducing recommended hotels for sightseeing and business trips in Morioka, Iwate

Choosing the right hotel is essential for sightseeing in Morioka

Recommended Hidden-Gem Area 2: “Akita”

“Akita City” is the prefectural capital of Akita Prefecture. A castle town of the Akita Satake clan, it is a calm city—a pleasant place for gourmet food and sightseeing.

Transportation from Akita City to the Tokyo metropolitan area (Tokyo, etc.) includes flights from Akita Airport in addition to the Shinkansen from Akita Station → Tokyo Station.

Recommended Hotels in Akita City, Akita Prefecture

Recommended Hotels in Akita City, Akita Prefecture

Area	Hotel Name
Akita Station Area	Hotel Metropolitan Akita Located close to Akita Station with relatively reasonable rates. Rooms are comfortable, and the breakfast buffet is delicious. Enjoy a wonderful stay here.
Akita Station Area	Dormy Inn Akita Natural Hot Spring A hotel within walking distance from Akita Station. Features a large public bath where you can soothe your tired body.

Akita City, Akita Prefecture: Recommended Hotels by Area!
Choose by entertainment district or sightseeing! Station area, Senshu Park front, Kawabata entertainment district, etc.

Recommended

Akita City, Akita Prefecture: Recommended Hotels by Area!

In Akita City, Akita Prefecture, the Shinkansen station area and the traditional nightlife district are located slightly apart. Therefore, the key is to choose based on your main purpose—whether to stay near the station for easier travel or near the “Kawabata” nightlife district to enjoy local Akita cuisine and drinks in the evening.

＼ Hotel Reservations Are First-Come, First-Served ／

Click here for the article on Akita City, Akita Prefecture: Recommended Hotels by Area!

Hotels are relatively limited, so booking early is essential

Recommended Hidden-Gem Area 3: “Yokote City, Yuzawa City”

Yokote City and Yuzawa City in Akita Prefecture are calm tourist destinations; relaxing at a hot spring or similar spot the day after thoroughly enjoying the fireworks is also wonderful.

Recommended Hotels in Yokote City and Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture

Here are recommended hotels in Yokote City and Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture. Although small in scale, calm recommended hotels cluster here.

Area	Hotel Name
Yokote Area	Hotel Plaza Annex Yokote A highly recommended hotel offering highly satisfying rooms, hot springs, and dining.
Yuzawa Area	Yuzawa Royal Hotel A recommended business hotel in the Yuzawa area.

A Reliable Way to Secure a Hotel: “Booking a Tour”

If you want to reliably secure transportation and hotels for Omagari and the Fireworks Festival, booking a fireworks tour is a solid option. In particular, the Omagari Fireworks are one of the main flagship products actively promoted on travel tours, so make good use of them.

Club Tourism is hosting a special feature on Omagari Fireworks tours.

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Club Tourism Themed Tours

Booking a tour is the most reliable way to enjoy popular fireworks festivals—offering total peace of mind with transportation, hotel, and reserved viewing seats all bundled together.

＼ Tour Bookings Are First-Come, First-Served ／

Click here for Club Tourism Themed Tours

Club Tourism Themed Tours

Find Omagari Fireworks Tours

Entering “Omagari” in the keyword search in the middle of the screen lets you search for Omagari Fireworks tours. If you can book a tour that packages transportation, hotel, and viewing seats together, it offers considerable peace of mind.

If You Absolutely Cannot Get a Hotel: Internet Cafes

If you absolutely cannot get a hotel, you can spend the night at manga cafes (internet cafes) or karaoke boxes in Morioka.

Kaikatsu CLUB Morioka Odori Store

Located in a convenient spot about a 10-to-20-minute walk from Morioka Station, it is a manga cafe in the heart of Morioka’s entertainment district. Locked, fully private rooms can be reserved online from 2 months prior up to 3 days before the day of use.

Karaoke Big Echo Morioka Odori Store

Located in a convenient spot about a 10-to-20-minute walk from Morioka Station, it is a karaoke box in the heart of Morioka’s entertainment district. Because the Omagari Fireworks Festival falls on a Saturday night, the entertainment district is also crowded, so there is no guarantee you can get in, but if it is open, just lying down on a sofa in a karaoke box offers relief. Of course, singing all night long is also possible.

How to Get Paid Seating Without Waiting for a Lottery

Aside from hotels, another concern is securing a place to view the fireworks. In particular, “paid seating” goes through a lottery every year with high competition ratios, making it uncertain whether you can get seats reliably. With tours, paid seating is included, but there are cases where you want to arrange things individually.

A recommended method for obtaining paid seating is [Hometown Tax Donation] 97th National Fireworks Competition “Omagari Fireworks.”

Platinum Pair Seats!

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Platinum Pair Seats!

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Hometown Tax Donation, 97th National Fireworks Competition “Omagari Fireworks” Paid Seating (Platinum Pair Seats)

Deluxe Table Seats!

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Deluxe Table Seats!

Click here for Deluxe Table Seats

Hometown Tax Donation, 97th National Fireworks Competition “Omagari Fireworks” Paid Seating (Deluxe Table Seats)

Book Your Hotel on Agoda!

For hotel reservations, Agoda is convenient and user-friendly.

On Agoda, displayed prices rarely differ from what you pay, so you can book with peace of mind; furthermore, becoming a member offers cashback benefits, making it more advantageous the more you use it.

Highly Recommended Hotel in Iwate / Morioka

Hotel Mazarium: A Highly Recommended Hotel Near Nakanohashi-dori

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＼Book your hotel early for a better deal／

Agoda: View hotel details and book here.

Worried about availability? Book early!

Hotel Mazarium

Tohoku Shinkansen “Gran Class” Ride Report: Tokyo to Morioka
(From the lounge to unlimited sparkling wine)

Recommended

Tohoku Shinkansen “Gran Class” Tokyo → Morioka: Ride Report & Experience

Gran Class is the top-tier seating on the Tohoku Shinkansen. Priced over 10,000 yen higher than a regular ticket, it offers a train journey of a few hours where you can fully indulge in luxurious services.

＼ Incredibly Comfortable ／

Click here for the article: Tohoku Shinkansen “Gran Class” Tokyo → Morioka Ride Report & Experience

An exceptionally comfortable Shinkansen journey.

This website is operated by "Don Don Travel Guide"

Author: Boon

Our mission is to share valuable information with the world through informative and engaging travel media.

Learn more about Don Don Travel Guide.

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“Susukino” in Sapporo is packed with countless signs as one of Japan’s leading entertainment districts, but quite a few shops among them give off a unique aura that takes a little “courage” to step into.

“What on earth is inside the shop behind that sign?” “It looks suspicious, but could it actually be a famous establishment…?”

The author actually ventured into these “intriguing spots” in Susukino, where curiosity and anxiety mix. Here is a first-hand report on unique and memorable shops that are not listed in standard travel guides. Reading this will surely make your next night in Susukino even more interesting.

That curious Susukino storefront looks intimidating—could it actually be a hidden gem?

We went in with the same mix of curiosity and nerves. A first-hand report you won’t find in the usual guides.

“Unique and Intriguing” Spots in Susukino

Walking through “Susukino,” Hokkaido’s top entertainment district, intriguing signs and shops may catch your eye. Here are first-hand introductions to those intriguing spots.

Sushi Sakaba Lemon

Entering Susukino from the Susukino intersection and turning right, a sign that evokes a Showa atmosphere immediately catches your eye: “Sushi Sakaba Lemon.” It leaves you slightly wondering whether it is sushi, a pub, or an adult nightlife spot—but the neon sign sparks curiosity.

In the hallway from the building entrance to the shop entrance, Showa-modern art signs are densely packed; that alone creates a nostalgic space that sparks interest all at once.

The actual shop is a sushi izakaya with lemon sour as its main draw. You will be surprised by how reasonable the all-you-can-drink lemon sour is at 60 minutes / 500 JPY. Because menu prices are generally low, it feels like a neighborhood izakaya.

My impression is that the sushi menu has many creative items; if you are picturing a normal sushi shop, it is completely different and closer to an izakaya. There are sushi items on the menu, but izakaya dishes are also abundant, so approaching it like a casual neighborhood izakaya works well.

Location

Susukino Snack Street

Entering the 1st floor of the Okura Building in Sapporo’s Susukino, there is a place that somehow looks like the entrance to a temple in a role-playing game. This is a theme area called “Susukino Snack Street,” where snack bars are clustered.

“Susukino Snack Street” contains 5 to 6 snack bars, with shops run by beautiful moms lining the area. Inheriting the atmosphere of Showa-era snack bars, it is a calm space; while the clientele may lean more toward men, there are shops where even women can walk in and enjoy themselves.

More on “Susukino Snack Street”

Recommended

Susukino Snack Bar Alley: “Sapporo Snack Street”

Susukino is Sapporo’s largest entertainment district. Tucked away in a corner of one of its buildings lies a space with a uniquely striking presence. Exuding a mysterious yet captivating atmosphere—as if you’ve wandered into the entrance of a haunted mansion or a mansion from Resident Evil—this is “Sapporo Snack Street,” where a variety of unique snack bars line the corridor.

＼ A Social Lounge for Adults ／

Click here for the article: Captivating! Susukino Snack Bar Alley “Sapporo Snack Street”

Step inside and enter an adult wonderland where you can forget everyday life

Location

“Ajino Hitsujigaoka” Jingisukan

Located right in the middle of Susukino, “Ajino Hitsujigaoka” is a Jingisukan shop with a bright red sign that really stands out. It is a popular shop where people line up out front during dinner hours; late at night, you can sometimes walk in without waiting.

The Jingisukan at “Ajino Hitsujigaoka” is classic, straightforward Jingisukan. It is a good shop to visit before heading out in Susukino or as a finishing touch afterward, but be careful—the smell of Jingisukan sticks heavily to clothes. Do not mess up the order!

More on “Ajino Hitsujigaoka” Jingisukan

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Famous Jingisukan Spot: “Aji no Hitsujigaoka”

“Aji no Hitsujigaoka” in Sapporo Susukino is a fantastic place right in the heart of the Susukino nightlife district where you can easily enjoy delicious Jingisukan (grilled mutton/lamb).

＼ Easy to drop by even after drinks ／

Click here for the article on the famous Jingisukan restaurant “Aji no Hitsujigaoka”

Easy to dine at counter seats even for solo travelers

Location

Yakiniku Resort “Hawaii”

Yakiniku Resort “Hawaii” has a sign that makes you think, “Why is Hawaii in Hokkaido?!” A famous yakiniku restaurant known to those in the know among Sapporo locals, it is a popular shop nearly full every day. Above all, the yakiniku is cheap and delicious! It is great to go to before drinking, or as a finishing touch after drinking.

Each piece of meat is thick and delicious; because it is yakiniku, you grill it yourself, but the heat is strong—sear the surface at once, and meat cooked through to the inside really goes well with drinks.

Location

Corn Stalls

A stall selling “corn” and “baked sweet potatoes” that appears near the Susukino Round One intersection at night. Its intensely savory aroma tempts passersby. Prices of 600 JPY for corn and 1,000 JPY for baked sweet potatoes feel a bit pricey, but warm food in the cold winter is delightful. Of course, takeaway is also OK.

The taste is ordinary, but corn grilled with soy sauce has an indescribably nostalgic deliciousness.

Main spots it appears

Sushi You Definitely Want to Eat When Going to Sapporo! Introducing Recommended Sushi Restaurants

Sapporo, located close to New Chitose Airport—the air gateway of Hokkaido—is a "city of gastronomy" where highly fresh seafood gathers from various parts of the prefecture. Sushi in particular is one of the delights you cannot miss when visiting Sapporo.

Sapporo's sushi is undeniably delicious. In the gourmet paradise of Hokkaido, the umami of seafood that has grown robust in the cold northern seas is second to none.

Part of the charm of Sapporo's sushi dining scene is the coexistence of diverse styles, ranging from high-end establishments to casual conveyor-belt sushi spots you can easily drop by. Because seasonal toppings change throughout the year, you can enjoy discovering new flavors no matter when you visit. When you go to Sapporo, be sure to step into a sushi restaurant at least once.

Recommended

Sapporo Seafood is Delicious! Recommended Sushi Restaurants in Susukino

Sapporo is a city where Hokkaido's delicious seafood gathers. Among all, the seafood from the northern seas—with its firm, flavorful fish and shellfish—is simply extraordinary.

＼ Sapporo, Where You Can Eat Delicious Sushi ／

Click here for the article: Sapporo Seafood is Delicious! Recommended Sushi Restaurants in Susukino

Introduced based on actual first-hand experiences visiting sushi restaurants in Sapporo

A wonderful hotel in Sapporo featuring an all-you-can-eat seafood breakfast.

While there are plenty of hotels in Sapporo, you can choose one that perfectly fits your budget and how you want to enjoy your trip—ranging from budget-friendly accommodations meant simply for sleeping, to hotels featuring hot springs (large public baths) and buffet-style breakfasts with all-you-can-eat seafood. However, it can be quite difficult to make a choice without knowing the best recommendations.

Since you're going out of your way for a special trip, you definitely don't want to regret your hotel choice. You want to carefully weigh your options and stay somewhere wonderful. For anyone feeling this way, our top recommendation is Dormy Inn PREMIUM Sapporo, where you can enjoy seafood bowls to your heart's content for breakfast.

＼Recommended Hotel "Dormy Inn PREMIUM Sapporo"／

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Above all, the all-you-can-eat seafood breakfast is simply irresistible! Complete with an onsen (large public bath) and situated in the absolute best location right along Tanukikoji, it’s a hotel you’ll want to stay at at least once to savor the hot spring and breakfast experience.

＼Hotel Reservations Are First Come, First Served／

Agoda, Click Here for Hotel Details and Reservations

Worried about room availability? Book early!

Dormy Inn PREMIUM Sapporo

Recommended

Recommended Hotels in Sapporo, Hokkaido by Area!

Whether you stay near "Sapporo Station" for easy airport access and JR day trips, stay near Odori Park for business convenience, or stay in the "Susukino" area to enjoy the famous Jingisukan (grilled mutton) and nightlife bars to your heart's content—choosing a hotel that matches your travel purpose is a key factor in making your stay in Sapporo fulfilling.

＼ Smart Hotel Selection for Savvy Travelers ／

Click here for the article: Recommended Hotels in Sapporo, Hokkaido by Area! Sapporo Station, Odori Park, Susukino, Nakajima Park

The hotel you choose will dramatically boost your trip satisfaction

Summary: Unique and Intriguing Spots in Sapporo / Susukino

Sapporo’s Susukino is one of Japan’s leading entertainment districts. In this town where countless signs shine, there are many attractive spots that take a little courage to step into—but become addictive once you know them.

Nights in Susukino run deep and cannot be fully captured in a single visit. Next time you visit this city, why not knock on the door of “that sign” that casually caught your eye? A new Sapporo memory will surely be waiting there.

Ways to Pass Time at “New Chitose Airport” & How to Spend Waiting Time for Departure and Layovers
(Souvenirs, Seafood, Gourmet, Movie Theater, Hot Spring)

Recommended

How to Kill Time & Spend Departure or Layover Wait Times at “New Chitose Airport”

New Chitose Airport, serving Sapporo, Hokkaido, condenses the best of Hokkaido into a wonderful space so engaging you could spend an entire day here without getting bored. The futuristic open space is sleek and impressive—making New Chitose Airport a fully realized commercial complex, or rather, a theme park in its own right. Let’s make the most of New Chitose Airport!

＼ An Entertainment Space ／

Click here for the article: How to Kill Time & Spend Departure or Layover Wait Times at “New Chitose Airport”

As fun and exciting as a full-fledged theme park

Sapporo’s Jogai Market and Nijo Market! Which is Recommended? Highlights, How to Go, Points to Note,
How to Buy Seafood Skillfully? Crab, Scallops, Abalone!

Recommended

Jogai Market vs. Nijo Market: What’s the Difference & Which Should You Choose?

Sapporo, Hokkaido is bursting with delicious food! While dining at local restaurants in Sapporo is wonderful, visiting the vibrant fish markets that support the city’s food culture is an equally exciting experience.

＼ Have fresh crab and scallops grilled right on the spot ／

Click here for the article: Jogai Market vs. Nijo Market: What’s the Difference & Which Should You Choose?

Enjoy a fresh seafood rice bowl right at the market

This website is operated by "Don Don Travel Guide"

Author: Boon

Our mission is to share valuable information with the world through informative and engaging travel media.

Learn more about Don Don Travel Guide.

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Sapporo—and Hokkaido as a whole—is famous for its incredible food. While dining at the city’s restaurants is a highlight of any trip, visiting one of its local seafood markets is an experience you shouldn’t miss.

At the markets, you can enjoy fresh seafood rice bowls, or have crab, scallops, and other seafood grilled right in front of you. The freshness and flavor are simply outstanding, making it a must-try experience for seafood lovers.

Jogai Market

Choose “Jogai Market” for an authentic market experience.

View Jogai Market

Nijo Market

Conveniently located near downtown Sapporo: “Nijo Market.”

View Nijo Market

Jogai versus Nijo Market—which one is better for seafood bowls and crab without wasting a trip?

Easy to waffle. First-hand notes on differences, access, and smart buys make choosing simpler.

In this article, based on the author’s own experiences, we cover Sapporo’s representative markets: “Jogai Market” and “Nijo Market.”

＼Recommended Hotel "Dormy Inn PREMIUM Sapporo"／

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Above all, the all-you-can-eat seafood breakfast is simply irresistible! Complete with an onsen (large public bath) and situated in the absolute best location right along Tanukikoji, it’s a hotel you’ll want to stay at at least once to savor the hot spring and breakfast experience.

＼Hotel Reservations Are First Come, First Served／

Agoda, Click Here for Hotel Details and Reservations

Worried about room availability? Book early!

Dormy Inn PREMIUM Sapporo

If You Want to Enjoy the Market Properly: “Jogai Market”

Although a bit away from central Sapporo (Susukino and Sapporo Station), “Jogai Market”—reachable in a few dozen minutes by JR or subway—has large grounds and many shops, so it’s recommended. Seafood retail shops line both sides of a somewhat wide road in matching numbers, making it a market that’s plenty of fun just to walk around and take in.

Highlights of “Jogai Market”

Seafood Sales at Jogai Market

Crabs stand out extraordinarily, as expected, but delicious-looking abalone, scallops, Atka mackerel, and salmon are also sold at low prices, and they offer frozen shipping too—so you can buy for souvenirs or home use.

Crabs larger than a person’s face are sold whole with a thud—a magnificent sight. Snow crabs of this size are rarely seen even in markets. Although meant for tourists, you can’t help but think, “Even if I bring it home… what am I going to do with it? (laughs),” but enjoying one surprise after another is one of the joys of a seafood market.

Eat Right on the Spot (A Real Meal at a Jogai Market Restaurant)

Many shops have attached diners, and being able to enjoy seafood inside Jogai Market is another plus. Naturally that includes seafood bowls, and individual seafood items and sushi are available too.

The grilled scallops with butter at Jogai Market are simply irresistible! Because they’re actually grilled right before your eyes, eating them soaked in butter and soy sauce right on the spot is supreme.

Whelk sashimi is fresh, crunchy, flavorful, and recommended. At this size and quantity, taking a quick sip of Japanese sake while eating it makes the trip to Hokkaido worthwhile on its own.

Giant Crab and Lobster Photo-worthy Spots

Inside Jogai Market, there are monuments of a “giant crab and lobster.”

Just how many people could eat their fill with a crab of this size! Even if you spread your arms, the span of the crab’s legs is wider.

The lobster has great impact. The claws are way too big~. If you made miso soup with this lobster, just how many portions could you get? It’s a photo-worthy spot where you’ll want to take a picture together.

Jogai Market Location and Access

For Jogai Market, “Soen” Station is the nearest by JR, and “Nijuyanken” Station on the Tozai Line is the nearest by subway. You walk a bit from either station, but “Nijuyanken” on the Tozai Line is slightly closer.

location

If you’re going to Jogai Market, morning (early morning) is recommended, as expected; eating a luxurious seafood bowl for breakfast will become another wonderful memory of your Hokkaido trip.

Buying Fresh Abalone & Scallops at Sapporo’s Jogai Market: First-Hand Experience

We actually bought “abalone” and “scallops”! Here are the fully frozen, fully packaged “abalone” and “scallops” that arrived at home!

In a super splendid Styrofoam box properly packed with ice, domestic Hokkaido scallops and domestic Hokkaido abalone arrived by frozen shipment.

Purchased Shop

Purchased Shop

“Gensen JAPAN”

Inside Jogai Market, it was a relatively small shop, but the staff member (Mr. K) who guided us out front was stylish and made shopping fun!

Official shop website

The crab leg set from “Gensen JAPAN” has a seriously incredible volume.

Regarding the price, thanks to the kindness of the shop staff who worked hard on it, we can’t write the actual number here—but domestic abalone isn’t something you can usually buy at a casual price! We were able to purchase at a price unique to markets. A professional chef acquaintance cooked the abalone and scallops that arrived at home! Here it is!

“Abalone” and “scallop” sashimi

Simmered abalone

Isobe-yaki style tempura of abalone and scallops

The abalone had a chewiness with deep flavor, and the scallops were thick-fleshed with a firm flavor—delicious. As expected of Hokkaido seafood. Even after returning from a Hokkaido trip, being able to savor Hokkaido once again is irresistible!

Bonus: “Kohashi,” a Delicious Soba Shop Near Jogai Market

At “Kohashi,” a neighborhood-style soba shop a few minutes on foot from Jogai Market, you can enjoy exquisite soba.

On the way back from Jogai Market (for lunch), handmade soba at “Kohashi” is highly recommended.

Crispy, tender tempura and genuinely delicious handmade soba are the best. It’s a good shop where you can eat such authentic, delicious handmade soba in Sapporo, but because it closes as soon as the soba runs out, watch the time when you visit. It’s a popular shop that doesn’t take reservations and has people lining up from opening, so please allow plenty of time.

“Nijo Market,” Close to Sapporo’s Downtown Area

Highlights of “Nijo Market”

Location and Convenience for a Casual Visit

The greatest highlight of Nijo Market is its good access. It’s in a good spot reachable on foot from Sapporo’s entertainment district Susukino and Tanukikoji Shopping Street; being so close that you can leave the hotel in the morning before sightseeing and head over in a breakfast mood offers unmatched convenience.

Nijo Market has good access and many retail shops selling seafood and dried goods aimed at tourists, making it convenient when you want to buy souvenirs in a short window during daytime sightseeing in Sapporo.

Tourist-Oriented Market Just Right for Souvenir Purchases

In Nijo Market, where there are many seafood retail shops aimed at tourists, going around noon means it’s bustling with people visiting from abroad. Foreign tourists might outnumber Japanese visitors.

Looking casually, you can see alleys brimming with mystery, but you can also enjoy the feel of shops tightly lined up as you walk, and there are shops where you can eat scallops or crabs grilled right on the spot—making it a gourmet walk as well.

Seafood Bowls from Morning at Diners Inside the Market

Diners inside the market have plenty of seafood bowl options, so you can go in the morning and even enjoy the luxury of a seafood bowl right from breakfast.

Location and Access of “Nijo Market”

Location

Head east along “Tanukikoji Shopping Street,” familiar to Sapporo locals and tourists alike, go all the way to the end and cross the main avenue, and “Nijo Market” is right in front of you.

Tips for Enjoying Sapporo’s Markets (Sapporo’s Jogai Market and Nijo Market)

Hokkaido is delicious no matter what you eat! Furthermore, when it comes to markets, you can enjoy fresh seafood and fruit right on the spot, and you can also buy for souvenirs or home use—especially with fresh seafood. A place excellent for both shopping and sightseeing—that’s a market.

Talk with the Shop Staff to Enjoy the Market

When you go to a market, (experienced older male staff members) frequently talk to you. Because they often say things like “What are you looking for?”, you might wonder a little, “Will I be forced to buy something?”—but that isn’t the case.

It’s true that many staff members have strong sales pitches, but enjoying even that leads to better shopping, and there are often times when you can sample, or they cut you a deal on price or quantity.

Talking is more fun, as expected. You can also soak up the market atmosphere.

Even if you talk, there’s no rule that you must buy there, so when you still want to tour the shops, it’s OK to say, “I just arrived and want to look around at various things, so I’ll go around once for now and come back again~”!

Walk the Market Once First

At Sapporo’s markets, there are many retail shops aimed at tourists, and strong “buy this, buy this” talk starts right at the first shop. However, to enjoy the market more, walking around once while chatting at shops is recommended.

You’ll come to understand the going rates, as well as the personality of each shop.

While walking around once, mark what you want to buy, sample a little along the way, or sometimes enter a diner for a seafood bowl. Finally, returning to the shop you thought was best and buying after you truly feel “Your place was the best, so I came back~” makes the staff immensely happy—and you make a satisfying purchase, so everyone’s happy.

A Delight Unique to Markets! Look at the “Water Tanks”

Looking at products lined up at storefronts is fun, but looking at the water tanks is actually one of the tips for enjoying a market.

A water tank full of crabs is rarely seen, so it’s well worth a look. If you step inside a shop and say, “May I look at the water tanks?”, they’ll gladly show you—so step inside shops more and more and enjoy.

Putting your hands in is dangerous, so never put your hands into the water tanks or try to touch them.

Enjoying yourself while observing moderation and manners is important.

Summary: Sapporo’s Markets “Jogai Market” and “Nijo Market”

“Jogai Market” and “Nijo Market” support Sapporo’s food culture. Both are appealing spots where you can enjoy fresh seafood.

Tips to Enjoy Market Touring 120%

• “Walk Around Once First”: Without being overwhelmed by energetic callouts, first walk through the whole area to grasp the going rates and shop atmosphere.
• Enjoy Conversations with Shop Staff: Try casually asking, “What is the absolute best right now?” There might be stories unique to markets—or happy little extras—at times.
• Look Inside the “Water Tanks”: Not just products lined up at storefronts—seeing crabs and shellfish moving lively in the tanks is also a real pleasure of markets.

Memories of a Hokkaido trip begin with delicious food. While soaking up the air of lively markets, please find your supreme bowl and supreme dish.

Recommended

Sapporo’s Delicious Seafood! Recommended Sushi Restaurants in Susukino

Sapporo is a city where the best seafood in Hokkaido gathers—especially the firm, fresh fish and shellfish from the cold northern waters, which make Sapporo an absolute paradise for seafood lovers.

＼ Sapporo: Where You Can Enjoy Incredible Sushi ／

Click here for the article: Sapporo’s Delicious Seafood! Recommended Sushi Restaurants in Susukino

Introduced based on real first-hand experiences visiting sushi spots in Sapporo

A lovely hotel in Sapporo

There are many hotels in Sapporo, ranging from simple, low-cost options to hotels featuring hot spring baths and breakfast buffets with all-you-can-eat seafood; you can choose the one that best suits your budget and how you wish to enjoy your stay. However, without recommendations, it can be difficult to decide which one to pick.

Since you’ve gone to the trouble of planning a trip, you certainly don’t want to make a mistake with your choice of hotel. You want to carefully select a wonderful place to stay.

＼Recommended Hotel "Dormy Inn PREMIUM Sapporo"／

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Above all, the all-you-can-eat seafood breakfast is simply irresistible! Complete with an onsen (large public bath) and situated in the absolute best location right along Tanukikoji, it’s a hotel you’ll want to stay at at least once to savor the hot spring and breakfast experience.

＼Hotel Reservations Are First Come, First Served／

Agoda, Click Here for Hotel Details and Reservations

Worried about room availability? Book early!

Dormy Inn PREMIUM Sapporo

This website is operated by "Don Don Travel Guide"

Author: Boon

Our mission is to share valuable information with the world through informative and engaging travel media.

Learn more about Don Don Travel Guide.

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Here’s a first-hand review of AOAO SAPPORO Aquarium. AOAO SAPPORO Aquarium is an urban aquarium that opened in July 2023 in Tanukikoji, Sapporo. With a convenient location you can drop by before or after shopping and meals, it’s ideal not only for families but also for dates—and even solo visitors can have a wonderful, interesting time.

Shopping Tanukikoji and curious about AOAO aquarium—is it actually worth a detour?

It is. This compact city aquarium works for families, dates, or solo visits right on the shopping street.

In this article, we share a first-hand review of AOAO SAPPORO Aquarium.

Highlights of “AOAO SAPPORO,” an Urban Aquarium Directly Connected to Tanukikoji

An Urban Aquarium Opened in July 2023

AOAO SAPPORO Aquarium is an urban aquarium that opened in July 2023 in Tanukikoji, Sapporo. Located on the 4th to 6th floors of the commercial facility “moyuk SAPPORO,” it sits in a prime spot where you can casually drop by before or after shopping and dining. It’s great for families as well as dates, and even if you enjoy the aquarium alone, you can have an interesting, wonderful time.

An Aquarium for Adults: A Fantastical World of Jellyfish

The aquarium has a chic, adult atmosphere. In a comfortable, dim space, you can enjoy the beautiful interplay of tank lights and fish, or immerse yourself in an otherworldly feeling inside the fantastical world of jellyfish.

It feels just like taking a stroll underwater.

Penguins You Can See Up Close

Being able to see penguins up close is another highlight of AOAO Aquarium. Depending on the time, you can also watch them being fed.

Floor Guide to “AOAO SAPPORO” Aquarium

4th Floor CONNECT “Connecting the Worlds of Humans and Water”

A space themed around “CONNECT,” linking humans and aquatic creatures. On the 4th floor, you can mainly view aquatic creatures living in small tanks shaped like miniature gardens. Because it sits near the entrance and behind the shop, the exhibition room isn’t vast—but it greets your excitement on arrival with a refreshing atmosphere.

5th Floor SCOPE “Gazing at the Unseen World”

The 5th floor has a thoroughly adult atmosphere—a dark space reminiscent of the deep sea where you can watch beautiful small fish swimming inside larger tanks. It’s also ideal for couple dates.

Turning the corner takes you into a brand-new world—a new space where you can appreciate unusual fish, beautifully designed with a white base tone.

Next to a flat fish…

Flat guidance notes are written there.

Turning another corner, a giant sea dragon awaits. Though it’s bones!

6th Floor COMMONS “Sharing One World”

On the 6th floor the atmosphere changes once again, into a space that unites the world.

An area where you can gaze at the fantastical jellyfish display in a space resembling the sea floor, along with swimming penguins…

You can also enjoy tea or a drink at the attached café. When I ordered a Blue Hawaii (cocktail) on ice, I froze! The building interior is a bit chilly.

Even though it’s an aquarium, for some reason an elephant is also displayed!

Souvenir Shop at “AOAO SAPPORO” That Tempts Impulse Buys

As usual, a souvenir shop sits at the end. It makes your heart flutter!

The plush garden eels sold as souvenirs are also extremely cute.

Access (Location) and Admission Fees for “AOAO SAPPORO”

The location of “AOAO SAPPORO” is right in the middle of the Tanukikoji Shopping Street.

Location

Operating hours are 10:00 to 22:00, and weekdays are naturally less crowded—recommended.

Buying advance tickets online is slightly cheaper—a good deal.

Bonus: “CAFE LOUNGE mosuke”

On the B1 floor of “moyuk SAPPORO,” the commercial facility housing AOAO SAPPORO, there’s a stylish café called “CAFE LOUNGE mosuke.”

The window-side seats in particular offer a stylish, relaxing space. Sitting elegantly, gazing outside while calmly sipping coffee makes for another wonderful time.

Photo Gallery of “AOAO SAPPORO”

Enjoy the photos.

Shot in March 2024: Rockhopper penguin plush souvenirs—cool Rockhopper penguins line the shelf.

Shot in March 2024: A fish whose main trait is swimming vertically with its head pointing down.

Shot in March 2024: A cute penguin swimming inside the tank.

Shot in March 2024: The penguin feeding scene is open for visitors to watch.

Frequently Asked Questions for “AOAO SAPPORO”

A wonderful hotel in Sapporo featuring an all-you-can-eat seafood breakfast.

While there are plenty of hotels in Sapporo, you can choose one that perfectly fits your budget and how you want to enjoy your trip—ranging from budget-friendly accommodations meant simply for sleeping, to hotels featuring hot springs (large public baths) and buffet-style breakfasts with all-you-can-eat seafood. However, it can be quite difficult to make a choice without knowing the best recommendations.

Since you're going out of your way for a special trip, you definitely don't want to regret your hotel choice. You want to carefully weigh your options and stay somewhere wonderful. For anyone feeling this way, our top recommendation is Dormy Inn PREMIUM Sapporo, where you can enjoy seafood bowls to your heart's content for breakfast.

＼Recommended Hotel "Dormy Inn PREMIUM Sapporo"／

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Above all, the all-you-can-eat seafood breakfast is simply irresistible! Complete with an onsen (large public bath) and situated in the absolute best location right along Tanukikoji, it’s a hotel you’ll want to stay at at least once to savor the hot spring and breakfast experience.

＼Hotel Reservations Are First Come, First Served／

Agoda, Click Here for Hotel Details and Reservations

Worried about room availability? Book early!

Dormy Inn PREMIUM Sapporo

Recommended

Recommended Hotels in Sapporo, Hokkaido by Area!

Whether you stay near "Sapporo Station" for easy airport access and JR day trips, stay near Odori Park for business convenience, or stay in the "Susukino" area to enjoy the famous Jingisukan (grilled mutton) and nightlife bars to your heart's content—choosing a hotel that matches your travel purpose is a key factor in making your stay in Sapporo fulfilling.

＼ Smart Hotel Selection for Savvy Travelers ／

Click here for the article: Recommended Hotels in Sapporo, Hokkaido by Area! Sapporo Station, Odori Park, Susukino, Nakajima Park

The hotel you choose will dramatically boost your trip satisfaction

Sapporo’s Jogai Market and Nijo Market! Which is Recommended? Highlights, How to Go, Points to Note, How to Buy Seafood Skillfully

Sapporo and Hokkaido are overflowing with delicious items, above all. Eating delicious meals at Sapporo restaurants is fun, but going to the “markets” supporting Sapporo’s food is also fun. Eating a seafood bowl using fresh seafood at the market, or having them grill crab or scallops right on the spot—seafood is simply too delicious.

Introducing Sapporo’s representative markets: “Jogai Market” and “Nijo Market.”

Recommended

Jogai Market vs. Nijo Market: What’s the Difference & Which Should You Choose?

Sapporo and Hokkaido are packed with delicious food. While dining at restaurants in Sapporo is great, visiting the “markets” that support the city’s culinary scene is a truly exciting experience!

＼ Have crab and scallops grilled right on the spot! ／

Click here for the article: Jogai Market vs. Nijo Market: What’s the Difference & Which Should You Choose?

Enjoy a fresh seafood bowl right at the market!

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Author: Boon

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