π Local-First — Best in its home region : Hokkaido.
Why travel to Hokkaido in winter? For the ultimate "Seafood Kingdom" experience. From steaming Snow Crab and charcoal-grilled Miso to transparent Squid and creamy Uni, discover the flavors that make the freezing cold worth it.
Last updated: 2025-12-14
Introduction
When planning a winter trip to Hokkaido, your first thought is likely, "I want to eat crab." And you are absolutely right—the crab here is exceptional.
But stopping at crab would be a mistake. Hokkaido is Japan's true "Seafood Kingdom."
Here, the bounty of the ocean is not merely a luxury ingredient; it is deeply woven into the local food culture. From the transparent squid of Hakodate to the creamy sea urchin (Uni), fresh catches are a way of life here—appearing in morning market rice bowls, charcoal grills, and even as toppings for ramen. Prepare yourself to dive into a culture where the ocean defines the table.
What to Try
Boiled Snow Crab (Yude-Gani)
Served piled high on the shell. The texture is incredibly soft and juicy. Simply boiling it brings out the natural, delicate sweetness that you can't stop eating.
Crab Nigiri Sushi
Hokkaido is also a sushi paradise. Enjoy the perfect balance between the firm, fibrous texture of fresh crab and the fluffy vinegared rice (Shari).
Grilled Crab Miso (Kani Koura-yaki)
Crab paste (Miso) grilled right in the shell. The savory aroma of burnt soy sauce and the rich, creamy taste of the paste are absolutely addictive.
Crab Cream Croquette (Hakodate Morning Market)
A must-try at the Hakodate Morning Market. Unlike the ones on the mainland, this croquette is packed with an unbelievable amount of real crab meat. Creamy, crispy, and luxurious.
Oshamambe Kani-meshi (Crab Bento)
If you travel by train, don't miss this legendary Ekiben (train station bento) from Oshamambe. The rice is topped with savory flakes of crab meat—a perfect companion for your railway journey.
Transparent Squid Sashimi
Fresh squid in Hokkaido is not white, but transparent. The crunchy texture and subtle sweetness are unlike anything else. It’s simply the best in the world.
Squid Salt Ramen (Hakodate Style)
Located right next to the Hakodate Market, this shop is famous as a favorite spot of TERU, the vocalist of the legendary Japanese rock band GLAY. Hakodate is famous for Salt (Shio) Ramen. Here, they top it with a whole boiled squid! It’s a dynamic, local soul food.
Ikameshi (Stuffed Squid Bento)
Another classic Ekiben for train travelers. A whole small squid is stuffed with seasoned sticky rice and simmered in a sweet soy sauce glaze. Its cute, squid-shaped appearance is sure to make you smile.
Fresh Uni on the Shell
Hokkaido's sea urchin is on another level. Enjoying it raw, served directly in its spiky shell, is a wild and luxurious experience. It melts in your mouth like rich ocean butter.
Tokyo or Trip?
π Local-First — Best experienced in its home region : Hokkaido.
Hokkaido is the undisputed "Seafood Kingdom" of Japan. While Tokyo offers high-quality seafood, the experience here is simply on a different level due to the "Zero-Distance" freshness.
In Tokyo, squid is white; here, it is transparent. In Tokyo, sea urchin (Uni) is a luxury; here, it is a daily staple served with overwhelming generosity. And the crab tastes best when eaten right at the source, stripped of its shell with your own hands.
But the real magic is the atmosphere. Walking through a snowy market, breathing in the freezing winter air, and warming yourself with the steam of boiling crab or the smoky scent of charcoal grilling... that sensory contrast is the true flavor of a Hokkaido trip.
Similar Dishes
- Toyama Crab Miso — Grilled Winter Luxury in a Shell π¦
- Fukuoka Squid (Ika) Sashimi — Transparent Squid of the South π¦
- Edo-Style Sushi Lunch in Togoshi-Ginza — Everyday Tokyo Craft π£
- Kura Sushi in Oimachi — Conveyor Belt Sushi Experience π£
- Sapporo Miso Ramen — Hokkaido's Rich Soul Food π
External Links
- HOKKAIDO LOVE! – Gourmet: Seafood & Crab π
- Fun Japan – 4 Major Crabs You Want to Eat in Hokkaido π
About "Taste of Japan"
Hello, I'm Yuta.
Born in landlocked Yamanashi and having lived in the gourmet city of Sendai for 10 years, I now call Togoshi-Ginza home. My frequent business trips across Japan allow me to constantly explore the diversity of regional flavors.
Why Togoshi-Ginza?
This street is Tokyo’s longest shopping arcade (about 1.3 km), but it holds a special history. It was the very first street in Japan to adopt the "Ginza" name—a tradition that later spread across the country—after receiving bricks from the famous Ginza district following the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.
My Wish as a Local
I am not a culinary expert. However, as a Japanese local who knows both the convenience of Tokyo and the origins of regional food, I want to share the "atmosphere" and "personal feelings" that you won't find in standard guidebooks.
The Concept: "Tokyo or Trip?"
Visiting every region of Japan in a single trip is nearly impossible. Some food experiences are worth the travel to the source, while others offer a fully satisfying experience right here in Tokyo.
This blog is a guide to help you make that choice. Based in Togoshi-Ginza, I share my honest experiences and "my personal answer" to help you maximize your culinary journey in Japan.
- π Local-First: Best experienced in its home region. Worth a trip.
- π’ Great-in-Tokyo: A nationwide favorite or regional specialty that offers a fully satisfying, authentic experience right here in Tokyo.
- π£ Tokyo-Do-Must: A unique food culture born in or exclusive to Tokyo.