- No smoking → There is an ashtray near the entrance of the Sankaku Market - The entrance to the popular Sankaku Market for tourists is on the right - Honestly, a hidden gem for Otaru morning - Recommended even for those who don't like seafood bowls - You can also enjoy delicious Otaru scallops and fish - The grilled fish set meal is reasonably priced and recommended - Opens at 10:00 and you can also drink alcohol ← No appetizers - Sake and shochu are served in cups for ¥300 each - Bottle beer was around ¥600, I think? (I've been curious about this place for a while, but have gotten the closing day wrong or the time wrong, so this is my fourth attempt to visit. (I corrected the latest Google opening hours mistake) - Grilled scallop with butter set meal ¥800 - Sake ¥300 I didn't plan on drinking from the morning, but when I saw this wonderful morning plate... I couldn't resist drinking. Cheers! I'll have it chilled♪ Thank you for the generous pour! The sake is "Shihai Zakura" from Saitama. You occasionally see this sake in Otaru. Now, let's dig in! So many side dishes, which one to start with! - Grilled scallop with butter, always start with scallops! They were plump and delicious! The flavor of butter and salt was just right - Wasabi, simple and delicious - Stir-fried bean sprouts with scrambled eggs, tasted like the one my grandmother used to make, nostalgic flavor - Pickled daikon radish, a bit salty - Ham and cucumber salad, with a chilled Chinese-style sauce - Macaroni salad, surprisingly not too soft, but delicious - Simmered dish with fish cake, fried tofu, konjac, shiitake mushrooms... I think there were scallops in it too, it was a pleasant surprise! It tasted great! - Simmered sweet potato, served as a dessert at the end - Otaru miso soup with scallops, small scallops from Otaru are called "Otatte"! The soup had a good flavor and was delicious, with plenty of ingredients - Rice, poured a little leftover sauce from the scallops, it was delicious, so I poured all of it... Well, it was a bit salty, but delicious It was really delicious! Nowadays, the Sankaku Market seems to be visited only by tourists... but this traditional Otaru breakfast with alcohol was the best! Sake and shochu were ¥300 each, and the bottled beer was around ¥600, I think? (I don't drink beer, so I can't remember) The grilled fish set meal is not that expensive, and I can recommend it even to the locals in Otaru! But the opening at 10:00 is a bit late for a market, right? It might be good for tourists who have checked out in the morning, or for a late lunch... Oh, maybe brunch! It was the best brunch from the master! And I'm grateful for the care from the mama! Thank you very much! The pink hair suited her and she was lovely! There were also young cute girls, but I wonder if it's a family business? I'll definitely go back when I crave scallops! The scallop tendon bowl is also very popular! It must be irresistible for tendon lovers!

At the Sankaku Market in Otaru, I had a seafood bowl for lunch on a rainy day. It was crowded due to it being a Saturday, and the popular spots had long lines. As I was walking, I ended up near the exit and found a small restaurant that looked like a bar. There was a vacant seat, so I decided to go in despite feeling a bit nervous. The place was run by an elderly lady and her grandchild, and the counter seating made it feel like a traditional Japanese sake bar. I wanted to have crab, but they were out for the day. However, the scallop bowl was reasonably priced and came with homemade side dishes, which were delicious. Despite the bustling market outside, I was able to enjoy my meal quietly inside the restaurant. They had strict rules, only allowing groups of five or fewer people inside. I found a great restaurant!

In April 2023, I visited "Aita," a hidden gem of a restaurant located near Otaru Station. While the nearby Triangle Market caters mainly to tourists, "Aita" remains relatively unknown even to locals. The restaurant is run by a woman in her 60s and her young relatives, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. I tried their specialty, the live scallop bowl, which is a secret favorite among some visitors. The bowl arrived in about 10-15 minutes, filled with fresh scallops, scallop meat, roe, cucumber, and tamagoyaki. The scallops were deliciously chewy and fresh, with a unique texture and flavor. The only downside was the slightly mushy rice. In addition to the bowl, the simmered dishes, kombu rolls, and stir-fried bean sprouts and eggs were all homely and flavorful. The miso soup with baby scallops was also top-notch. The owner mentioned that the scallop bowl operates at a loss, so I suggested renaming it the "Red Ink Scallop Bowl." Overall, I regret not discovering this hidden gem sooner and will definitely be back for more of their delicious dishes!

I used the three-day weekend before the Bon Festival to travel to my final destination, Otaru, from Asahikawa City in Hokkaido. I had a convenience store rice ball for breakfast to arrive in Otaru quickly to see the penguin parade at Otaru Aquarium. Unfortunately, there was no penguin parade at the Otaru Aquarium. Before that, I decided to have lunch somewhere, so I went to the Sankaku Market in front of Otaru Station. I wasn't very satisfied with the food from another shop I tried before, but the souvenirs were good. Today, I went to this shop, which is the second one from the entrance to Otaru Station. It was just before lunchtime, and since there were no customers, I quickly decided on the scallop adductor muscle bowl because it was said that it could only be eaten at this shop. I also ordered a salmon belly lunch set and a scallop and salmon roe bowl. The scallops were carefully shucked, separating the adductor muscle and the scallop roe. The lady kindly did this for us. The salmon belly was baked until crispy in a convection oven, giving off a delicious aroma. Although we might have to wait a while due to being in a hurry, if you have time and the shop isn't crowded, you should definitely try it. The set meal came with miso soup, three side dishes, and pickles. The scallop adductor muscle bowl had no fishy smell, and the slightly acidic sauce paired perfectly with the crunchy texture. It also included slices of scallop sashimi. Delicious! The salmon belly lunch set had a slightly salty flavor, which went well with the rice. The crispy skin was also delicious. The scallop and salmon roe bowl, with carefully shucked scallops, was bound to be delicious. The salmon roe was also good, and there was crab meat as well. The homemade side dishes had a gentle flavor that complemented the main ingredients well. Everything was delicious! This restaurant is a definite repeat when visiting Otaru. It was the best restaurant I visited on this trip to Hokkaido!

For some reason, this place has never been as crowded as other restaurants, but I've always liked it the best. The scallop tendon rice bowl, in particular, is the best. Thank you for the meal.

I stopped by casually and the ikura was especially delicious.

The scallop tendon bowl is still incredibly delicious as always! 😊

Mitsukoshi Hokkaido Local Products Exhibition

Visited on the first day of the consecutive holidays on June 2nd. Ate delicious soba at Kimura, then went to Aita to try the scallop adductor muscle rice bowl that I wanted to try since I was turned down last time I visited Otaru. I ordered the scallop adductor muscle rice bowl and it arrived promptly in a small bowl with scallop adductor muscles, adductor muscle spawn, and tamagoyaki on top, with nori and vinegared rice underneath. I ate it with wasabi soy sauce, and the adductor muscles and pink spawn were crunchy without any fishy smell, indicating good freshness. The tamagoyaki was sweet, and the side dishes and miso soup had a homely taste. The market was bustling, but the restaurant was quiet throughout. The scallop adductor muscle rice bowl, a dish unique to this place, is a rare find and highly recommended for those who like adductor muscles.

Well, I came to Otaru and visited the Sankaku Market. It was a good time to visit as there were many customers around. I made a U-turn and entered the market. At this spot near the entrance, I noticed not only Fighters merchandise but also Hawks uniforms catching my eye. I decided to try the delicious seasonal shrimp here. Even though I mentioned the Hawks uniform, the lady behind the counter didn't seem too interested. I paid 200 yen including tax and got a shrimp with one side of the shell left on. It felt like I was really digging into the shrimp. The boiled shrimp had a firm texture and a sweet taste with a hint of saltiness. It was delicious. Thank you for the meal! Release date: May 2016. Nankaihawks1’s Gourmet Guide. Nankaihawks1’s Blog: http://hawks1.exblog.jp/

In the morning, I arrived at Otaru Station and headed straight to the Sankaku Market to eat seafood bowl. The entrance was lively and filled with foreign tourists at the touristy shops. I decided to go to a counter-only shop near the entrance where the landlady and her grandson were running the place. I couldn't decide between the scallop tendon bowl and the three-color bowl, but ended up choosing the three-color bowl. When I ordered a scallop tendon as a snack with my beer, I was happy to hear that it was also included in the three-color bowl. The scallop tendon was plentiful in the bowl. A simple homemade side dish with the three-color bowl. It tasted like a comforting home-cooked meal.

I head towards Otaru from Sapporo in the winter. The view from the car window is filled with blue skies and snow-covered landscapes, eventually revealing the dazzling sea of Ishikari Bay. It's been decades since I last visited Otaru. As I exit the station gate, a large street leading down to the port catches my eye. Instead of heading there, I aim for "Aita Shokudo" in the Sankaku Market to the left. I have no intention of going to a touristy sushi restaurant that seems overpriced. "Aita Shokudo" in Sankaku Market... just the words "market" and "diner" alone raise my expectations. The restaurant is located near the entrance of the market. Despite it being lunchtime, there is only one lady in the shop. It feels like a quaint old-fashioned diner from a Showa-era movie set in a weathered port town. I order the Three-color Donburi with ikura, scallops, and crab for 1500 yen. The lady steps outside and brings in two live scallops with shells to start preparing the dish. I wait for a few minutes while watching news on the analog TV. The small bowl arrives with two appetizers, miso soup, and pickles. The crab was nothing special, probably frozen, but the scallop sashimi was crunchy and sweet. Additionally, raw scallop intestines were served alongside, resembling sea cucumber in appearance and providing a delightful crunchy texture. It must go well with hot sake. I actually read a food blogger's comment praising the Scallop Intestine Donburi, but I've been feeling under the weather the past few days and reluctantly decided to pass on it this time. Still, I should have tried it. I'm kicking myself. The soy sauce-marinated ikura was also delicious, albeit small in size. I quickly finish my meal and engage in small talk with the lady. Despite her heavy makeup, she has a charming personality. She must have been quite popular in her younger days (just kidding). She mentions that the number of shops in the Sankaku Market has decreased to one-third of its peak. Later, I venture towards the port area and notice numerous roads and redevelopment buildings, but the lively atmosphere seems lacking. There are group tourists from Taiwan and Korea walking around in stylish winter wear, which is a comforting sight. I felt like I witnessed the "sunset of Otaru" that day, but I hope it's livelier on weekends or during the high season. I bid farewell to the lady, promising to try the Scallop Intestine Donburi next time I visit.

Each person has their favorite ingredients and dishes! In my case, as you may have guessed, I love lamb meat, especially mutton for Genghis Khan! I also adore offal! When it comes to seafood, I absolutely love shellfish, especially the adductor muscle of scallops. This part is often discarded but, when prepared properly, it is incredibly delicious! Recently, I came across a dish called "live scallop muscle bowl" at a restaurant called "Aita" in Otaru. The dish features raw scallop muscles, which is a rare treat as they are usually eaten cooked. The dish also includes ikura (salmon roe) and is a true delicacy. The appearance may not be perfect, but the taste and freshness are top-notch. The dish also comes with sides like sweet rolled omelette, simmered vegetables, and sweet potato. Overall, it was a delightful and satisfying meal that I highly recommend trying!

When it comes to Otaru, you can't miss visiting the "Sankaku Market" in front of the station. I usually go to Takeda Sengyo, but today they seemed too eager to attract customers, so I lost interest. The dining area was quite crowded as well. On my way back, I found this place near the station and decided to give it a try. The old-fashioned izakaya-style interior was being tended to by the proprietress, with dried fish hanging here and there. The atmosphere may not be modern, but it had its charm. I ordered the classic ikura-don, which was priced at 900 yen. It seems like they raised the price a bit. The dish came with a miso soup filled with wakame seaweed and a generous amount of rice hidden underneath. Wherever you eat it, an ikura-don in Otaru will make you happy. The cost-performance below 1000 yen is quite impressive. I hope they continue to maintain this in the future.

I had a business trip to Sapporo and decided to stop by Otaru for lunch on November 24th. It was much colder than November in Tokyo, with snow and icy sidewalks. I didn't have much time, so I went to a restaurant near the station recommended by a friend. The restaurant was run by a lady who seemed to be the only one working. When I asked if they had any delicious grilled fish, she showed me a limited menu and seemed hesitant. I ended up ordering grilled shimahokke. After waiting for 5 minutes, I noticed white smoke coming from the grill where the lady was cooking. I was a bit worried, but decided to wait. After another 3 minutes, the grilled shimahokke was served, with the skin side burnt. The portion was big, including rice, appetizers, and salad. Despite the charming atmosphere of the port town, I couldn't help but feel like something was lacking. I finished the meal and headed back to Sapporo.

Near Otaru Station, there is a market called Sankaku Ichiba. The name comes from the fact that the land used to be in the shape of a triangle. During its heyday in the 1960s and 1970s, the market was bustling, but over half of the shops have since disappeared. Currently, there are 16 shops operating. When you enter from the station side, the pathway slopes downwards towards the exit. The narrow pathway can make you feel uncomfortable if people are calling out to you from both sides, so you might just want to head straight for the exit. I learned from past experiences and decided to dine at Ai Ta Shokudo near the entrance. I had breakfast there and chose the crab rice bowl, which I hadn't eaten in a while. The bowl was filled with plenty of finely chopped seaweed and flaked crab meat. Just looking at it made me feel half satisfied. The ingredients were carefully selected by the manager of Kawashima Fish Store, so the quality was guaranteed. They also offer delicious sea urchin and scallops, making it a tough decision on what to order. For lunch or dinner, the tricolor rice bowl (with customizable toppings) is a good choice. Since it's close to the station, it's a convenient spot when you're short on time. The crab rice bowl and miso soup were truly delicious. Even though it's September, Otaru in Hokkaido feels like summer. It's not too hot, just the right weather. Otaru is close to Sapporo, so it attracts many tourists. If you take the rapid train from Sapporo, I recommend sitting on the right side for a scenic view. The urban landscape of Sapporo suddenly changes to the sea right before your eyes. It's a favorite sight of mine from the train window. Otaru flourished as a coal export port to Russia until the mid-20th century. However, with the decline of the coal industry, the town began to decline as well. The population is also decreasing, with around 137,000 residents currently. The population of Hokkaido is mainly concentrated in Sapporo, leading to inevitable circumstances. There are many historical buildings in Otaru, with the former Japan Mail Steamship Otaru Branch designated as an important cultural property, delighting tourists. The former bank district centered around the former Bank of Japan Otaru Branch is even referred to as Japan's Wall Street. Despite being the only city in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, the subprefecture office is located in Kutchan. The reasons for this are unclear, but it may be due to the proximity of Sapporo or the bias towards the north.