
Washo Market
Kushiro's historic Washo Market, famous for its 'Katte Don' where you customize your seafood bowl with the freshest local catch.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest catch, fewer crowds

Washo Market
Best Time
Freshest catch, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kushiro's historic Washo Market, famous for its 'Katte Don' where you customize your seafood bowl with the freshest local catch.
"It's more of an experience, and the sashimi is fresh and delicious!"

🎯 Buy Rice First!
Always purchase your rice from a designated vendor before selecting your seafood toppings for your Katte Don .
💰 Be Seafood Savvy
While fresh, prices can add up. Be selective and compare options to get the best value .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Katte Don Creation
Various seafood stalls
Craft your ultimate seafood bowl by selecting fresh toppings from numerous vendors. A true taste of Hokkaido!

King Crab Feast
Seafood stalls
Indulge in massive, fresh king crabs at surprisingly good prices. A must-try for seafood lovers!

Unique Seafood Finds
Various stalls
Discover rare seafood like whale meat sashimi for a truly unique culinary adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the 'Katte Don' Experience
Navigating Market Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Buy Rice First!
Always purchase your rice from a designated vendor before selecting your seafood toppings for your Katte Don.
💰 Be Seafood Savvy
While fresh, prices can add up. Be selective and compare options to get the best value.
🦀 King Crab Steal
Look for deals on large king crabs; some visitors found incredible prices.
🅿️ Parking Perks
Enjoy 30 minutes of free parking if you make a purchase; 100 yen per 30 mins thereafter.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Buy Rice First!
Always purchase your rice from a designated vendor before selecting your seafood toppings for your Katte Don.
💰 Be Seafood Savvy
While fresh, prices can add up. Be selective and compare options to get the best value.
🦀 King Crab Steal
Look for deals on large king crabs; some visitors found incredible prices.
🅿️ Parking Perks
Enjoy 30 minutes of free parking if you make a purchase; 100 yen per 30 mins thereafter.
🚽 Facilities Available
Restrooms are available within the market for visitor convenience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Washo Market offers a unique and interactive 'Katte Don' experience with incredibly fresh seafood, including notable finds like king crab. While some visitors find it a bit pricey and suggest comparing options for value, the overall consensus is that it's a worthwhile culinary adventure and a key part of the Kushiro experience.
"You can end up with a high price tag if you get carried away picking all the nice stuff! Buy the rice at a separate store then choose your sashimi topping. Or skip the rice"
M S
"With many reviews stating that this is a tourist trap. This place is more of an experience.
This market is small and there’s many stores selling seafood here. The sashimi is fresh and delicious. Price may be on the high side but everything else is perfect. I highly recommend it!
Please make sure to buy the rice at the store behind before getting your sashimi.
Overall a good experience!"
Shawn
"Really fun experience of choosing your own sashimi to make your own donburi. Sure it is pricey but the quality was great."
Bonsai Ninja
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Washo Market is located in the heart of Kushiro city. It's easily accessible by local buses or a short taxi ride from Kushiro Station. Many visitors find it convenient to walk if staying nearby.
Yes, there is parking available. You get 30 minutes of free parking if you make a purchase, and it costs 100 yen for every 30 minutes after that.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from Kushiro Station to Washo Market, typically taking around 10-15 minutes. It's a good way to see the local area.
Local buses frequently stop near Washo Market. You can check the Kushiro city bus routes for the most convenient options from your location.
Washo Market is a prominent landmark in Kushiro and is generally easy to find, especially if you are in the downtown area. Look for signs indicating the market.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to enter Washo Market. You can freely browse the stalls and soak in the atmosphere.
Washo Market typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. It's best to check specific vendor hours as they can vary, but generally, it's a daytime market.
There is no entrance fee to walk around Washo Market. You only pay for the food and goods you decide to purchase.
Yes, Washo Market is open on weekends, and it can be quite lively. Be prepared for more crowds during peak weekend hours.
While not as common as larger markets, local events or seasonal promotions might occur. It's worth checking local listings if you're visiting during a holiday period.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
A 'Katte Don' is a custom seafood bowl where you first buy a bowl of rice, then select your desired fresh seafood toppings from various stalls. It means 'your way' bowl.
Yes, the seafood at Washo Market is renowned for its freshness, as it's a major seafood market in Hokkaido.
Don't miss out on fresh crab (especially king crab), sea urchin, salmon roe, scallops, and salmon. The 'Katte Don' experience is also a highlight.
While seafood is the main focus, you might find some stalls selling local produce, snacks, or dried goods. However, it's primarily a seafood destination.
Yes, some visitors have reported finding whale meat sashimi available for tasting at Washo Market.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture vibrant shots of the colorful seafood displays, the bustling market activity, and of course, your beautifully crafted 'Katte Don'.
Generally, it's acceptable to take photos, but it's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-ups of vendors or their specific displays, especially if they seem busy.
Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing the market's essence. However, the lively atmosphere during lunchtime also provides great candid shots.
Close-ups of the fresh seafood, the process of building a 'Katte Don,' and wide shots of the market's interior are popular. Don't forget to capture the unique items like whale meat.
It's best to avoid using flash photography, especially when vendors are actively serving customers, as it can be disruptive. Natural light is usually sufficient.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🍣 Seafood Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Katte Don' Phenomenon
While the 'Katte Don' is a highlight, it's important to approach it with a mindful budget. Some visitors have noted that the cost can escalate quickly if you get carried away with selections, leading to a higher price tag than anticipated. To maximize value, it's often recommended to compare prices across different vendors and be selective about your choices. This ensures you get the most delicious and satisfying 'Katte Don' experience without breaking the bank. The market's history dates back to 1954, making it one of Hokkaido's oldest and most significant markets, adding a layer of tradition to this modern, interactive dining concept.
Navigating Value and Authenticity
To make the most of your visit and ensure good value, it's advisable to be an informed shopper. Compare prices between different stalls, especially for larger items like king crab. Consider purchasing smaller portions or focusing on specific delicacies that appeal to you most. The experience of selecting your own ingredients and the sheer freshness of the catch are often cited as reasons why visitors still highly recommend the market, despite potential cost concerns. Ultimately, Washo Market offers a memorable culinary adventure, and with a little savvy, you can enjoy its bounty without overspending.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit