Aomori Gyosai Center Nokkedon
Build your own fresh seafood rice bowl at this bustling market, choosing from dozens of local vendors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest catch, best selection
Aomori Gyosai Center Nokkedon
Best Time
Freshest catch, best selection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Build your own fresh seafood rice bowl at this bustling market, choosing from dozens of local vendors.
"Craft your perfect seafood rice bowl by selecting from dozens of fresh toppings."
🎟️ Buy Ticket Bundles
Purchase ticket bundles for better value. Small bowls cost 1 ticket, large ones 2.
⏰ Go Early for Best Picks
Arrive earlier in the day to ensure you get the widest selection of the freshest seafood.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Build Your Own Nokkedon
Aomori Gyosai Center (Furukawa Fish Market)
Craft your perfect seafood rice bowl by selecting from dozens of fresh toppings.
Fresh Sashimi Selection
Various stalls within the market
Indulge in incredibly fresh scallops, tuna, salmon, and more, often sourced locally.
Local Specialties
Market stalls
Beyond raw fish, discover cooked options and unique local items like pickled herring.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
DIY Seafood Bowl Experience
Ticket System & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Ticket Bundles
Purchase ticket bundles for better value. Small bowls cost 1 ticket, large ones 2.
⏰ Go Early for Best Picks
Arrive earlier in the day to ensure you get the widest selection of the freshest seafood.
💡 Mix Raw & Cooked
Don't shy away from cooked options if raw isn't your preference.
🍎 Try Local Apple Products
Aomori is famous for apples! Look for apple-flavored treats and drinks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Ticket Bundles
Purchase ticket bundles for better value. Small bowls cost 1 ticket, large ones 2.
⏰ Go Early for Best Picks
Arrive earlier in the day to ensure you get the widest selection of the freshest seafood.
💡 Mix Raw & Cooked
Don't shy away from cooked options if raw isn't your preference.
🍎 Try Local Apple Products
Aomori is famous for apples! Look for apple-flavored treats and drinks.
🍵 Free Tea Available
Enjoy complimentary tea near the eating areas while you savor your meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Aomori Gyosai Center for its incredibly fresh seafood and the unique DIY Nokkedon experience. The ability to customize your own rice bowl with a wide variety of toppings is a major draw, offering great value for money. While generally positive, some reviewers note that not all vendors are equally friendly, and the ticket system requires a bit of understanding.
"Highly recommended! Everything is fresh and reasonably priced, with lots of options you can customize yourself. For 2,000 yen, you get 12 coupons—small rice bowls cost 1 coupon, and large ones cost 2. Items like hotate, tuna, salmon, and ikura range from 1 to 3 coupons depending on the type. If you don’t eat raw food, they also offer stir-fried and fried dishes."
PLOYPICHCHA ANUPATANUN
"Didn’t get to try this as it was already late in the afternoon, this is the original Nokkedon, where you purchase tickets and exchange them for fresh seafood to make your own seafood rice bowls. There’s an eating areas all over the market and you will get to choose your favourite seafood from various stalls. There’s scallops, salmon that’s fresh and wild, not farmed, hon maguro and various white fishes."
Jay Cao
"Very organized market. You buy the ticket for 2000 yen. For the rice, they refuse to give us empty bowl to share which I can understand. Some shops are friendly and some are not so friendly. Overall it is a nice place. They provide free tea near the table. It is very nice the Aomori station."
Ryan Koh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Aomori Gyosai Center (Furukawa Fish Market) is conveniently located near Aomori Station. It's a short walk, typically around 5-10 minutes, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Yes, it's quite straightforward to find. Look for signs pointing to the Furukawa Fish Market or Aomori Gyosai Center. Many travelers find it a pleasant stroll from the station.
Aomori city is well-served by public transport, including buses and trains. For exploring the prefecture, consider rental cars or regional train lines.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Upon entry, you purchase tickets, often in bundles like 12 for 2,000 yen. These tickets are then exchanged for your chosen seafood toppings and other items at various stalls.
A common price is around 2,000 yen for 12 tickets. Small rice bowls might cost 1 ticket, while larger portions or premium toppings can cost 2-3 tickets. Rice and soup usually require separate ticket redemption.
While you purchase tickets with cash at the entrance, some individual vendors might accept cards, but it's best to have cash for ticket purchases and smaller transactions.
The market generally operates during daylight hours, but it's advisable to check specific opening times as they can vary. Arriving earlier in the day is recommended for the best selection.
No, advance booking is typically not required. You can purchase your tickets directly at the market upon arrival.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Nokkedon is a unique Aomori specialty where you build your own seafood rice bowl. You buy a base bowl of rice and then select various fresh sashimi and seafood toppings from different market stalls. 
You'll find a wide array of fresh seafood, including scallops, tuna, salmon, ikura (salmon roe), and various white fish. Some vendors also offer cooked seafood dishes.
Yes, some vendors offer cooked dishes like stir-fried items or fried foods, catering to those who prefer not to eat raw seafood.
The seafood is renowned for its freshness, as it comes directly from the local fish market. Many visitors rave about the quality.
While the focus is seafood, you might find some vegetable-based side dishes or pickles. However, it's primarily a seafood-centric experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant colors of the fresh seafood, the bustling market atmosphere, and your personalized Nokkedon creation. The DIY aspect makes for unique shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and vendors, and ask permission before taking close-up shots of individuals.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the freshness of the seafood. The lively atmosphere during peak hours also makes for dynamic photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great opportunity for kids to explore a local market and learn about different types of seafood. The interactive nature of selecting toppings can be a highlight for younger visitors. Just be mindful of the ticket system and help them navigate their choices. Consider arriving earlier to avoid peak crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Prioritize your favorite, more affordable toppings and consider sharing a larger bowl or opting for smaller portions. While some premium items can be pricey, a well-planned selection allows for a delicious and cost-effective seafood feast. Remember that rice and soup often require separate tickets, so factor that into your budget if you want them.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Nokkedon Experience: A Culinary Adventure
+1As you wander through the market, you'll encounter vendors displaying glistening cuts of tuna, vibrant salmon, plump scallops, and glistening ikura (salmon roe). Each topping has a ticket price, allowing you to meticulously curate your bowl according to your preferences and budget. Some stalls even offer cooked seafood or local delicacies like pickled herring, ensuring there's something for everyone. The process is designed to be engaging and fun, making it a highlight for many visitors.
Beyond the DIY aspect, the quality and freshness of the seafood are consistently praised. Many reviewers highlight that the fish is exceptionally fresh, often sourced directly from the Sea of Japan. This commitment to quality, combined with the interactive nature of creating your own meal, makes the Nokkedon experience at Aomori Gyosai Center a must-try for any food lover visiting the region.
Navigating the Market: Tips for a Smooth Visit
Timing is crucial for the best experience. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekdays, ensures you have access to the widest selection of the freshest catch. As the day progresses, popular items can sell out. While some vendors are incredibly friendly and helpful, others might be less so; a polite demeanor and a smile can go a long way.
Don't forget to explore beyond the raw seafood. The market also features local Aomori specialties, including apple-infused products, a nod to the prefecture's famous orchards. Free tea is usually available near the seating areas, providing a refreshing break as you enjoy your custom-made Nokkedon.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit