Photo: Midori / CC BY 3.0Washo Market was founded in 1954 as the 'citizens' kitchen' and is Kushiro's oldest market. Its English page counts it with Sapporo's Nijo market and Hakodate's morning market as one of Hokkaido's Big Three. The name is said to come from the shouts of 'wasshoi' that filled the aisles.
The point is the kattedon, 'bowl of your own choice'. You buy a bowl of rice from one shop, then walk the stalls choosing toppings: the kattedon page lists four rice sellers and four fish shops. The result is a bowl no two people build alike. The name 'kattedon' is a registered trademark of one stall owner, Satomura. For anyone put off by raw fish, the market's own page points to a grilled-fish set meal at the hall's Ichibatei, and a venison burger at the cafe.
The catch is that it is a market, not a restaurant: it is busiest at lunch, the Sunday hours are patchy, and the fresh-fish shops can be shut that day. If you dock early on a Sunday, check the calendar on its website or go to MOO for lunch instead.
Five things the plaques won't tell you
- The market opens at 8:00. Sunday is the weak day for fresh fish, so a weekday visit gives the best choice.
- Ask for a smaller portion: the market's FAQ says shops are happy to sell small amounts of a plate-sized item.
- The market lists raw oysters at Marusui Kawamura Suisan for eating on site; oysters bought elsewhere in the market are not served for eating there.
- Parcel up gifts at one shop: the FAQ says any shop will consolidate purchases and ship them.
- Look for the rice sellers first (Ouchi Shoten and others are named on the kattedon page), then choose toppings.
For anyone put off by raw fish, the market's own page points to a grilled-fish set meal at the hall's Ichibatei, and a venison burger at the cafe.
Guided days from Kushiro
Booked before you sail — there is no tour desk at the pier. Booking through these links supports the site.
More in Kushiro
Spot guideKushiro Marsh Observatory
Japan's largest wetland from a rooftop deck, a boardwalk loop and a bus or taxi ride
Open the guide →
Spot guideNusamai Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf MOO
The river-mouth bridge Kushiro ranks with the world's great sunsets, with a market hall at its foot
Open the guide →Questions people ask here
What is kattedon?
A do-it-yourself seafood bowl: you buy rice at one shop and then pick toppings at the fish stalls. The name is a registered trademark of a stall called Satomura in the market.
Is Washo Market open on Sundays?
Sunday hours exist (8:00–16:00 in October), but many fresh-fish shops are closed and the market treats Sunday as a day off with occasional openings. From November to the end of March it does not open on Sundays.
How far is it from the cruise terminal?
The tourism association gives about 15 minutes on foot from the downtown cruise terminal. From the West Port No.4 wharf you need a shuttle bus, about 20 minutes to the city centre.