Otaru Sea Urchin Season Opening 2026 | Otaru Port Uni Fishing and a Guide to Sushi and Bowls
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Otaru Port's sea urchin (uni) fishing season has opened on May 15 for the past four years in a row. The season runs until August 31, and fishing is limited to four hours, from 5 to 9 a.m.
※This image was generated by AI for illustration. It does not depict any actual facility or sign.
What the opening of Otaru Port's sea urchin season means
Otaru is a fishing city facing the Sea of Japan, with a coastline of about 68.62 km within the city. Its annual catch is worth about 4 billion yen, and around 40 kinds of seafood are landed.
The star of summer among them is sea urchin. Sea urchins caught in the maehama (local coastal waters) of Otaru Port are customarily called "Otaru-san uni" or "Otaru-mae uni" in the trade, and the same terms appear on "Otaru Portal," the Otaru Tourism Association's official website. The main fishing grounds are the coastal waters of Otaru City in the Shukutsu and Takashima districts. Fishers fish in the early morning and the uni are processed the same day into "orizume" (boxed) or "ensui uni" (in salt water) and shipped with a label bearing the producer's name, so the origin and producer can be traced.
The strength of Otaru uni is "proximity." From the Shukutsu and Takashima fishing grounds to the fishing cooperative, markets and sushi restaurants is within 10–20 minutes by car. The cycle of reaching market and sushi restaurant buyers on the day of landing supports their high freshness. Sea urchins that feed on Sea of Japan kelp are rich in sweetness and flavor and are highly rated by local chefs.
There are mainly two kinds of Otaru-mae uni.
| Type | Common names | Color | Flavor | Price trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ezo bafun uni (short-spined sea urchin) | Aka, gaze, ganze | Deep orange | Rich and very sweet. Sweetest around July | Expensive. In some years there were bids around ¥10,000 early in the season (2024–2025 results) |
| Kita murasaki uni (northern purple sea urchin) | Shiro, nona | Pale yellow | Light, refined sweetness | Cheaper than bafun and easier to get |
Early in the season, in May and June, murasaki uni dominates, and bafun uni is rare and expensive. From July both become sweeter, and bafun reaches its "peak season." Aiming your visit at the seasonal peak that local chefs describe as "sweetest around July" is also a recommended approach.
Shakotan Peninsula uni is another of Hokkaido's leading sources, but the biggest appeal of Otaru Port uni is its proximity, "all within walking distance of Otaru Station." For the differences from Shakotan, also see Shakotan Uni Season 2026 Guide | A Day Trip from Otaru.
About poaching
When visiting Otaru as a tourist, you may be tempted to try gathering sea urchins on the shore, but this is a crime. Under the revised Fisheries Act (in force from December 1, 2020), taking them without permission in waters where fishing rights are set is subject to a fine of up to 1 million yen as an infringement of fishing rights. It is illegal even for recreational fishing or personal consumption. In addition, abalone, sea cucumber and glass eels are "specified aquatic animals and plants" with separate, heavier penalties (up to 3 years' imprisonment or a fine of up to 30 million yen). Always buy in-season uni from legitimate markets and shops.
The 2026 opening day and season (official basis)
Otaru Port's sea urchin fishing opened on May 15 for four years in a row, from 2022 to 2025. The usual pattern is that the first auction is held the next day, the 16th (only in 2022 on the 17th).
| Year | Opening day | First auction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 15 | May 17 | — |
| 2023 | May 15 | May 16 | — |
| 2024 | May 15 | May 16 | Smaller catch due to rough seas |
| 2025 | May 15 | May 16 | Bafun bids around ¥10,000 |
For 2026 too, the mail-order site "PREZO" (https://prezo.jp/product/947) states "fishing opens 2026.5.15," and May 15 is expected as usual. However, as of writing (May 9, 2026), we could not confirm a primary official announcement from the Otaru City Fisheries Cooperative or the Otaru Kisen Fisheries Cooperative. It may change with weather and sea conditions, so always check the Otaru City Fisheries Cooperative's official announcement before your visit.
The season and fishing hours are as follows.
The season runs from May 15 to August 31, with fishing limited to four hours, from 5 to 9 a.m.
Uni is not necessarily on sale in shops from the opening day itself. Because it passes through a distribution route from the cooperative to wholesalers and each shop, there may be a lag of a few days to up to two weeks after the opening before supply stabilizes. If you plan to visit around May 15, ask each shop or market about arrivals just beforehand.
Local uni to eat in Otaru: a sushi restaurant guide
In Otaru, sushi restaurants, from long-established places dating back to the late Meiji era to modern ones, are concentrated on "Sushiya-dori" in the Hanazono–Inaho area. Several renowned restaurants lining an area about 1 km long is a sight unique to Otaru. The following five restaurants were confirmed to be operating through listings on the Otaru Tourism Association's "Otaru Portal" or their official websites. Prices are all market price and vary by year, so check each restaurant's official information or ask when you visit.
※This image was generated by AI for illustration. It does not depict any actual facility or sign.
Otaru Masazushi Main Store
One of the long-established restaurants representing Otaru's Sushiya-dori. It serves mainly seasonal Hokkaido toppings, and during the uni season from May to August seasonal nigiri and gunkan rolls appear (check details when you visit). It is expected to be crowded in peak tourist season, so phone in advance about reservations.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-1-1 Hanazono, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0024 (Sushiya-dori) |
| Phone | 0134-64-1101 (number listed on the official website) |
| Hours | Lunch 11:00–15:00 / Dinner 17:00–21:00 |
| Closed | Wednesdays and New Year's Day (may vary with holidays and events) |
| Access | About 15 min walk from JR Otaru Station |
| Official website | https://masazushi.co.jp/shop-honten/ |
Sushi Washoku Shikama
A Japanese and sushi restaurant on Sushiya-dori. As a member of the Otaru Sushiya-dori Meitenkai, it serves counter sushi that values seasonal toppings. Check details of its uni offerings when you visit or by phone.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-2-5 Hanazono, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0024 (Sushiya-dori) |
| Phone | 0134-25-4040 |
| Hours | 11:00–15:00 / 17:00–21:00 |
| Closed | Tuesdays and every other Monday (other irregular closures) |
| Access | About 15 min walk from JR Otaru Station |
Otaru Machi no Sushi
Located in the heart of Sushiya-dori, it is open continuously from lunch to night, making it flexible on timing. Its style centers on seasonal toppings, and menus using in-season uni are expected to appear during the season.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-1-1 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido (Sushiya-dori) |
| Phone | 0134-25-3430 |
| Hours | 11:00–22:00 (last order 21:30) |
| Closed | Irregular |
| Access | About 10 min walk from JR Otaru Station |
| Official website | https://www.machino-sushi.com/ |
Nihonbashi
A restaurant on Sushiya-dori in the Inaho area. It operates in two sittings, lunch and dinner, and carefully prepares seasonal Hokkaido toppings. Check about uni when you visit.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-1-4 Inaho, Otaru 047-0032 (Sushiya-dori) |
| Phone | 0134-33-3773 |
| Hours | Lunch 11:00–15:00 / Dinner 17:00–20:00 |
| Closed | Thursdays and the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays |
| Access | About 10 min walk from JR Otaru Station |
Isezushi
A sushi restaurant in the Inaho area, relatively easy to reach at 7 minutes from the station. An article on the Otaru Tourism Association's "Otaru Portal" (June 2023 issue) confirmed it serves uni gunkan, grilled uni and chilled uni chawanmushi. Note that it may close during opening hours once toppings run out.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-15-3 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032 |
| Phone | 0134-23-1425 |
| Hours | Lunch 11:30–15:00 / Dinner 17:00–21:00 (closes when toppings run out) |
| Closed | Wednesdays and the 1st and 2nd Tuesdays (open on holidays) |
| Access | About 7 min walk from JR Otaru Station |
| Official website | http://www.isezushi.com/ |
Restaurants on Sushiya-dori can have queues in peak tourist season (June–August). Expect waits when visiting on weekends and holidays, and phone each restaurant in advance about reservations.
The map below shows the location of Sushiya-dori (the Hanazono–Inaho area). The five restaurants are within a 7–15 minute walk of JR Otaru Station.
Seafood bowl shops and market diners around Otaru Station
A different way to enjoy in-season uni from Sushiya-dori is the seafood bowl shops and market diners in the Sankaku Market, the Rinyu Morning Market and the Sakaimachi area. The following five were confirmed to exist through listings on the Otaru Tourism Association's "Otaru Portal" or their official websites. Prices are market price and vary by year.
※This image was generated by AI for illustration. It does not depict any actual facility or sign.
Sankakutei (inside the Sankaku Market)
A diner inside the Sankaku Market, in a prime spot just a 1-minute walk from JR Otaru Station. It serves colorful seafood bowls, including bowls with uni. It closes when sold out, so early morning is the surest time. Prices are market price.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Inside the Sankaku Market, 3-10-16 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032 |
| Phone | 080-5724-9212 |
| Hours | 8:30–15:00 (closes when sold out) |
| Closed | Thursdays |
| Access | 1 min walk from JR Otaru Station |
| Official website | https://www.sankakutei.com/ |
The Sankaku Market also has fish shops in the same building, and you can buy uni at shops such as Takeda Sengyoten. Its convenience right by the station makes it a market very popular with tourists.
Kita no Donburiya Takinami Shokudo (inside the Sankaku Market)
Open from 7 a.m. inside the Sankaku Market, it is known for a menu that states "additive-free raw uni (no alum)." With the "Wagamama Don," where you choose 3–4 toppings, you can include uni. Being open year-round (closed only on New Year's Day) is another convenient point.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Inside the Sankaku Market, 3-10-16 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032 |
| Phone | 0134-23-1426 |
| Hours | 7:00–17:00 (shorter over New Year) |
| Closed | New Year's Day only (otherwise open year-round) |
| Access | 1 min walk from JR Otaru Station |
| Official website | https://otaru-takinami.com/fr/5 |
Rinyu Morning Market Asaichi Shokudo
The diner at the Rinyu Morning Market, known as the earliest-opening market in Otaru. It opens at 4 a.m., and a "self-made uni bowl" style is popular locally: buy uni at a fish shop in the market (around ¥2,000–3,000 per 100 g, varying by season and type) and put it on the Asaichi Shokudo rice set (¥400).
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-10-15 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0012 (inside the Rinyu Morning Market) |
| Phone | 0134-22-0257 (Rinyu Morning Market) |
| Hours | 4:00–14:00 |
| Closed | Sundays |
| Access | About 10–15 min walk from JR Otaru Station |
As of writing, we could not confirm a separate official website for the Rinyu Morning Market's Asaichi Shokudo. Phone for details.
Otaru Posei-don Sakaimachi Main Store
A seafood bowl specialist within walking distance of Sakaimachi Street and the Otaru Canal. Its signature "Posei-don" is a lavish bowl with nine toppings: tuna, salmon, negitoro, tobiko, scallop, crab, sweet shrimp, salmon roe and uni. It is popular, with queues on weekends, so to avoid crowds, right after opening is best. Check prices on the official website.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 4-9 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027 |
| Phone | 0134-61-1478 |
| Hours | 11:00–18:00 (last order 17:30) |
| Closed | New Year holidays |
| Access | About 15 min walk from JR Otaru Station (around Sakaimachi Street and the Otaru Canal) |
| Official website | https://www.otaru-poseidon.jp/ |
Minshuku Aotsuka Shokudo (Shukutsu, run by fishers)
A diner run by fishers in the Shukutsu district, known as one of Otaru's uni fishing grounds. You can eat uni caught in the local waters as close as possible to where it was landed, an experience shops around the station can't offer. At 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes by bus (bound for Otaru Aquarium), it is a little far from Otaru Station, but it is supported by foodies seeking the experience of "eating uni at the fishing port." The raw uni bowl is its signature dish, at market price. Operating status may change with the season and maintenance periods, so please phone before you visit.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-210 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0047 |
| Phone | 0134-22-8034 |
| Hours | 10:00–21:00 (last order 19:00) *varies by season |
| Closed | Open year-round (check for New Year and the spring maintenance period) |
| Access | About 10 min by car or about 20 min by bus from JR Otaru Station |
| Official website | http://www.aotsuka.com/ |
The best timing to visit around the opening day
To enjoy in-season uni to the fullest, choosing the right time matters. Here is a rough guide.
※This image was generated by AI for illustration. It does not depict any actual facility or sign.
In mid-May, right after the opening, there may be a lag of a few days to about two weeks before uni reaches markets and shops. Arrivals also depend on the year and the weather, so if your trip is in mid-May, asking each shop in advance is the surest way.
From mid-June, supply stabilizes and both bafun and murasaki uni become easy to find. July is when both are sweetest, and local chefs also say "around July is the seasonal peak." You can enjoy them until the season ends on August 31, but in the midsummer tourist peak popular restaurants get more crowded, so aiming for early hours on weekdays is the smart choice.
As a half-day uni course in Otaru, the following route works well.
Early morning, a self-made uni bowl at the Rinyu Morning Market (Ironai, from 4:00) → stroll on foot along the Otaru Canal and Sakaimachi Street → before noon, a seafood bowl at the Sankaku Market (right by Otaru Station) → in the afternoon, a break at the COTARU café and a rental bicycle ride toward the port and Shukutsu
With a rental bicycle, you can comfortably get around from central Otaru to the Rinyu Morning Market in the fishing port area and the canal. Enjoying Otaru's slopes and alleys by bicycle is the local way. Please also consider COTARU's rental bicycle service.
In June, Otaru has sea breezes, so some days can feel chilly even in the daytime. Bringing one light layer you can throw on gives peace of mind. For details on the weather, see the Otaru May and June Weather and What to Wear Guide.
Summary
Otaru Port uni is one of Hokkaido's leading sources of sea urchin. Its biggest strength is proximity: uni caught that day in the local waters reaches sushi restaurants, markets and diners within walking distance of Otaru Station.
Opening day: Opened on May 15 four years running. The same is expected in 2026, but always check the Otaru City Fisheries Cooperative's official announcement. The season runs from May 15 to August 31, with fishing limited to four hours, from 5 to 9 a.m.
Two kinds of uni can be enjoyed throughout the season: bafun (rich, expensive, peaking in July) and murasaki (light, easy to get). Right after the opening there may be a lag of a few days to up to two weeks before supply stabilizes, so from mid-June is when both are easiest to eat.
There are three areas to eat it: Sushiya-dori (Hanazono–Inaho, 7–15 minutes on foot), the Sankaku Market and Rinyu Morning Market (1–15 minutes on foot), and Shukutsu, run by fishers at the port (10 minutes by car). Poaching violates the Fisheries Act (a fine of up to 1 million yen), so always buy in-season uni from legitimate markets and shops.
Related reading:
- Sapporo to Otaru in as Little as 32 Minutes for ¥800 | JR, Bus and Rental Car Compared
- 20 Otaru Seafood Bowl Lunches 2026 | How to Choose in the Sankaku Market and by the Canal
- Shakotan Uni Season 2026 Guide | A Day Trip from Otaru
- 5 Seafood Dishes to Eat in Otaru in Spring and Early Summer
- Otaru May Weather and What to Wear Guide 2026