In Hokkaido, the most common types of crab include red king crab (tarabagani), brown crab (ibaragani), and blue crab (aburagani), which have similar appearances.

You’ll also find snow crab (zuwaigani), Hanasaki crab (hanasakigani), and hairy crab (kegani), each with its own distinct flavor and peak season.

In Hokkaido, king crab is primarily caught in the Sea of Okhotsk, though in limited quantities. Most available king crab now comes from Russia or Alaska.

While fresh and frozen king crab is available year-round, the best season is winter (November to February), when supply increases, and the crabs are at their peak in size and flavor.

Closely related species, such as brown crab and blue crab, live in deeper waters than red king crab and are only sold in frozen form.

This elegant snow crab is known for its slender legs. In Japanese, it is commonly called "hon-zuwaigani" or "zuwaigani," though regional names vary.

Many snow crabs distributed from Hokkaido are caught in Russian waters and available year-round. However, the peak season for the best flavor is from March to July.

When boiled, Hanasaki crab turns a vivid red, resembling a flower—hence the name, as “hana” means “flower” in Japanese. Its shell is covered in sharp thorns and is notably hard.

In Japan, Hanasaki crab is found only in the waters off Nemuro, Hokkaido, and is often landed at Hanasaki Port in Nemuro City. Due to its limited distribution, it is sometimes called the "phantom crab."

Recently, smaller crabs have been caught in Hokkaido, while larger ones mainly come from Russian waters, such as the Bering Sea and off Sakhalin. The peak season for large, flavorful Hanasaki crabs is May to August, when they are known as summer crabs (natsugani).

Hairy crabs are distinguished by their hair-covered shells and are a signature species of Hokkaido, where most of the supply comes from. They are smaller than red king and snow crabs but prized for their rich flavor.

Both the meat and the creamy, umami-packed “kani-miso” (crab innards) are enjoyed. As the season progresses, the catch areas shift along the Hokkaido coast. Available year-round, hairy crabs have minimal seasonal price fluctuations.

We asked Etsushi Nishide, the manager of Marumi Osanai Shoten, about the flavor profiles and prices of Hokkaido crab.

"King crab has the richest sweetness of all. True to its name, it's large and packed with meat, making it incredibly satisfying.

It's typically boiled or steamed, but baking enhances its flavor as well. In winter, when supply increases, prices range from 10,000 to 13,000 yen per kilogram."

"Snow crab is the next best option for enjoying the sweetness of king crab. Like king crab, its miso is rich and flavorful, rivaling that of hairy crab.

It’s delicious boiled, steamed, or prepared shabu-shabu style. At its peak in spring, snow crab is priced around 3,000 yen per kilogram."

"Hanasaki crab has a richer, more robust flavor with a hint of shrimp-like sweetness. Freshly boiled live crab is especially delicious, with a crisp, elastic texture.

I highly recommend trying it in the local specialty, 'Teppoujiru' miso soup. In summer, Hanasaki crab is priced around 3,500 to 4,500 yen per kilogram."

"Hairy crab has a softer, more delicate flavor compared to other crabs, and the crab miso is outstanding. I recommend eating the meat with the miso for the best experience.

During its season, you can find fresh hairy crab all over Hokkaido. It's especially popular among locals. The price is about 10,000 yen per kilogram, but you might find smaller portions, like 400 grams, for around 3,000 yen."

Crabs tend to have a hard, thorny shell. Once you get the hang of it, it's easy to eat. We recommend using kitchen scissors.

Large king crabs, which are satisfying to eat and have a pleasant sweetness, are the most popular with foreign visitors. The hairy crab's 'kani-miso' is also quite popular.

Marumi Osanai Shoten offers refrigerated and frozen crab shipping to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Prices start at 7,000 yen for a small box to Hong Kong and Taiwan and 11,000 yen for Singapore and Malaysia. Thanks to a special agreement with the shipping company, shipping costs are lower than standard rates.

Marumi Osanai Shoten, known for its extensive knowledge of Hokkaido crab, is located in Nijo Market in central Sapporo. Nijo Ichiba is home to numerous shops selling a wide range of Hokkaido specialties, including seafood like crabs and fresh melons.

Marumi Osanai Shoten offers a selection of Hokkaido seafood along with regional produce such as melon, corn, and potatoes. Nijo Market has only a few aquariums with live crabs, and theirs feature king crab, snow crab, Hanasaki crab, and hairy crab. You can even select a crab from the aquarium and have it prepared on the spot—boiling takes about 20 minutes, making it a highly rated experience.

For the best crab in Hokkaido at the perfect time, use this article as a guide to fully enjoy the freshest seasonal catch.

* This article was originally published in August 2020 and updated in February 2025.
* Store information is based on interviews conducted in August 2020. Please check the official website for the latest details.
* Crab prices may vary depending on the season and market conditions.