Japan is an archipelago surrounded by waters that are home to a thriving and diverse marine life. Throughout the country, there are numerous fishing ports and markets that serve as the backbone of the nation’s seafood industry.
If you are visiting Japan soon, exploring some of its most popular fish markets and trying out various seafood dishes is highly recommended.
Tsukiji Market
Located in the centre of Tokyo, Tsukiji Fish Market is a large seafood market that engages in wholesale distribution of fish, as well as flowers, vegetables, fruit and other produce. Every day, it handles more than 2,000 tons of seafood and has a bustling atmosphere from as early as 5 am up until its closing time in the afternoon.
Toba Seafood Market
When it comes to fresh tuna and other seafood, Toba Seafood Market in Mie is an authority. Apart from its stalls of shellfish, shrimps and fish, it also houses several restaurants that serve freshly harvested catches and delicacies.
Izumisano Fishermans Union Open Market
Osaka’s Izumisano Market is a cooperative that sells a wide selection of seafood that is freshly harvested from the ocean. Every afternoon, it holds a series of auctions for various types of high quality seafood. It is also home to restaurants that offer delicious and mouthwatering seafood dishes.
Maizuru Port Tore Tore Center Seafood Market
For those visiting Kyoto and craving lobsters, crabs, and other seafood delicacies, do not forget to include the Maizuru Seafood Market on your itinerary. It prides itself on its wide selection of fresh seafood which can be ordered and cooked on the spot.
Omi-cho Market
Omi-cho Market in Kanazawa City is a 300-year-old market that sells fish, seafood, fruit and vegetables. Many tourists flock to this place because of its energetic ambience, from the early hours of the morning until the end of the business day.
Nijo Fish Market
For more than a hundred years now, Sapporo’s Nijo Market has been the venue for freshly caught fish and other seafood from Ishikari Bay. Today, it is a premier Hokkaido attraction, with more than 70 stalls and stores that get crowded every morning with tourists seeking to enjoy some of the nation’s best seafood.
Tottori Kara Seafood Market
Best known for its Matsuba snow crabs during the winter season, Tottori Kara market is a must-see destination in Tottori City, especially for seafood lovers who wish to feast on some fresh and delicious seafood delicacies.
