Visit Wakayama

An indulgent lunch at the Wakayama City Central Wholesale Market

Wakayama Marche, which opened at Wakayama City Central Wholesale Market in 2020, is popular for its restaurants, grocery stores, variety shops and various other stores. One place drawing attention is Taiko Tei, a restaurant serving fresh seafood cuisine. At lunchtime, the (Special) Seafood Bowl heaped with over 20 types of seafood including tuna, bonito, sea urchin, prawns and crab is highly recommended. The set lunches that change according to the daily catch and the season are also an excellent choice, such as the Kishu Kenken Seared Bonito Set and the Wild-caught Snapper Sashimi Set. On weekdays, the Five-sashimi Set is also a great choice. 

Buy freshly-caught fish from the fishers themselves

Surprising prices and stunning freshness

Fishing boats arriving back from sea at Saikazaki Fishing Harbor have begun selling their catch right on the dock. Freshly-caught seafood can now be purchased at discount prices. Be aware that seafood sales cannot be notified in advance, so keep an eye on the Saikazaki Fisheries Cooperative Association official X (Twitter) account. 

From mid-May to mid-October, when all boats are out fishing, sales start from around 7 pm. When 10 or fewer boats are fishing, selling times depend on the return of each boat and are not fixed. Species landed during this period include conger eel, shrimp, neon flying squid, Japanese scad and red seabream. 

From mid-October to mid-May, fish sales begin around 1pm. If there is a particular type of fish you are looking for, let the fisherman know in person to receive a reservation ticket. The purchase can then be made upon a signal at 3 pm. Species landed in this season include green tiger prawns, red tongue sole, cuttlefish squid, flounder and hairtail.  

*No seafood dishes sold or restaurants found here

Something special for the weekend

Everyone must try the famous “Wakashirasu” whitebait of Wakaura Bay

This seafood bazaar runs on weekends and public holidays between 10 am and 2 pm. Here you can buy the freshest fish and seafood that this port is known for such as whitebait (the “Wakashirasu” for which Wakaura Bay is famed), clams, green tiger prawns, processed seafood products and more. The fresh sashimi and side dishes prepared by the fishmongers are to die for.

Up close and personal to a thrilling tuna carving show

Be wowed by the flavor of freshly-carved fish

Kuroshio Market in Wakayama Marina City is the place to feel, taste and enjoy maguro tuna. In a retro Showa Japan-style arcade shopping street, you can buy fresh fish and seafood or eat seafood dishes right there.

On the first floor is a market offering a range of dishes from sushi to seafood bowls and deep-fried cuts. The neighboring seaside terrace seating also has a barbecue grilling. On the second floor, the buffet restaurant Gondwana is also highly popular. 

Do not miss the Tuna Cutting Show when visiting Kuroshio Market (held daily). The skills demonstrated in handling the giant tuna are incredible.

Daily tuna carving show

Visit this uncommon roadside station!

Kainan Sakuas opened in the autumn of 2023 as the first roadside station in Kainan City. “Sakuas” combines the “sa” of sakana (fish), the “ku” of kudamono (fruit), the “a” of asobi (play) and the “s” of su (nest where people gather). It incorporates the meaning of Sakuas as a place of exchange, where locals deliver and sell their seafood, fish or farm produce. The fresh fish section is operated by Uomori Suisan KK. As seafood is sourced directly from local fishers, mainly from the five fishing ports in Kainan City, the product has a reputation for both freshness and good value. The "Sashimi Set Meal," which includes fresh sashimi, crumbed aji (jack mackerel), rice, and miso soup, is hearty and sure to sell out. Over in the Marché section, find fruit and vegetables, local alcoholic beverages and industrial products, and traditional crafts such as Kishu lacquerware and palm tree products. The market also has a kids’ corner and lawn square, so it is also a great place to bring the little ones. 

Feel the blessings of the sea 

A seaside market with dockside atmosphere 

Hama no Utase is a market run by Arida Minoshima Fisheries Cooperative. Consisting of a Produce Hall and a Food Court (Utase Shokudo), the market has welcomed thousands of visitors since opening in 2020. The most popular attraction is the Food Court, which offers a wide range of exquisite seafood dishes. Menu items tend to sell out in busy periods, so be sure to arrive as early as possible. At the Produce Hall, find fresh fish brought in directly by fishermen, as well as processed seafood such as whitebait.

More than a fish market

This is a resort and major hub of Shirahama tourism

Toretore Market is one of Japan’s largest seafood markets and is found within the grounds of the ToreTore Park resort complex. It is one of the most popular spots in the Nanki-Shirahama area. Being operated by the local Katata Fisheries Cooperative Society, it boasts only the freshest fish and seafood, including live specimens. Other “food entertainment” includes tuna carving shows, dining options like sushi and seafood bowls, and a BBQ area where you can grill and eat the seafood, meat and vegetables picked up at the market. Regional specialties are also on offer. Around ToreTore Park, you will also find the ToreTore no Yu spa complex with open-air bathing, ToreTore Village resort lodgings with the feeling of a summer villa, and Panda Village, where each accommodation has its very own panda design.

The maritime complex closest to Shirarahama Beach offering the full range of seaside fun

A great advantage of Fisherman’s Wharf Shirahama, across from Shirarahama Beach, is that it is operated by fishermen themselves, ensuring the freshest fish and the greatest selection. Fish Market on the first floor is the place to buy seafood and try the seafood bowls, seafood barbecue and other delights. Banya on the second floor offers authentic Japanese dining. From April to October, you can fire up a BBQ at Club Caribbean on the third floor to cook what you bought at the Fish Market.  You can experience a variety of dive spots with the team at the Diver’s Bay Marine Diving Base, while Café Shutto proudly offers delicious snacks and drinks reminiscent of tropical climes. It is also worth looking at going out boat fishing with a local fisherman, who can provide expert commentary as you go. (Booking required)

Nothing could be more satisfying than watching the tuna selling and cooking at Katsuura Fishing Port, which hauls in more fresh tuna than anywhere in Japan!

Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama is a formidable tourism destination, not just as a leading hot springs resort but because it also boasts Japan’s highest waterfall, the Nachi Falls, and the World Heritage Kumano Nachi Taisha　Grand Shrine. Not to be missed here above all, however, is the fresh tuna. Katsuura Fishing Port lands the highest volume of unfrozen tuna in the country. Moreover, the springy-fleshed tuna is available for sale at the adjoining seafood market, called the “Nigiwai Market”. There are plenty of ways to get a taste, from the classics like sashimi, tuna on rice and sushi to modern innovations such as fried tuna cutlets. It would be a shame too if you were not to catch the dynamic fresh tuna carving show or the highly popular fresh tuna carving experience (both require bookings). The market also has ramen stalls and souvenirs on offer, making it a popular tourist hub for Nachikatsuura Town.