Can I eat the seafood I purchase at the market?

Yes, the center provides multiple dining options. There is a central seating area with tables and chairs where you can consume seafood purchased from any of the 15 stores. The center has an attached cafeteria serving various seafood rice bowls, including wild tuna dishes. Vendors will prepare your purchases as sashimi and provide sauces and crab-eating tools. Some stores offer dining space directly at their stalls, while others provide takeaway services. During certain seasons, seafood barbecue options are also available in designated areas.

How do prices compare between different shops?

Prices can vary significantly between shops, so it's advisable to walk around the entire market before making purchase decisions. The market is relatively compact, making price comparisons straightforward. Most shops sell similar seafood with fairly standard pricing, but service quality differs. Popular shops with more customers typically offer better service, including proper utensils and dining amenities. Some vendors may offer discounts later in the day to attract customers. Generally, prices are considered reasonable for the quality and freshness, though visitors should not expect bargain prices.

Is the market accessible without a car?

The center is located approximately five minutes by car from JR Sakaiminato Station, but walking from the station takes considerably longer, around 40 minutes. Transportation can be challenging for visitors without private vehicles. The facility offers 200 parking spaces for those traveling by car. The center is about 25 minutes from the Yonago Interchange on the Yonago Expressway, making it most accessible for visitors with rental cars. Bus services to the area exist but may require careful planning, and taxi service from Sakaiminato Station is a practical alternative for those without vehicles.

Tottori

Sakaiminato Seafood Direct Sales Center

Q: When is the best time to visit for crabs?

November is recommended as the peak season for both Matsuba crabs and red snow crabs. Red snow crabs are generally available from September to June, while Matsuba crabs are caught from November to March. During these months, the market becomes particularly crowded with both locals and tourists. The center displays crabs with prices clearly labeled according to size and quality, and vendors often provide live crab-cutting demonstrations for tastings. Note that red queen crab fishing is prohibited in July and August.

3.9 (6044)MarketFoodPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Sep 6, 2026

The Sakaiminato Seafood Direct Sales Center is located in Showamachi, adjacent to Sakaiminato Port in Tottori Prefecture, western Japan. Sakaiminato ranked third among Japan's major fishing ports in 2023, establishing itself as one of the nation's leading seafood markets. The port's significance stems from its remarkable catch volumes, particularly red snow crabs, which account for 60% of the national total. This strategic position near the Sea of Japan has made Sakaiminato synonymous with premium seafood, earning Tottori its reputation as Japan's crab prefecture.

The center underwent renovation and now houses 15 stores selling both fresh and dried seafood products. The market operates with a traditional fish market atmosphere where vendors actively engage with customers through spirited calls. The facility serves as an extension of the adjacent fish market where daily auctions take place, allowing visitors to purchase seafood that was caught and unloaded the same day. The location also benefits from Sakaiminato's cultural identity as the birthplace of manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, creator of GeGeGe no Kitaro, with the popular Mizuki Shigeru Road located nearby.

Visitors can purchase premium seasonal seafood including Matsuba crab (snow crab) available from November to March, raw bluefin tuna primarily from June to July, and white squid from June to September. The market offers a unique interactive experience where customers can select fresh seafood and have it prepared as sashimi on the spot, or create their own custom seafood bowls. Several restaurants within the center allow visitors to enjoy their purchases immediately, with offerings including seafood bowls, grilled crab, and crab soup. During peak crab season in autumn and winter, the market becomes particularly crowded with both locals and tourists seeking the freshest catches at reasonable prices.

The center is approximately five minutes by car from JR Sakaiminato Station and about 25 minutes from the Yonago Interchange on the Yonago Expressway. The facility offers 200 parking spaces and operates from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, closing on Tuesdays. Admission to the market is free, though seafood purchases and restaurant meals are charged separately. The center attracts visitors from across the San'in, Sanyo, Shikoku, and Kansai regions, with weekends and holidays experiencing the highest traffic. For those interested in behind-the-scenes operations, a 50-minute guided tour of Sakaiminato Port is available three times daily, offering views of the auction process.