Shiogama Fish Market

Shiogama Fish Market stands as one of Japan's premier seafood destinations, located in the historic port city of Shiogama in Miyagi Prefecture. The city supports a large fishing industry, and a significant portion of Japan's tuna and swordfish catch is processed along Shiogama's waterfronts. Shiogama is famous for its local seafood, especially its sushi, and boasts the highest number of sushi restaurants per capita in Japan. The market has operated for more than 50 years, establishing itself as a vital hub for Japan's seafood trade.

The market's significance lies in its exceptional tuna operations, with Shiogama Port boasting a major catch of tuna in Japan, with their catch of Bigeye tuna being the biggest in Japan. Nearly 20 shops specialize in tuna, numbers that can only be found in Shiogama. The facility covers hundreds of metres of floor space and houses over 140 stalls operating, making it one of the largest seafood wholesale markets accessible to the general public.

Visitors can experience authentic Japanese fish market culture through multiple activities. Early morning arrivals between May and December can witness impressive tuna auctions, with tuna auctions viewable from the 2nd floor from around 8am. The market offers hands-on experiences including creating custom seafood bowls (kaisendon) with fresh selections from various stalls. Some seafood, such as scallops, oysters, squid and large prawns, are available for grilling, with grill usage costing 500 yen. There is also a public DIY grill just outside the market hall where you can cook fish, oysters and scallops bought fresh from the market.

Despite being designated as a wholesale market, it is open to members of the public at no cost. While wholesale markets in Japan are usually only open to restaurateurs, the Shiogama Seafood Market happens to also be open (and friendly) to regular visitors and curious travelers. The market maintains modern hygiene standards with electric forklifts that do not emit exhaust fumes, and thorough hygiene control including the use of sheets to prevent the tuna from coming into direct contact with the floor.

The market is accessible via the JR Senseki Line. Take one of the frequent local or rapid trains along the JR Senseki Line from Sendai to Hon-Shiogama Station, with the one way trip taking about 25 minutes and costing 330 yen. From there, the market is a 15 minute walk from Higashi Shiogama Station or a 40 minute walk from Hon-Shiogama Station. By car, the market is located approximately 15 minutes by car from Rifuna IC on the Sanriku Expressway. The market address is 1-20-74 Shinhamacho, Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture, with free admission for all visitors.