Yokohama City Central Market

The Yokohama City Central Wholesale Market stands as the third oldest central wholesale market in Japan, established in 1931. Located in Yamauchi-cho, Kanagawa-ku, it was the first central wholesale market in eastern Japan. The market underwent significant expansions and modernizations throughout its history, with the fishery building rebuilt in September 1986 and the fruit and vegetable building reconstructed in March 1992. In April 2016, the Fisheries Building was renovated into a temperature management facility, ensuring optimal conditions for handling fresh seafood.

The market serves as the distribution base for fresh seafood that supports Japanese food culture. While primarily functioning as a wholesale venue for retailers and restaurants, fresh ingredients from all over Japan, especially Kanagawa Prefecture, are gathered at the market daily. The facility processes and distributes massive quantities of marine products, making it one of the nation's leading markets for fresh food supply.

Visitors can access the market through two main experiences. The market opens to the public on the first and third Saturday of each month, allowing guests to stroll through the marine products section and observe the lively wholesale atmosphere. For those visiting on other days, guided exploration tours begin at 5:00 AM and conclude around 8:00 AM. These tours provide exclusive access to normally restricted areas, including a minus 50 degree Celsius tuna freezer and live fish tanks. Tour participants can watch animated auctions, sample fresh seafood, and shop at stores frequented by professional chefs. Special events such as tuna dismantling shows offer complimentary servings of fresh tuna.

The market-affiliated area features restaurants and shops selling high-quality cooking tools and ingredients. Most shops and restaurants operate from morning to afternoon, though some remain open until nighttime. The market closes on Sundays and national holidays. Dining establishments serve various seafood dishes prepared from fresh market ingredients, with sushi and sashimi bowls being popular choices.

The market is accessible via a 20-minute walk from JR Yokohama Station or a 15-minute walk from Keihin Kyuko Kanagawa Station. Alternatively, visitors can take a 15-minute city bus ride from JR Yokohama Station and disembark at the 'Central Market Mae' stop, followed by a 1-minute walk. Guided tours are available starting at ¥15,000 for the Market Exploration Tour, with packages including dinner at market vendor restaurants priced between ¥27,000 and ¥39,000. The market's location at 1-1 Yamauchicho, Kanagawa-ku places it adjacent to the Minatomirai district, making it convenient to combine with other Yokohama attractions.