Kagoshima Fish Market Tour
Up close and personal at the Kagoshima Fish Market
Tokyo’s Toyosu Market might be the most well-known fish market in japan, but Kagoshima has its own fish market with a tour to rival its big city counterpart. The Kagoshima Fish Market offers a unique and intimate experience for visitors to get up close and personal with the vibrant world of fish and seafood.
The market is located in Kagoshima, a city in the southwestern part of Japan’s Kyushu Island. It is a short taxi ride from downtown Kagoshima or Kagoshima Chuo Station, making it easily accessible for tourists. The market opens early in the morning, so visitors need to arrive at the entrance at 6:45 a.m. The tour starts at 7:00 a.m. and lasts for about an hour.
One of the highlights of the Kagoshima Fish Market tour is the opportunity to see a massive selection of fresh produce. The market offers a wide variety of fish and seafood, all sourced from the depths of Kinko Bay. The bay is known for its rich marine ecosystem, thanks to the Kuroshio current that brings warm waters to Japan from the Philippines. As a result, the fish and seafood available at the Kagoshima Fish Market are incredibly fresh and of the highest quality.
During the tour, visitors will have the chance to learn how to spot and prepare the best seasonal fish. The knowledgeable tour guides will provide valuable insights and tips on what to look for when choosing fresh fish. This information can come in handy for visitors who want to try their hand at cooking local dishes using fresh ingredients.
One of the most exciting parts of the tour is witnessing the tuna auction. Tuna is a prized fish in Japan, and the auction process is a fascinating sight to behold. Visitors will get to see the auctioneers energetically selling the tuna to local shops and restaurants. The tour also includes a demonstration of how to fillet a tuna, showcasing the skill and precision of the master fishermen.
After the auction, visitors can enjoy a delicious fresh fish breakfast prepared with the day’s catch. The cafeteria at the fish market serves a selection of sashimi made from the freshest fish of the day. This is a unique opportunity to taste the flavors of Kagoshima’s seafood while mingling with the local fishermen and market staff.
The Kagoshima Fish Market tour is not just about the fish and seafood. It also offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the fishermen and the challenges they face at sea. Before entering the market, visitors will stop by a small shrine dedicated to the water god. This serves as a reminder of the fishermen’s respect for the sea and their reliance on its bounty.
The market itself is a bustling and lively place. Vendors can be seen scaling the fish and loading them into their mobile fish vans. The market offers a wide variety of fish, including flying fish, sea bream, kibinago, shrimp, and even the bizarre mollusk known as kame-no-te. It’s a feast for the eyes and a testament to the rich diversity of marine life in Kagoshima.
If you’re lucky, you might even witness young fishermen practicing catching bonito on an artificial boat outside the market. Bonito is a type of tuna known for its strong and flavorful flesh. It takes skill and strength to lift the heavy fish out of the water and into the boat, and watching these young fishermen in action is an impressive sight.
The Kagoshima Fish Market tour is a truly unique experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world of fish and seafood. It provides an opportunity to learn about the local marine ecosystem, witness the auction process, and taste the freshest sashimi. Moreover, it offers a chance to connect with the local community and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life.
To make the most of your visit to the Kagoshima Fish Market, it is recommended to make reservations in advance. This will ensure that you secure a spot on the tour and guarantee a memorable experience. Keep in mind that the information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19, so it’s important to stay updated on any travel restrictions or guidelines.
In conclusion, the Kagoshima Fish Market tour is an excellent opportunity to explore a lesser-known but equally impressive fish market in Japan. It offers a unique and intimate experience for visitors to learn about the local marine ecosystem, witness the auction process, and indulge in the freshest seafood. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a culinary enthusiast, or simply curious about Japanese culture, this tour is a must-visit when in Kagoshima. So put on your rubber boots, embrace the early morning start, and get ready to embark on a delicious and educational adventure at the Kagoshima Fish Market.
Address And Maps Location:
37-2 Jonan-cho, Kagoshima-shi, Kagoshima-ken
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