This roadside station is located at Kyoto Maizuru Port, known as the largest fishing base in Kyoto Prefecture. One of the largest seafood markets on the Sea of Japan coast, its roughly 17,080-square-foot space is filled with fresh seafood landed at Maizuru Port. Three stores are operated by fresh fish brokers from the Kyoto Prefectural Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives' Maizuru Fish Market, offering exceptional freshness and variety. Seasonal Maizuru specialties are available at reasonable prices, including rock oysters and Japanese cockles in summer and crab in winter. It is also fun to walk around the lively market and hear the energetic calls of the vendors.
A popular service allows visitors to have their seafood purchases prepared on the spot as sashimi or other dishes and eat them in the rest area. On Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (last entry at 2:00 p.m.), a dedicated area is also available for grilling purchased items at a seafood barbecue. The fee is ¥500 per person. There are plenty of dining options as well, including a sushi restaurant serving fresh seafood and eateries known for their seafood rice bowls. Visitors can also shop for souvenirs at specialty stores selling Maizuru's famous kamaboko fish cakes, stores offering processed seafood and local sake, and a farmers' market stocked with local produce and other Maizuru specialties.
