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Yokohama Central Wholesale Market Fisheries Division
An all-exclusive, backstage access tour to the usually off-limits tuna market auction and filet events.
Opened in 1931, the Yokohama City Central Wholesale Market boasts placeholder of being the third oldest in Japan. It stands primarily as a wholesale venue for fresh fish to retailers and restaurants, usually open to the public only on the first and third Saturdays of every month. However, with the "Market Exploration Tour," you can visit special areas of the market even on non-public days.
The tour includes an intro video highlighting the market's history, a special shrine visit inside the market, front-and-center viewing of the bidding area up close, a chance to step inside the subzero -50 degrees Celsius freezer used for storing tuna, and viewing of the live fish tanks.
For an even deeper dive, there’s even the chance to hear from the pros about how to choose the best fish and how to cook them. The tour kicks off early at 5 am but is packed with plenty of thrills, breakfast and, if you're lucky, a close-up view of a tuna being filleted. There’s even time for shopping at the intermediary vendors, meaning you get to select fresh seafood and high-quality side at wholesale prices.
Outside of the deep market tour there’s also a special package with dinner at a hotel or restaurant using ingredients sourced from the market. Audio guides in English, Chinese, and Korean are available, making it accessible for international visitors.
Highlights
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A market in Yokohama with all the best of seafood from Japan and international waters.
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Backstage access for tourists to come see exclusive auctions not usually available.
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See a professional butcher filet a tuna and even try some samples.
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Some tours have a dinner addon where you can order plates using market-sourced ingredients.
Photos
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Tour the market behind the Japanese food you know and love.
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Wall-to-wall fascinating discoveries await.
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See the tuna filleted before your eyes (only available on the first Saturday of each month).
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Mingle and hear from the team at the market.
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See the tuna as its filleted.
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See the tuna auctions at the market.
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Snap a photo to commemorate your tour!
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The exterior of Yokohama Central Wholesale Market.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is there parking available?
Yes, parking is available. It's smoother if you reserve in advance.
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Can I leave my luggage like travel trunks during the tour?
Yes, secure storage is available for your belongings during the tour.
Q
Is foreign language support available? (If so, please provide the supported languages.)
Regularly, only English is available. Please inform us in advance of your language preference, and we will accommodate as much as possible.
Q
Can the visit be shortened?
Yes, if you inform us in advance, we can arrange a tour that fits your schedule.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 横浜中央卸売市場水産物部
- Postal Code
- 221-0054
- Address
- Yokohama City Central Wholesale Market Main Venue 1-1 Yamauchicho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa
- Telephone
- 045-459-3400
- Closed
- Wednesdays, Sundays, August 14-16, December 31 to January 4
- Hours
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Market Exploration Tours are from 5:00am to 7:30am (adjustable upon request)
Fees: Market Exploration Tour is 5,000 yen, Tour + Dinner is 29,000 yen or 40,000 yen - Access
- 15 minutes by city bus from JR Yokohama Station, get off at 'Central Market Mae' stop, then 1-minute walk
- Credit Cards
- Accepted (however, purchases in the market are cash only)
- Official Website
- Official Website (English)