Shinminato Kitokito Market
A vibrant market showcasing Toyama Bay's freshest seafood, offering a 'natural fish tank' experience with on-site dining and a rare daytime auction.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, get freshest catch
Shinminato Kitokito Market
Best Time
Beat the crowds, get freshest catch
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant market showcasing Toyama Bay's freshest seafood, offering a 'natural fish tank' experience with on-site dining and a rare daytime auction.
"The 'natural fish tank' of Toyama Bay, offering unparalleled freshness and a lively culinary adventure."
🎯 Arrive Early for Freshness
Get there by 9 AM to snag the best seafood before the main crowds arrive. :star2:
🚗 Own Transport Recommended
Having your own car makes exploring nearby sights easier. :oncoming_automobile:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Toyama Bay's Bounty
Market Stalls
Witness an incredible array of fresh seafood, from glistening white shrimp to seasonal crabs. A true 'natural fish tank' experience.
Daytime Auction Spectacle
Auction Area (Reservation Required)
Experience the lively energy of a real fish auction. Witness the flurry of activity and hear the auctioneers' calls.
Savor the Freshest Catches
On-site Restaurants
Enjoy seafood prepared moments after it's landed. From seafood rice bowls to grilled fish, taste the ocean's best.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Early Bird
Transportation is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Freshness
Get there by 9 AM to snag the best seafood before the main crowds arrive. :star2:
🚗 Own Transport Recommended
Having your own car makes exploring nearby sights easier. :oncoming_automobile:
🦀 Don't Miss the Crab!
Snow crab and other seasonal crabs are highly recommended for their freshness and sweetness. :crab:
🦐 Grilled Shrimp is Amazing
The grilled shrimp is a standout, praised for its incredible flavor. :shrimp:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Freshness
Get there by 9 AM to snag the best seafood before the main crowds arrive. :star2:
🚗 Own Transport Recommended
Having your own car makes exploring nearby sights easier. :oncoming_automobile:
🦀 Don't Miss the Crab!
Snow crab and other seasonal crabs are highly recommended for their freshness and sweetness. :crab:
🦐 Grilled Shrimp is Amazing
The grilled shrimp is a standout, praised for its incredible flavor. :shrimp:
🍚 Try a Seafood Donburi
A seafood rice bowl overflowing with the morning's haul is a must-try. :rice_bowl:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Shinminato Kitokito Market is praised for its incredibly fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere, offering a true taste of Toyama Bay's bounty. While some note it's more of a dining spot than a traditional market hall, the quality of the catches and the on-site restaurants are highly recommended for an authentic culinary experience. Having your own transport is beneficial for exploring the area. +2
"Shinminato Kittokito Fisherman's Wharf offers a vibrant and bustling atmosphere that truly captures the essence of a working fish market. The energy is palpable as you walk through the stalls, witnessing the impressive variety of fresh seafood directly from Toyama Bay. Known as a "natural fish tank," the sheer abundance and quality of catches like the glistening white shrimp (the "jewel of Toyama Bay"), plump firefly squid, and seasonal crabs are a feast for the eyes.
More than just a market, it's an interactive experience. You can observe the rare daytime auction (reservation required), which provides a fascinating insight into the local seafood trade. The lively calls of the auctioneers and the flurry of activity create a unique spectacle. Beyond the raw ingredients, several restaurants within the market allow you to savor the freshest catches prepared on the spot. Imagine indulging in a seafood rice bowl overflowing with the morning's haul or grilling your chosen fish to perfection.
The market also offers a range of local specialties and souvenirs, from sake to fish cakes, allowing you to take a taste of Toyama home with you. While some past reviews mention it being a smaller scale market, the focus here is clearly on the freshness and local character of the seafood. The proximity to the port ensures unparalleled quality, making it a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts seeking an authentic and lively experience. The chance to witness the auction and then enjoy the seafood firsthand makes Shinminato Kittokito Fisherman's Wharf a memorable culinary destination."
Javier Nicolas Gome Florez
"It’s a decent dining spot, but not a real “market”. The seafood is fresh and staff are friendly…but this is not a market hall that has live seafood like Tsukiji Market. It’s more of a indoor place that sell seafood/frozen and there are few restaurants.
If you are in Toyama, it’s ok to stop here…but I would not drive more than 1hr to this place"
H. Ams
"I had a delicious lunch of fresh seafood and rice. As someone mentioned I could see a large area set aside for a tool Bus probably coming later but while I was there we had great service and the food was plenty. Property best if you have your own transport you can wander over and see the Tall ship nearby afterwards."
Maria Naito
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The market is best accessed with your own transportation. While public transport exists, having a car allows for easier exploration of the surrounding area, including nearby attractions like the tall ship.
If you're in Toyama, it's a worthwhile stop. However, some travelers suggest it might not be worth driving more than an hour specifically for the market itself, especially if you're not a huge seafood enthusiast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general entry to the market is free. However, if you wish to observe the rare daytime auction, a reservation is required.
The market is best visited early in the morning, around 9 AM, to experience the freshest catches and avoid larger crowds. Specific opening hours can vary, so it's advisable to check locally.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find an impressive variety from Toyama Bay, including glistening white shrimp (the 'jewel of Toyama Bay'), firefly squid, and seasonal crabs. It's often described as a 'natural fish tank.'
While it offers fresh seafood and restaurants, it's not a traditional market hall with live seafood displays like Tsukiji Market. It's more of an indoor space selling seafood and featuring dining options.
Yes, the market offers a range of local products, including sake and fish cakes, perfect for taking a taste of Toyama home with you.
The market is known for its vibrant and bustling atmosphere, with lively calls during auctions and a palpable energy from the working fish market.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Several restaurants are located within the market, allowing you to savor the freshest catches prepared on the spot.
Seafood rice bowls overflowing with the morning's haul are highly recommended. Grilled shrimp and snow crab are also frequently praised for their exceptional freshness and flavor. +1
Prices are generally considered reasonable, especially for the quality and freshness of the seafood. A meal for two with crab, fish, and shrimp can cost around 10,000 yen.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant displays of fresh seafood, the energetic auction process (if you can get a reservation), and the bustling atmosphere of the market stalls. The 'natural fish tank' aspect offers unique visual appeal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Dining at the on-site restaurants is a great way for families to enjoy fresh seafood. Dishes like seafood rice bowls are often appealing to younger palates, and the grilled shrimp is a crowd-pleaser. If you have your own transport, exploring the nearby tall ship after your market visit can provide an additional activity that might capture children's imaginations.
🍣 Seafood Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to try the highly praised snow crab and grilled shrimp. The seafood donburi (rice bowls) are also a highlight, packed with the freshest ingredients. While some might find it less of a 'market hall' experience, the focus on extreme freshness and quality makes it a must-visit for anyone passionate about seafood.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Toyama's Seafood
For those seeking an immersive experience, the market offers a rare glimpse into the local seafood trade with its daytime auction. While reservations are required, witnessing the lively calls of the auctioneers and the swift transactions provides a fascinating insight into how the freshest catches make their way to consumers. This interactive element elevates the visit beyond a simple shopping trip, offering a genuine connection to the local fishing culture.
Beyond the raw ingredients, the market boasts several on-site restaurants where you can indulge in the day's freshest catches. Whether you opt for a seafood rice bowl brimming with the morning's haul or choose to grill your selected fish to perfection, the taste of unparalleled freshness is guaranteed. This direct connection from sea to plate is the market's ultimate draw for culinary enthusiasts.
Beyond the Market: Local Exploration
For those interested in local produce and souvenirs, the market itself provides a good selection. You can find local sake, fish cakes, and other regional specialties, allowing you to take a piece of Toyama's culture home with you. This makes the market a convenient stop for both a delicious meal and some unique shopping, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit