Yokohama Central Wholesale Market - Image 1
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Yokohama Central Wholesale Market

3.9
·237 reviews·Yokohama, Japan

A bustling wholesale market offering the freshest seafood and local produce at unbeatable prices, with unique experiences like a walk-in freezer.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

First & third Saturdays, 8-10 AM

Public access & freshest goods

CrowdMedium
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Yokohama Central Wholesale Market - Image 1

Yokohama Central Wholesale Market

Best Time

First & third Saturdays, 8-10 AM

Public access & freshest goods

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bustling wholesale market offering the freshest seafood and local produce at unbeatable prices, with unique experiences like a walk-in freezer.

3.9
(237 reviews)

"Incredibly fresh seafood and affordable prices make this a must-visit for food lovers!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Deals

Popular items like tuna bowls sell out fast! Get there right at opening for the best selection.

🚌 Shuttle Bus Convenience

On festival days, a free shuttle from Yokohama Station makes getting here a breeze.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fresh Seafood Delights

Fresh Seafood Delights

Market floor

Experience the freshest seafood, from tuna to scallops. Sample and buy directly from vendors.

Instagram+1
Walk-in Freezer Experience

Walk-in Freezer Experience

Designated area

Brave the sub-zero temperatures in a special walk-in freezer for a unique sensory adventure.

Instagram
Local Produce & Specialty Foods

Local Produce & Specialty Foods

Various stalls

Discover affordable local vegetables and unique Japanese food products like Saba Manju.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

The Yokohama Central Wholesale Market is primarily a working market. For public access, aim for the first and third Saturdays of the month, 8 AM to 10 AM. Arrive early to snag the best deals and freshest catches before they sell out! Instagram

Navigating the Market

While it's a wholesale market, parts are open to the public. Expect a bustling atmosphere. Consider using the free shuttle bus from Yokohama Station on festival days to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

Best Times

When
First & third Saturdays, 8-10 AM
Why
Public access & freshest goods
Crowd
Medium
When
Market Festival days
Why
Special events & shuttle bus
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

It was so nice to go back to all my favorite spots in Yokohama, forever one of my fav places in the entire world #bungoustraydogs #bungostraydogs #yokohama #yokohamaredbrickwarehouse #japantravel #fy #fyp
@mikatsukitty
35K likes • 140.1K views

🎯 Arrive Early for Deals

Popular items like tuna bowls sell out fast! Get there right at opening for the best selection. InstagramReddit

🚌 Shuttle Bus Convenience

On festival days, a free shuttle from Yokohama Station makes getting here a breeze. Reddit

This giant playground is actually a #uniqlo and #GU store! If you are in #Yokohama check this out! #japan #travel #uniqlopark #yokohamabayside
@adrianwidjy
18K likes • 410K views
Yokohama Chuo Wholesale Market! 🐟 It's a food lover's paradise, with the freshest seafood and produce you can find. Located in Yokohama, you can easily get here by train and bus. It is open to the public on the first and third Saturdays of every month from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.😊🐟 More Local Information 👇 @howzit_japan Want to experience authentic Japan but can’t due to language? 🆘 Don’t worry!...
howzit_japan
173 likes • 9.2K views

🥶 Brave the Cold

Don't miss the unique walk-in freezer experience – it's surprisingly popular! Instagram

💰 Affordable Veggies

Look for direct sales from producers for great prices on fresh vegetables. Reddit

This Morning Market Tour included a walk in freezer, similar to the coldest town in the world at -50C, at Yokohama City Central Wholesale Market, it’s an attraction! After this, an ate my way back to the entrance of the Exploration Tour!
onlyinjapantv
1.4K likes • 48.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Deals

Popular items like tuna bowls sell out fast! Get there right at opening for the best selection. InstagramReddit

🚌 Shuttle Bus Convenience

On festival days, a free shuttle from Yokohama Station makes getting here a breeze. Reddit

🥶 Brave the Cold

Don't miss the unique walk-in freezer experience – it's surprisingly popular! Instagram

💰 Affordable Veggies

Look for direct sales from producers for great prices on fresh vegetables. Reddit

🍣 Sample Before You Buy

Many vendors offer samples, especially for seafood and specialty items. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(237 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Yokohama Central Wholesale Market for its incredibly fresh seafood and affordable prices, especially on public open days. The unique walk-in freezer experience and the chance to buy local produce are also highlights. However, some note that popular items sell out quickly, and parking can be challenging during peak times.

"Good"

Maroon Zaido

"First visit to the Yokohama Central Wholesale Market's "Yokohama Market Festival"!

There was a free shuttle bus from Yokohama Station, which was helpful👏🏾

We arrived late, so the grilled saury and tuna bowls were sold out...😭

We were able to get some lean tuna to enjoy at home for 1,500 yen!! But all the fresh fish was sold out😭😭

There was also a direct sale by Aoba Shokuhinkan, so we were able to get some cheap vegetables!

Also, as part of our food education, all the locally caught fish were on display, and there were live fish and shrimp, so we got a glimpse of the ingenuity that makes it fun for children too✨"

yuki koizumi

"[Visit on public open days on the first and third Saturdays]

Although there are not that many stores, there are many attractive products.
It's fun to be able to sample tuna, octopus, and other items while buying them.

"Saba Manju"
The cheese curry was sold out so I used basil tomatoes.
The skin is sweet and delicious. A slightly Italian feel with mackerel and tomatoes. It's sure to sell out.

"Mr. Ishibashi's paste"
I visited the long-established store "Ishibashi" in Yokohama because I had heard that delicious paste from the now-defunct "Tsukuda" in Tsukiji is available there.
We didn't have what you were looking for, but
Purchased green onion skewers, tatami burdock, etc.
It's loaded with vegetables and delicious.
The oden seeds also had a rich taste, and the daikon radish was a stain.
Not all products are available on the market, so it's a good idea to research the products you want and contact them in advance.

Fish cutlet? It's delicious and tastes like the big cutlet candy.

I bought ``candied scallops'' thinking it would be good for cooking, but I stopped eating it as a snack and started eating it seriously.
It was delicious.

To get to the parking lot, after entering the gate of the Fisheries Building, instead of going straight, we were directed to a three-dimensional building on the left."

城山守

What People Like

Fresh seafood
Affordable prices
Unique market atmosphere

What People Dislike

Items sell out fast
Limited public hours
Parking can be difficult

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The market is accessible by train and bus. On public open days (first and third Saturdays), a free shuttle bus is available from Yokohama Station, which is highly recommended to avoid parking issues. InstagramReddit

Yes, parking is available, but it can be limited and turnover is poor, especially during busy festival days. Using the shuttle bus is often a better option. Reddit

The market is primarily a working wholesale facility. Public access is generally limited to the first and third Saturdays of each month, from 8 AM to 10 AM. Instagram

Yokohama is a short train ride from Tokyo, making it an easy day trip. From Yokohama Station, you can take local transport or the shuttle bus on open days. TikTok

Yokohama offers many attractions like the Red Brick Warehouse and Chinatown, making it a great day trip destination. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, no tickets are required for public entry on the designated open days. It's a market experience rather than a ticketed attraction. Instagram

The market is open to the public on the first and third Saturdays of the month, typically from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Arrive early for the best experience. Instagram

There is no specific entrance fee for the public visiting hours. You pay for any food or goods you wish to purchase. Instagram

The market operates as a wholesale business during the week. Public access is restricted to the specific Saturday mornings mentioned. Instagram

Yes, the Yokohama Market Festival is held annually, offering a more extensive experience with direct sales and food stalls. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You can find incredibly fresh seafood, including sushi and sashimi bowls, as well as local produce and specialty items like Saba Manju. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are several restaurants clustered within the market, offering fresh seafood meals at reasonable prices, often more affordable than in other major markets. Reddit

Absolutely! You can purchase a wide variety of fresh fish directly from the vendors to prepare at home. Reddit

Tuna bowls, grilled saury, and unique items like Saba Manju are highly recommended, though they can sell out quickly. Reddit

While the market is seafood-focused, you can find fresh vegetables and some prepared foods that might suit vegetarians. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed, but always be mindful of the working environment and ask permission before taking close-ups of vendors or their products. Instagram

Capture the vibrant displays of fresh seafood, the bustling activity of vendors, and the unique walk-in freezer. Instagram

Photography inside the walk-in freezer might be restricted due to safety and condensation. It's best to check on-site regulations. Instagram

The early morning hours during public access (8-10 AM) offer good natural light and active market scenes. Instagram

The sheer variety of seafood on display and the lively interactions between buyers and sellers make for great photographic subjects. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Yokohama Central Wholesale Market can be an engaging outing for families, especially on public open days. The sheer variety of live seafood on display can be fascinating for children, offering a hands-on look at where their food comes from. Reddit The market also hosts events like the Yokohama Market Festival, which often includes activities geared towards making the experience fun and educational for younger visitors. Reddit

While the market is primarily focused on food, the walk-in freezer experience offers a unique sensory adventure that kids might find thrilling. Instagram It's a good idea to prepare children for a busy, bustling environment and to keep them close. Consider bringing snacks or planning for an early lunch at one of the market's restaurants to ensure everyone stays energized.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Yokohama Central Wholesale Market is a goldmine. You can find incredibly fresh seafood and local produce at wholesale prices, significantly cheaper than in regular retail stores. Reddit This is especially true for items like tuna and vegetables. Reddit

Instead of expensive restaurant meals, consider purchasing fresh ingredients from the market and preparing them yourself if your accommodation allows. Even if you're just buying prepared meals, the market offers more affordable options compared to tourist-centric areas. Reddit Utilizing the free shuttle bus on festival days also saves on transportation costs.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Working Market Experience

Yokohama Central Wholesale Market is a vital hub for the city's food supply, primarily operating as a wholesale fish and produce market. While it's not a typical tourist attraction, its public open days offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily grind of Japan's food industry. Visitors can witness the early morning hustle, interact with vendors, and purchase incredibly fresh goods. InstagramReddit

On the first and third Saturdays, the market opens its doors to the public from 8 AM to 10 AM. This limited window is crucial for experiencing the market at its most active. It's a place where you can find seafood that's often fresher and more affordable than what's available in regular supermarkets. Beyond fish, you can also find a variety of local vegetables and specialty food items. Instagram

For those interested in a more immersive experience, consider looking into guided tours. Some tours might even include unique activities like a brief visit to a walk-in freezer, offering a stark contrast to the market's usual environment. Instagram Remember that this is a working market, so maintaining respect for the vendors and their operations is key to a positive visit.

Culinary Adventures at the Market

The culinary offerings at Yokohama Central Wholesale Market are a major draw for food lovers. The star attraction is undoubtedly the ultra-fresh seafood. You can find everything from pristine cuts of tuna for sashimi to whole fish ready for cooking. Many stalls offer samples, allowing you to taste the quality before you buy. Reddit

Beyond raw seafood, the market is also known for its prepared dishes. Tuna bowls, seafood donburi, and grilled fish are popular choices for a quick and delicious breakfast or early lunch. Don't miss out on unique local specialties like 'Saba Manju' (mackerel buns) or various pastes and skewers from long-established vendors. Reddit The market also provides an excellent opportunity to purchase affordable, high-quality vegetables directly from producers, a tip often shared by locals. Reddit

For a truly authentic experience, try to visit during the market festival days. These events often feature special food stalls and direct sales, making it a vibrant and delicious outing. Reddit Remember that popular items can sell out quickly, so an early start is highly recommended to savor the best the market has to offer.

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