🗺️ Yokohama City Central Wholesale Market

The "Yokohama Central Wholesale Market" was established in 1931 (Showa 6) and is the third oldest market in Japan's history. It not only offers seafood from all over Japan but also fresh seafood from around the world, primarily wholesaling to fish shops and restaurants. The general public can only enter during the open days held on the first and third Saturdays of each month. However, by participating in the "Market Exploration Tour," visitors can explore special attractions within the market even on non-open days. The tour begins with a video that summarizes the history of the market, followed by a visit to the Inari Shrine within the market for worship, and then a close-up look at the auction area. Participants then enter a -50 degree freezer where tuna is stored and experience the valuable opportunity to see live fish tanks used for holding live seafood. During the tour, not only do experts provide explanations on how to identify good fish and cooking techniques, but breakfast is also served. If lucky, participants may even witness the onsite butchering of tuna up close. Although the tour starts early at 5 AM, the rich and diverse content makes it satisfying. At the end of the tour, there is time reserved for shopping at wholesale stores, allowing visitors to purchase fresh seafood and high-quality processed foods at wholesale prices. In addition to the standard market exploration tour, there is also a package tour that includes dining at hotels and restaurants that source ingredients from the market. The tour provides audio guides in English, Chinese, and Korean, ensuring that foreign tourists can participate with peace of mind.

In the markets of Yokohama City, seafood from both Japan and abroad is gathered. Exclusive market exploration tours for tourists are held. Visitors can watch market bidding that is generally not open to the public. There is also an opportunity to observe and taste the tuna disassembly process with expert commentary. Additionally, there is a package tour that includes dinner at a restaurant sourcing ingredients from the market.