FreshTunaAuctionGuidedTour
Watch the bidding at Japan’s top fresh tuna port.
Japan’s Top Fresh Tuna Port
Nachikatsuura is Japan’s top landing port for fresh tuna, caught with the sustainable longline method. On this tour, you see the tuna auction, where buyers bid against each other, with a certified local guide explaining what happens in front of you.
Your guide speaks English, and an audio guide headset lets you hear every explanation clearly.
Highlights
- Watch a live tuna auction from the 2nd-floor viewing deck of the First or Second Market
- A certified local guide accompanies the group
- Explanations are given in English
- An audio guide headset is provided, so you can hear clearly
Inside the Auction
Choose Your Course
All courses include the guided auction tour. Meal-included courses end around 8:30 AM, so please plan the rest of your day with some time to spare.
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With a mealNokke Sushi Course
Build your own tuna sushi with three kinds of fresh Katsuura tuna.
- 3 kinds of tuna: the cuts and varieties change daily
- Place each slice on the sushi rice yourself
- A light bite, ideal before your hotel breakfast
-
New · With a mealOnigiri Course
After the auction, walk about 3 minutes to Izakata Stand.
- 2 onigiri + tea
- Vegan and vegetarian fillings available
- Runs Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun (up to 8 guests, book 3 days ahead)
-
Guide onlyGuide Only Course
The guided auction tour only, with no meal.
- Meet at 7:00 AM at the Umi-no-Yu footbath
- Watch the live auction from the 2nd-floor viewing deck
- Free to pick your own breakfast spot afterward
Tour Schedule
- Runs
- Year-round
- Not held on
- Tuesdays and market holidays. In the Katsuura Fish Market Calendar, red days are full closures and blue days are closures for large tuna only.
Meeting Point & Time
- Time
- 7:00 AM
- Place
- Ashiyu “Umi-no-Yu” footbath area, in front of the Katsuura Fish Market “Nigiwai Ichiba” building
Booking Information
- Minimum
- 2 adults. A booking of 1 adult + 1 child is not accepted.
- Meal courses
- End around 8:30 AM
- System fee
- A 1.5% system usage fee is charged at the time of booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking & Schedule
What is the minimum number of guests?
At least 2 adults are required to book. A booking of 1 adult + 1 child is not accepted.
Which days does the tour run?
The tour runs year-round, except on Tuesdays and market holidays (the “Full Holidays” in red and the “Large Fish Holidays” in blue on the Katsuura Fish Market Calendar).
The Onigiri Course runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Is there a booking deadline for the Onigiri Course?
Yes. Bookings for the Onigiri Course close 3 days before the tour date, because we need time to arrange your guide.
Is there a booking fee?
A 1.5% system usage fee is charged at the time of booking.
We are a travel agency or a group. How can we book?
Please contact our office at office@nachikan.jp or by phone at 0735-52-6153 (weekdays 9:00–18:00).
On the Day
Where and when do we meet?
Meet at 7:00 AM at the Ashiyu “Umi-no-Yu” footbath, in front of the Katsuura Fish Market “Nigiwai Ichiba” building.
How long does the tour take?
Courses that include a meal end around 8:30 AM, so please leave some time to spare.
On the Onigiri Course, the auction tour ends around 7:50 AM, and then you walk about 3 minutes to Izakata Stand.
Is the tour in English?
Yes. A certified local guide explains everything in English, and you will use an audio guide headset to hear clearly.
Can children join?
Yes, children can join as part of a booking with at least 2 adults. A booking of 1 adult + 1 child is not accepted.
I am coming by car. Is there parking?
Guests coming by car receive a free 2-hour parking ticket for Nigiwai Market. Please tell us when you book.
On the Onigiri Course, your guide will ask Izakata Stand for a receipt. Show it at Nigiwai Market to get the ticket. After 9:00 AM, you can also get it at the Tourist Information Center in front of the station.
Is the tour OK if I am sensitive to the smell of fish?
The tour takes place inside a fresh tuna market, so you will see fish and seafood and may notice the smell. Please keep this in mind when you book.
Onigiri Course & Food
What is included in the Onigiri Course?
2 onigiri and 1 drink (tea) from Izakata Stand, a local onigiri shop. You choose your fillings at the shop on the day.
Up to 8 guests per tour, because of the shop’s seating.
Can vegans or vegetarians join the Onigiri Course?
Yes. Please tell us when you book.
- Fully vegan (choose from 5): salt, pickled plum with shiso, sesame kelp, stir-fried takana mustard greens (Chinese style), and kinzanji miso. No meat, fish or seafood, eggs, dairy, or honey is used.
- Vegetarian (choose from 3): salad bread style, soy-marinated egg yolk, and kinzanji miso with cream cheese. These contain egg and dairy, so they are not vegan.
You can mix both types for your 2 onigiri. Vegan guests, please choose only from the fully vegan list.
I have a food allergy. What should I do?
Please write your food allergy in the remarks field when you book.