Japan’s Leading Fresh Tuna Port
What Makes Katsuura Tuna Special?
Katsuura Fishing Port is one of Japan’s most important tuna fishing bases. It is particularly renowned for its landings of fresh tuna, attracting seafood enthusiasts from throughout Japan.
Here, “fresh tuna” refers to tuna that has never been frozen. Unlike frozen tuna, fresh tuna does not undergo the loss of moisture and flavor associated with freezing and thawing. As a result, it has a wonderfully rich taste and a distinctive, pleasantly chewy texture.
The port is also known for naturally caught tuna harvested using the longline fishing method, a technique designed to reduce unnecessary damage to the fish and support responsible fishing practices. The quality of the tuna landed at Katsuura is highly regarded throughout Japan.
Try Different Types of Tuna
Depending on the season and availability, visitors may encounter several varieties of tuna, including bluefin tuna, bigeye tuna, yellowfin tuna, and albacore tuna.
Each variety has its own characteristics in terms of color, fat content, texture, and flavor. Trying different types side by side can be a fascinating way to discover the diversity of tuna and deepen your appreciation of Japanese seafood.
Watch a Dramatic Tuna Filleting Show
See How a Whole Tuna Is Prepared
One of the market’s most popular attractions is its daily tuna filleting demonstration. Held in the event area toward the back of the market, the demonstration allows visitors to watch skilled professionals expertly cut down a large tuna right in front of them.
Using a large knife with remarkable precision, the fish is broken down into its various sections. The process is both impressive and educational, and visitors can learn about the different parts of the tuna and how they are used in Japanese cuisine.
Freshly prepared tuna may also be sold as sushi or sashimi following the demonstration, offering a rare opportunity to taste tuna at exceptional freshness in the atmosphere of an actual fishing port.
Taste Local Tuna at the Market
Maguro no Wakiguchi
Maguro no Wakiguchi is popular for its bowls and set meals featuring fresh tuna. One of its specialties is the Mochi Maguro Bowl, known for its rich flavor and uniquely smooth, chewy texture.
Maruguro
Maruguro is a sushi restaurant known for its generous portions of fish. Its tasting sets featuring different types of tuna are particularly popular, allowing diners to compare the subtle differences in flavor and texture.
Ichiba Gohan Shige
Ichiba Gohan Shige serves set meals and rice bowls made with fresh local fish and tuna. Its traditional market-dining atmosphere makes it a particularly enjoyable place to experience the everyday food culture of a Japanese fishing port.
Shibiru
Shibiru offers creative tuna dishes such as tuna cutlets and tuna katsu curry. Side dishes made using less commonly seen parts of the tuna are also popular with adventurous visitors.
Saikaya
Saikaya specializes in noodle dishes, including Wakayama-style ramen and spicy Katsuura tantanmen. Its mildly hot and flavorful tantanmen is a popular choice for visitors looking for something different from seafood dishes.
Minato Café
Minato Café is a relaxing café serving organically grown coffee, soft-serve ice cream, and other refreshments. It is a pleasant place to take a break after exploring the market while enjoying views of the harbor.
Eat by the Sea
A Relaxing Waterfront Deck
Food purchased inside the market can be enjoyed in the wooden deck area beside the harbor. With fishing boats moving through the port and the sea stretching out in front of you, the open-air setting provides an ideal place to enjoy fresh tuna.
Eating freshly prepared seafood while feeling the ocean breeze and watching the activity of the fishing port is an experience that captures the unique character of Katsuura’s maritime culture.
Find Local Souvenirs
Regional Foods and Tuna-Themed Gifts
The market’s shops offer a wide selection of local products, including fresh tuna, processed seafood, dried fish, umeboshi pickled plums, Japanese sweets, and locally grown vegetables.
Popular souvenirs include simmered tuna flakes, dried seafood, and locally produced tuna-themed goods. Visitors can also find fun items such as giant tuna plush toys and unique fishing-port souvenirs, making the shopping experience enjoyable for both children and adults.
See the Tuna Auction
Experience the Energy of a Working Fishing Port
Visitors may also have the opportunity to observe the early-morning tuna auction at Katsuura Fishing Port. Seeing large numbers of tuna lined up at the market is an impressive sight and offers a glimpse into the scale of the local fishing industry.
From the second-floor viewing deck, visitors can look down over the market and observe the activity of the port from above.
Learn About Tuna from Local Guides
Guided tours led by local experts provide an even deeper look into Katsuura’s tuna culture. Visitors can learn about different types of tuna, how professionals judge quality, and the fishing techniques used to catch them.
For travelers interested in food culture and traditional industries, these tours offer a valuable opportunity to understand the story behind the tuna served on the dining table.
Join the Annual Tuna Festival
A Celebration of Katsuura’s Fishing Culture
Every January, the town hosts the Tuna Festival, attracting large numbers of visitors. The event features spectacular whole-tuna filleting demonstrations, complimentary tuna soup, weight-guessing games, and other tuna-themed activities.
The festival is a lively celebration of the area’s fishing traditions and provides visitors with a chance to experience the local maritime culture of Nachikatsuura.
A Convenient Base for Sightseeing
Close to Nachikatsuura’s Major Attractions
Katsuura Fishing Port Nigiwai Market is conveniently located only about four minutes on foot from JR Kii-Katsuura Station.
The surrounding area is home to many of southern Wakayama’s most famous attractions, including Nachi Falls, Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, the Kumano Kodo, Daimonzaka, and Nanki-Katsuura Onsen.
This makes the market an excellent stop to include in a sightseeing itinerary, whether you are exploring the area’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, walking the Kumano Kodo, or relaxing at a traditional hot spring.
Experience the Taste of Nachikatsuura
Fresh Tuna and the Spirit of the Fishing Port
Katsuura Fishing Port Nigiwai Market offers much more than a place to eat. It is a lively destination where visitors can experience the freshness of local seafood, the energy of a working fishing port, and the food culture of southern Wakayama.
Watch a tuna filleting demonstration, enjoy fresh sashimi or sushi, explore local specialties, shop for unique souvenirs, or simply sit by the harbor and enjoy the sea breeze.
For travelers visiting Nachi-Katsuura, the Kumano Kodo, or the sacred sites of the Kii Mountain Range, a stop at Katsuura Fishing Port Nigiwai Market is an excellent way to experience one of the region’s most distinctive culinary traditions.