Seafood markets are located throughout Japan and are a great place to get the local catch. Sakaiminato Sakana Center and Park is one such market with its own specialties, a market in which the locals love.
General Information
Sakaiminato Sakana Center and Park is well known by locals for some of the freshest caught seafood from the Sea of Japan. Being so popular has also caught the attention of tourists, especially those who want to tempt their taste buds with seafood delights.
As one of many seafood markets in Japan, Sakaiminato Sakana Center and Park is the perfect place to seek out decently priced seafood directly from the port where it was caught the very same day. This particular market is known for bringing in the largest catches of Pacific bluefin tuna and snow crabs. However, specific species are caught depending on the season, here are some popular examples if you’re looking for something in particular:
- Spring: Sakaiminato Salmon, Red Snow Crab
- Summer: Pacific Bluefin Tuna, Natsuki rock oysters
- Fall: Natsuki rock oysters, Swordtip Squid, Red Snow Crab
- Winter: Swordtip Squid, Red Snow Crab, Matsuba Snow Crab
Tours are available for the auction area (from an observation area behind glass or from the balcony on the second floor) and boats unloading their catches can be watched from a designated area.
Any seafood lover will probably be able to find something delicious for sale at this market, or more likely many delicious things!
Sakaiminato Sakana Center and Park is also a gathering of over a dozen shops in a single location. Working in conjunction with each other, shop owners are more than happy to explain what may be good in a hotpot or on a grill, and if they don’t have it then chances are they’ll happily point you to another shop that does. If you can’t wait to start digging into some fresh seafood then you don’t have to, some of the shops here will slice up some Sashimi or superbly grill up a catch on a charcoal grill, then you’ll be filling your belly in minutes.
Hours of operation: 08:00-16:00, closed Tuesdays.
Getting There
Sakaiminato Sakana Center and Park is in Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture. The closest station is Sakaiminato Station, it is a 30-minute stroll from the market, or 6-minute drive (accessible cabs are often available at the station).
The local accessible travel center, Tekuteku-Sanin, can possibly help with arranging a taxi from your hotel as well if needed.
Accessibility
All entrances have wide doors with no steps, the areas outside and inside are concrete and level (though a bit bumpy in areas). The auction building has accessible a ramp next to the accessible parking spot, large windows to view the auctions, and an elevator to the second floor.
The main isle down the length of the market is spacious enough that a wheelchair can easily go down one side and have room for others to go around comfortably.
There are some chairs and benches for those who need to rest between walking.
There is a wheelchair accessible toilet available at both the auction building and outside the food market. The toilet in the wholesale auction building is much cleaner and in a heated / air conditioned building and likely the better option.
Conclusion
If you want some fresh seafood and you’re in Sakaiminato City, then you should check out Sakaiminato Sakana Center and Park. This location works out great if you are staying at a place where you can cook up your purchase yourself, or if you want to snag something made on the spot in one of the shops. Even if you don’t want to enjoy any food while you are there, it can be a fun experience to watch the auction or see the boats being unloaded.
