Fish markets are one of the best places to get fresh seafood, and Karoichi Fish Market is no different. While it may not be at the same scale as a fish market seen in a city like Tokyo, this quaint market located in Tottori City still has much to offer for the seafood lover in you.
General Information
A gathering of fishery cooperatives, seafood shops, souvenir stores, and restaurants together has accumulated under one roof to create Tottori Harbour Seafood Market Karoichi, or Karoichi Fish Market.
If you find yourself in Tottori and are looking for something fresh, then Karoichi Fish Market may have just what you’re looking for. This clean fish market has many things available for sale in a relaxed easygoing atmosphere (especially compared to the bigger and busy Toyosu Market in Tokyo). Being located so close to the Sea of Japan has its benefits, and Karoichi takes full advantage of this by providing its freshly caught bounty of seafood in all shapes and sizes. A multitude of local fresh-caught fish, dried seasonal fish, squid, eel, Tottori rock oysters, mussels, many different types of crab, and more are all available for purchase and samples for to try out.
If you’re not up for cooking seafood yourself, then you’re in luck. Karoichi Fish Market also has four restaurants available that serve various dishes using fresh ingredients like those seen for sale in the market stalls. Options at these restaurants include popular sushi dishes, seasonal dishes (crab, squid, shrimp, etc.), local home-style dishes, and more. If you don’t want a large meal, there are a couple smaller eateries where you can get various specialty curry dishes, udon, or soba that will satisfy you urge until you’re ready for a bigger meal.
Lastly, Karoichi Fish Market does have a few souvenir shops. Here you can purchase many edible prepackaged products created from the fresh ingredients available, or even some tofu products that have been popular since the Edo period (over 150-years ago). Chances are you’ll find something yummy to enjoy. Courier services are also available if you want to send your purchases to your hotel.
The hours of operation for the shops in Karoichi Fish Market are from 8:00 until 17:00. The restaurants and eatery hours of operation vary, with most open for lunch and dinner hours.
Getting There
Karoichi Fish Market is in Tottori City, nearby the Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport off the Sea of Japan. The closest station is Tottoridaigaku-Mae Station, it is a 36-minute stroll from the Karoichi Fish Market, or 20-minute drive. Accessible parking spaces are available near the entrance. Accessible taxis are available at most stations in Tottori.
Accessibility
Compared to other markets found around Japan, Karoichi Fish Market is fairly open and has wide aisles making it easy to move around for wheelchair users.
There is quite a bit packed into this location, so it may take some time walking around if you wish to see everything available. Due to the market stall-like set up, options for seating for those who need to rest between short walks is not readily available but several restaurants, cafes and a rest area are nearby. Free wheelchair rentals are also available from the market office if you ask a staff member.
The market is located indoors, so weather should only be a factor in getting to the location itself.
Seeing-eye dogs are allowed in the building. No tactile blocks are available in the market area itself, but are available between the market and other shops.
There are wheelchair accessible toilets available both inside and outside the market. The indoor toilet has handle bars, but no backrest.
The outdoor toilet near the parking lot has a tank that can be used as a backrest.
Conclusion
Whether you wish to cook it up yourself or get it from a local restaurant, Karoichi Fish Market is a great place to stop if you’re in the mood for fresh seafood or looking for some souvenirs .
