May 23, 2014 - 1 min read

Maizuru Port Toretore Fish Markets

Swimming crab and the best sushi north of Kyoto

By Bonson Lam

Community writer

Take a look at the local dried fish and other specialities at the Maizuru Port Fish Markets (Toretore Ichiba in Japanese).

Chat to the local vendors in Japanese and some of them can also cook the fish for you (it takes about 30 to 60 minutes depending on the fish and time of day)

Take a look at the local dried fish and pickled specialities at the Maizuru Port Fish Markets (Toretore Ichiba in Japanese).

The Maizuru Port Fish Markets (Toretore Ichiba in Japanese) are housed in a warehouse like building a short drive or bus ride from Nishi Maizuru Railway Station

Amazing variety of fresh fish at the Maizuru Port Fish Markets

Dried Shrimp at the Maizuru Port Fish Markets (Toretore Ichiba in Japanese).

Live clams and lobsters in large holding tanks at the Maizuru Port Fish Markets (Toretore Ichiba in Japanese).

Gourmet travelers are known to travel all around the world for the best produce. Whether it is Hokkaido for the best crab or Kumamoto for Dekopon, you can see them planning their trips in advance. At the Maizuru Port fish markets, the fresh produce comes to you. Chat with the friendly folk at the market stalls and see, touch and feel some of the freshest crabs from Hokkaido, as well as swimming lobsters or clams. Once you have made your purchase, ask for it to be cooked for you, or try some succulent sushi at the market eatery. Nearby is a Michi no eki or roadside market, which sells local specialities not found elsewhere. There is plenty of free parking too. To get here you can catch a bus from the train station (every 2 hours or so), or better still, hire a cab or a bicycle from the Tourism Information Office at JR Nishi Maizuru Railway Station. It is closed on Wednesdays except when it is also a public holiday.