Kuroshio Ichiba Market
Experience thrilling tuna cutting shows and grill your own fresh seafood
Kuroshio Ichiba opened in 2000 as part of the Wakayama Marina City development, a waterfront resort complex built on reclaimed land in Wakayama Bay. The market was designed to showcase Wakayama Prefecture's rich fishing heritage and provide tourists with an interactive seafood market experience. Unlike traditional wholesale markets, Kuroshio Ichiba was purpose-built for tourism, combining retail fish sales with restaurants and entertainment, particularly the dramatic tuna cutting demonstrations that have become its signature attraction.
The market takes its name from the Kuroshio Current (Black Current), a warm ocean current flowing along Japan's Pacific coast that brings nutrient-rich waters supporting abundant marine life. Wakayama's strategic location along this current has made it a major fishing region for centuries, particularly famous for tuna. The tuna cutting shows, held multiple times daily, demonstrate traditional maguro-kaitai techniques passed down through generations of fishmongers, turning the practical skill of fish butchering into theatrical entertainment that educates visitors about Japanese fish culture.
Today, Kuroshio Ichiba is one of Wakayama's top tourist attractions, drawing visitors who want to experience Japan's seafood culture beyond just dining. The market offers a unique interactive element where customers can select fresh seafood and ingredients, then grill them at DIY BBQ stations - an experience rarely available at traditional Japanese fish markets. Combined with Porto Europa theme park and Kuroshio Onsen hot spring in the same Marina City complex, the market has become a cornerstone of Wakayama's tourism economy, attracting over 2 million visitors annually to the Marina City development.
Key Highlights
- Live tuna cutting shows 3 times daily (11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:00 PM)
- DIY BBQ stations where visitors grill their own fresh seafood purchases
- Wide variety of fresh Wakayama seafood, dried goods, and local products
- Restaurants serving fresh sashimi, sushi, and seafood rice bowls
- Part of Wakayama Marina City with theme park and onsen
- Free admission to market (pay only for purchases and dining)
- 30-minute train ride from Wakayama/Osaka
- Tuna auction-style bidding after cutting shows
Access Information
Location
1527 Kemi, Wakayama, Wakayama 641-0014
Nearest Stations
- • Wakayama Station (JR Kinokuni Line) - 30-minute bus to Marina City
- • Wakayamashi Station (Nankai Railway) - 30-minute bus to Marina City
Opening Hours
Market: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily. Tuna cutting shows: 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:00 PM (approximately 15 minutes each). Restaurants: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last order 4:30 PM). BBQ station: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Closed irregularly (check website).
Admission Fee
Market entry: Free. Tuna cutting show viewing: Free. Seafood prices vary (sashimi ¥800-¥3,000, whole fish ¥500-¥5,000+). BBQ station rental: ¥310 per person + ingredient costs. Restaurant meals: ¥1,000-¥3,000.
How to Get There
From Osaka
Take Nankai Railway from Namba Station to Wakayamashi Station (60 min, ¥930), then Wakayama Bus to Marina City (25 min, ¥240). Or JR from Osaka/Tennoji to Wakayama Station, then bus.
75 minutes
From Wakayama Station
Take Wakayama Bus #42 Marina City bound to Marina City bus stop (25-30 minutes, ¥240). Buses run every 30-60 minutes. Or taxi (15 min, ¥2,500-¥3,000).
30 minutes
From Kansai Airport
Take Nankai Railway to Wakayamashi Station (40 min), then bus to Marina City (25 min). Or airport limousine bus to Wakayama, then local bus.
60 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Tuna Cutting Shows
Shows at 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:00 PM daily (approximately 15 min each). Arrive 15-20 minutes early for front-row viewing. After cutting, tuna parts are auctioned at discount prices - bidding can be intense! The 11:00 AM show is typically most crowded. Photography encouraged. Announcements in Japanese but visual spectacle understandable to all.
DIY BBQ Experience
Unique feature: buy fresh seafood/vegetables from market vendors, pay ¥310 per person for BBQ station rental, grill your own meal. Great for groups and families. Vendors will prepare fish for grilling if needed. Bring wet wipes - hands get messy! Allow 60-90 minutes for shopping and grilling. Fun, interactive experience.
What to Buy
Fresh sashimi-grade tuna, local shirasu (whitebait), dried fish, pickled plums (umeboshi - Wakayama specialty), seafood snacks. If grilling: scallops, shrimp, squid, fish fillets work well. Staff generally helpful despite language barriers - pointing and gestures work. Prices negotiable sometimes, especially for larger purchases or bulk items.
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings (10:00-11:00 AM) less crowded, fresher selection. Arrive before first tuna show (11:00 AM) to browse market first. Weekends very busy especially 11:00 AM-2:00 PM. If only watching tuna show and quick browse, 1-2 hours sufficient. For BBQ experience, allow 2.5-3 hours minimum.
Dining Options
Multiple seafood restaurants in market building serving sashimi sets, sushi, kaisendon (seafood rice bowls), ¥1,000-¥3,000. Fresh and good value. Or buy prepared foods from stalls and eat at rest areas. Or do BBQ experience. Many choices depending on time and budget. Quality generally high across all options.
Marina City Complex
Kuroshio Market is part of larger Marina City. Also includes Porto Europa theme park (southern European theme, ¥3,800), Kuroshio Onsen spa (¥800), hotels, and restaurants. Can easily spend full day at complex. Combination tickets available for multiple attractions offering small savings.
Family-Friendly
Great for families - kids enjoy tuna cutting show spectacle and hands-on BBQ grilling. Clean restrooms and baby facilities. Covered market good in any weather. High chairs available at some restaurants. Porto Europa theme park next door perfect for kids after market visit.
Souvenir Shopping
Dried seafood products, umeboshi (pickled plums), local mikan oranges, seafood-flavored snacks make good gifts. Vacuum-packed fresh fish can travel if consumed same day. Many products have long shelf life. Prices clearly marked. Some vendors ship nationally (mainly for domestic customers). Credit cards accepted at most shops.
FAQ
What are the tuna cutting shows?
Live tuna cutting demonstrations occur multiple times daily where skilled workers expertly butcher massive tuna. Shows are entertaining and educational, typically lasting 10-15 minutes. Check the schedule upon arrival as times vary. The freshly cut tuna is often sold immediately afterward at the fish shop.
Can I buy fresh seafood to take home?
Yes, the market sells fresh and processed seafood, though transportation challenges exist for travelers. Dried seafood, pickled items, and vacuum-packed products travel better. The market can arrange shipping within Japan. Consider whether you can refrigerate purchases before buying fresh items.
How long should I spend at the market?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to watch a tuna show, browse stalls, have a seafood meal, and shop for souvenirs. If you're leisurely dining and extensively shopping, 2-3 hours works well. The market is compact, so it's manageable even with limited time.
What should I eat at the market?
Fresh sashimi and sushi are must-tries, using the day's catch. Grilled seafood skewers, tempura, and seafood rice bowls are popular. Don't miss local specialties like maguro (tuna) dishes. Multiple restaurants and food stalls offer varied options. Prices are reasonable for the quality and freshness.
Is the market crowded?
Weekends and holidays can be quite crowded, especially during tuna show times and lunch hours. Weekday mornings are quietest. Tour buses bring groups at unpredictable times. Arriving early or late afternoon helps avoid peak congestion. Despite crowds, the lively atmosphere is part of the experience.
Are there English menus and signs?
Some restaurants have English or picture menus, but not all. Signage is primarily Japanese. Pointing at food displays works well. Staff have limited English but are helpful. Translation apps assist with menus. The visual nature of seafood markets makes language less critical for shopping.
Can I combine this with other Wakayama attractions?
The market is near Wakayama Marina City. You can combine it with nearby Porto Europa theme park, Kuroshio Onsen, or Wakayama Castle (30 minutes away). Shirahama Beach is about 90 minutes further south. A coastal driving route could include multiple destinations.
What souvenirs are worth buying?
Umeboshi (pickled plums) from Wakayama are famous. Dried seafood like squid and fish travel well. Ponzu sauce, soy sauce, and local condiments make good gifts. Seafood-flavored snacks and crackers are popular. Traditional crafts and local sake are also available in the souvenir section.
Is there parking available?
Yes, large free parking lots serve the market and Marina City complex. Parking is ample even on busy days. The market is very car-accessible, making it convenient for road trippers exploring the Wakayama coast. Public transport from Wakayama Station is possible but less convenient.
Are children welcome at the market?
Yes, very family-friendly. Children enjoy the tuna cutting shows and seeing the variety of seafood on display. Kid-friendly food options include tempura, grilled items, and rice balls. The market isn't overly formal, so families feel comfortable. Strollers can navigate most areas.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route
Ancient spiritual pilgrimage trails through the Kii Mountains, connecting sacred sites with centuries-old stone paths through pristine mountain forests.
Mount Koya
A sacred mountain monastery complex and the center of Shingon Buddhism, offering an authentic temple stay experience among 117 temples in a mystical mountain setting.
Nachi Falls & Seiganto-ji Temple
Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall at 133 meters, paired with iconic vermillion pagoda creating one of Japan's most photographed scenes on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.
Shirahama Onsen & Beach
Popular beach resort combining white sand beaches with one of Japan's three oldest hot springs, offering ocean-view bathing and coastal attractions.