Kuroshio Market

Kuroshio Market is a coastal seafood market located in an artificial island called Wakayama Marina City in Wakayama, Japan. “Kuroshio” means “warm current” in Japanese, indicating the favorable geographical location, which contributes to thriving fishery of Wakayama. This market is popular for its fresh seafood. The design of its building models after a shopping area of the 1950s and 1960s in Japan. 

Best Things to Do at Kuroshio Market

1. Enjoy Fresh Seafood Barbecue and Buffet

As one of the oldest fresh food markets in the Kansai region, Kuroshio Market sells various marine products, meat, fruits and vegetables not only from Wakayama but also from all over Japan. You can eat the fish there or take it away. The barbecue area offers barbecue devices, tableware and seasonings like soy sauce and salt at no fee, so you just need to buy wanted seafood and enjoy it. There are also restaurants offering buffets including tuna and other local specialties.

Tips on Barbecue:
1. The barbecue area opens at 11:00, but it is recommended to arrive there earlier to queue up. Note that the market opens at 10:00 so you don’t need to come too early.
2. You need to get a seat number first and then choose food, so be careful not to get in the wrong line.
3. The time limit of a barbecue is 2 hours.

2. Watch a “Tuna Cutting Show” 

The everyday “Tuna Cutting Show” is the highlight of Kuroshio Market, because of which the market is called “tuna-themed park” as well. You will see a freshly-caught tuna professionally sliced and filleted in the show. The staff will cut the fish while explaining every step to the audience. After the show you may buy the freshly-fileted tuna or taste it as sushi or sashimi. The show begins at 12:30 every day and lasts for about 10 minutes.

3. Buy Some Local Fresh Fruits 

Due to its unique climate and geography, Wakayama abounds with fruits. It’s especially famous for local mikan - small satsuma mandarin oranges, and Fuyu persimmon which is crispy and sweet. You may try some fresh fruits, mandarin juice or plum juice in the market.

Opening Hours

Kuroshio Market opens from 10:00 to 17:00 on most days. However, it is closed irregularly 2 times each year, which are usually 5-day-long in January and June.

How to Get to Kuroshio Market

1. From JR Wakayama Station
Take Wakayama Bus 42 for about 40 minutes and get off at Marina City bus stop. The cost is 520 JPY.

2. From JR Kainan Station
Take Wakayama Bus 117 or 121 for about 14 minutes and get off at Marina City bus stop. The cost is 250 JPY.

Nearby Attractions

Porto Europa: A shopping area with Mediterranean-style buildings, including restaurants, souvenir shops and recreational facilities. Here you can enjoy a stroll and take some beautiful photos at the seaside. It is across the road from Kuroshio Market and you may walk there.

Kishu Kuroshio Onsen: It’s a place for hot spring bath. The water is from the ocean and a variety of hot spring bath options are available for you to choose from. It is next to Kuroshio Market and you may walk there.