Shiogama Fish Market

What to know

Shiogama is one of Japan's most important fishing ports and a major fish processing hub. The Shiogama Fish Market (塩釜水産物仲卸市場, Shiogama Suisanbutsu Nakaoroshi Ichiba), part of a cluster of markets along the wharves, is a wholesale market open to the public. It houses around 140 shops and stalls offering a wide variety of fresh and processed seafood, including local specialties like Matsushima oysters and regional fish cakes.

Shiogama boasts the highest number of sushi restaurants per capita in Japan. Inside the market, visitors can enjoy a sushi breakfast or lunch at one of the restaurants. Alternatively, you can create your own seafood rice bowl (kaisendon) or grill fresh seafood in a designated area.

To make a personalized kaisendon, first purchase a rice and miso soup set for 400 yen, then add various small seafood pieces from different stalls at an additional cost. For grilling, seafood like scallops, oysters, squid, and large prawns are available; using the grill costs 500 yen.

The market is a 15-minute walk from Higashi Shiogama Station or a 40-minute walk from Hon-Shiogama Station on the JR Senseki Line. It is also served by the Shionavi loop bus (150 yen per ride); get off at the Sakana Oroshi Ichiba-mae bus stop (魚卸市場前).