Shiogama Port lands the largest catch of maguro tuna in all of Japan. Come watch as these prized fish are auctioned off! Visitors can watch freely from a windowed second-floor observation deck that offers a bird’s eye view of the action below. For those who want to feel the energy of being on the auction floor itself, English-friendly guided tours are available (reservations required).

The maguro and swordfish auction begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. and moves quickly, altogether taking only about thirty minutes even on days with a large haul. Auctions are held daily, except for Sundays. Arriving early is recommended, so you can take in the view of the fish laid out for auction before buyers and auctioneers swarm the floor. Before the auction, you can watch as buyers trawl the rows of fish, assessing the quality of each specimen by inspecting its spine. After the auction ends, you can watch as the winning bidders haul their fish away and pack them in ice-filled crates for shipment across Japan—bound for Hokkaido, Tokyo, Osaka, and beyond!

The second floor of the fish market also houses a small museum about the fishing and seafood industry. Exhibits include an English-friendly “virtual sushi bar,” and a 3D tuna puzzle that teaches visitors about the cuts of maguro. After whetting your appetite with all the seafood-themed exhibits, make your way to the central building of the market, where a diner serves breakfasts and lunches of seafood fresh from the market.