Tour Overview
Discover one of Japan's most fascinating seafood traditions with exclusive access to a rare night fish auction in Kanazawa, accompanied by an expert guide.
Located at Kanazawa Port—the gateway to the sea for Ishikawa Prefecture—”Kanazawa Sogo Market ”plays a vital role in supplying the region’s renowned seafood to central markets across Japan, as well as to restaurants, sushi bars and local households within Ishikawa Prefecture.
Fresh catches from fishing ports across the prefecture arrive here daily, where they are sorted, traded, and distributed throughout the region.
This special experience offers privileged access to the inner workings of the market, an area normally reserved for licensed buyers and seafood professionals.
The night auction takes place only during the bottom trawl fishing season, from September through June. Bottom trawl fishing is a traditional fishing method in which nets are towed along the seabed, bringing in a remarkable variety of seafood from the rich waters of the Sea of Japan, including flounder, shrimp, crab, squid, and many other seasonal delicacies for which Ishikawa is famous.
As the fishing vessels return to port in the evening, the freshly landed catch is brought directly to the market, where the auction begins shortly after sunset. The energetic calls of auctioneers echo through the market as buyers move quickly to secure the finest seafood of the day. The speed, precision, and excitement of this process create an unforgettable atmosphere rarely experienced by visitors.
Accompanied by an expert local guide, guests will gain insight into Ishikawa's fishing traditions, the auction process, and the journey seafood takes from the sea to some of Japan's finest restaurants and sushi counters.
Because the night auction is directly linked to the bottom trawl fishing season, this exclusive experience is available only from September to June.
Optional Add-on: Sushi Dinner
Complete your experience with an optional sushi dinner at Housho Sushi after the market visit.
After witnessing the journey of seafood from the sea to the marketplace, enjoy a sushi meal prepared with fresh local ingredients and seasonal seafood from Ishikawa.
This optional dining experience offers a perfect opportunity to experience the final chapter of Kanazawa's seafood story — from the fishing port, to the market, and finally to your table.
―Optional Sushi Dinner at Housho Sushi―
¥4,400 per person
(Drinks are not included)
Closed on Wednesdays
Highlights
-
Witness one of Japan's few seafood auctions held at night.
-
Enjoy exclusive access to an area usually restricted to licensed industry professionals.
-
Learn about traditional bottom trawl fishing in the Sea of Japan.
-
Experience the energy and excitement of a live seafood auction.
-
Discover the journey of seafood from fishing ports to restaurants and sushi chefs.
-
Optional sushi dinner featuring local seafood at Housho Sushi.
-
Available exclusively during the bottom trawl fishing season (September–June).
Tour Details
40,000 yen/ 2 persons
* 40,000 yen is up to 2 persons. An additional fee of ¥15,000 is charged for each additional person.
*There is an additional charge of 15,000 yen for guides in languages other than English.
*Optional Sushi dinner at Hōshō Sushi : ¥4,400 per person (Drinks are not included)
*Seawater flows through the market, so your feet may get wet. Please wear clothing and footwear that can get wet.
*This is a shared tour and may include other participants. However private English-speaking guide will accompany the guest.
*If the auction is cancelled due to weather conditions, participants will be notified no later than two days prior to the scheduled tour date.
◎Schedule
17:45 Meet at your Hotel
17:45-18:15 Move to Market by a taxi
18:15-19:00 Market tour
19:00-20:30 Auction
◎Payment Method : By Credit Card / PayPal
＞Payment and Cancellation Details
Number of guests required for this tour/experience to take place
Minimum number of guests*
Maximum number of guests*
2
8