Kesennuma Fish Market

Kesennuma Fish Market (気仙沼市魚市場) is a bustling seafood market located in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the largest and busiest fish markets in the Tohoku region, renowned for its fresh and high-quality seafood.

The market consists of several facilities, with the main ones being the “Kesennuma City Fish Market” located on the waterfront and the “Kaisen Market Uoichiba Kinsennuma” in the inner bay area, both of which are open to the public.

The market offers a wide variety of seafood, including fresh fish, shellfish, and seaweed, as well as processed seafood products like dried fish and pickled vegetables. Visitors can explore the numerous stalls and vendors, witness the skilled fishmongers expertly prepare and cut the fish, and purchase their own fresh seafood to take home or enjoy at one of the on-site restaurants.

One of the highlights of the “Kesennuma City Fish Market” is its tuna auction, where massive bluefin tuna are sold to buyers from around the world. Visitors can observe the auction process and see the colossal tuna being transported and weighed before being sold, but only on weekday mornings.

The newly opened “Kaisen Market Uoichiba Kinsennuma” in 2021 is a complex with restaurants and souvenir shops. It offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes, such as sashimi, sushi, grilled fish, and seafood hot pots.

Kesennuma and its fish market were heavily damaged by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, but they have since recovered and regained their vibrancy. The surrounding area of Kesennuma is also known for its delicious seafood cuisine, with many local restaurants and eateries specializing in dishes made with fresh, locally-caught seafood.

Getting there

By Train

1. Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Ichinoseki Station (about 2 hours 30 minutes)
2. From Ichinoseki Station, take the JR Ofunato Line to Kesennuma Station (about 85 minutes)
3. From Kesennuma Station, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the fish market

By Bus

• From Kesennuma Station, take the city loop bus
• Get off at the “Umi no Ichi-mae” bus stop
• The fish market is less than a 1-minute walk from the bus stop

Details

Hours	6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission	Free
Phone	+81 226-22-7119
Address	8 Uoichibamae, Kesennuma, Miyagi 988-0037
Official Website	https://kesennuma-uoichiba.jp/