Multiple Ways to Enjoy Tore Tore Seafood Market #wakayama #japantravel #sashimi
Located along the Pacific coast, Wakayama Prefecture boasts an abundance of seafood, including tuna, sea urchins, oysters, and various shellfish. Two of the most famous seafood markets here are Tore Tore and Kuroshio. Both markets offer a daily selection of freshly caught seafood, with showcases filled with a dazzling variety of fish, shrimp, and crabs. This time, we chose Tore Tore—the largest seafood market in western Japan. Its scale is indeed impressive, and it has some unique features compared to other seafood markets in Japan.
1. Buy and Eat on the Spot: This is probably a highlight of every seafood market, not just Tore Tore. In the seafood processing area, you can watch large fish being cut into smaller pieces, select your favorite, and have the staff prepare it as sashimi. Freshly sliced tuna, salmon, and geoduck clam have a tender texture, and with a bit of soy sauce and wasabi, they taste incredibly delicious.
2. Cooking Experience and Souvenirs: Not knowing much about Tore Tore, we couldn’t resist indulging in a lot of sashimi right away. Only then did we discover the market also has a large BBQ area, equipped with grills, sauces, and drinks. Friends can grab fresh lobsters, scallops, oysters, wagyu beef, and vegetables straight from the market, especially the shellfish that can’t be eaten raw, and enjoy grilling and eating them on-site. The lively atmosphere is perfect for group gatherings. Additionally, the market sells local specialties like dried seafood, pickled goods, snacks, sake, and fruit, which make great accompaniments for the BBQ or lovely souvenirs to take home.
3. Other Specialty Foods: Besides fresh sashimi, Tore Tore Market also features many stalls preparing sushi on the spot, as well as seafood rice bowls, ramen, tempura, and various set meals. It feels like a large food court, offering good value for money, and is even busier than the seafood processing area. Watching everyone enjoying their food so enthusiastically, we couldn’t help but regret filling up too early on sashimi.
4. Tore Tore Onsen and Nearby Attractions: Next to the market is a hot spring called Tore Tore no Yu, with reasonably priced admission. After a delicious seafood feast, visitors can relax their bodies and minds in the onsen. This adds to Tore Tore Market’s unique charm.