HOME Back

My Favorites

${v.title}

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

${v.title}

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

View All

Use the

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

None

Katsuura Port Tuna

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Katsuura Port Tuna

Savor fresh and sustainable tuna caught through traditional fishing methods

Nachi-Katsuura Tourism Organization

Katsuura Port in Nachi-Katsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of the leading tuna ports in Japan. The natural migratory patterns of tuna lead them to Kii Peninsula, blessing Katsuura Port with the largest catch of raw tuna in the country. Unlike many other big-scale markets, the tuna is sold fresh instead of frozen.

Katsuura Port tuna is caught by longline fishing method, which was developed in Japan in the mid-18th century. Branch ropes with hooks are suspended at approximately 45-meter intervals along the base trunk rope, with floats attached to keep them from sinking. The branch ropes are 30 meters long each, allowing tuna to be caught individually with minimal damage and stress inflicted. Unlike fishing nets, which collect many varieties of fish including fingerlings, this method allows solely for mature fish to be caught, ensuring ecological balance.

Enjoy different varieties of fresh tuna all year-round at Katsuura Port. Freshly caught tuna has a unique texture and flavor that will delight your palate. While the high quality of the tuna makes it ideal for sashimi, Nachi-Katsuura eateries offer tuna cutlets, tuna pizza, and other creative ways to enjoy this town specialty. You can also easily buy tuna at the self-service shops scattered throughout the town.

If you are interested, you can witness the famous tuna auctions that are held at 7 in the morning at Katsuura Market. Tourists can watch the auctions from a special observatory, which houses detailed information about the history of tuna. Afterwards, don’t miss the adjacent Nigiwai Market, where you can enjoy a variety of restaurants and shops offering tuna and other specialties from Nachi-Katsuura.

How to get there

From Nanki-Shirahama Airport, take a route bus to JR Shirahama Station (about 20 minutes), then the limited express to Kii-Katsuura Station (about 1 hour and 25 minutes). Katsuura Port is 5 minutes on foot from Kii-Katsuura Station.

7-8-2 Tsukiji, Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama-ken