HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Shinminato Fisherman’s Wharf
Witness the lively lunchtime auctions of fresh seafood
Toyama Prefecture
Auctions in Japanese fishing ports are usually only held early in the morning. Save yourself the early wake-up call by visiting Shinminato on the Sea of Japan coast in Toyama Prefecture, where fish and shellfish caught that day are auctioned at 13:00. Open year-round (except Sundays and Wednesdays), fall is the time to visit to see the prized red snow crab sales.
Visiting at lunchtime also makes it the perfect time for you to visit one of the market’s restaurants to indulge in the local seafood from Toyama Bay, such as yellowtail, firefly squid, broad velvet shrimp, and that famous crab.
Afterwards, take a stroll through the nearby port town of Uchikawa, where former ship-owners’ storehouses line the 3.5 kilometer Uchikawa River. Still today, the river remains an important water channel, obvious from the numerous fishing boats anchored along the riverbank that you will see.
You could also board sightseeing ship Manyomaru from Kaiwomaru Park and cruise the Uchikawa River and its twelve unique bridges. Each bridge has its own unique design features, including one that looks like a castle, another with a red gable roof and even one nicknamed “Rainbow Bridge" for its brilliant stained glass.
How to get there
A 5 minute walk from Higashi-Shinminato Station on the Manyo Line, operated by Manyosen electric railway company.
