HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Shinminato Fisherman’s Wharf
Witness the lively lunchtime auctions of fresh seafood—a key part of fishing culture
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 12:30 p.m. The auction is open year-round (except Sundays, Wednesdays, the end of year and New Year’s period, and when the port is closed), but fall is the time to visit to see the prized red snow crab sales.
Visiting at lunchtime also makes it the perfect time to visit one of the market’s restaurants to indulge in the local seafood from Toyama Bay, such as glass shrimp, firefly squid, amberjack, and the famous red snow crab.
Afterward, take a stroll through the nearby port town of Uchikawa, where former ship-owners’ storehouses line the 3.5-kilometer Uchikawa River. The river remains an important water channel today, as is obvious from the numerous fishing boats anchored along the riverbank.
You could also board the Shinminato 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
From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Toyama Station (about 2 hours 30 minutes). From Toyama Station, take the Ainokaze Toyama Railway to Takaoka Station (about 20 minutes), then take the Manyo Line to Higashi-Shinminato Station (about 45 minutes). The wharf is an 8-minute walk from Higashi-Shinminato Station.
Shinminato Kittokito Market： １ Kaio-machi, Imizu-shi, Toyama-ken
Uchikawa： 1-26 Tate-machi, Imizu-shi, Toyama-ken
