Sakaiminato Fisheries Regional Wholesale Market

Sakaiminato has relied on the sea for its livelihood for centuries, developing into a major Japan Sea trading port before World War II redirected the city toward its fishing industry. The current market complex along the Sakai Channel is open to the public, with viewing areas on upper floors where visitors can watch auctions and handling operations from a safe distance above the bustle of carts and forklifts. Several restaurants on-site and nearby serve fresh sashimi, crab, and local fish. The city promotes itself around two claims to fame: its fishing industry and manga artist Mizuki Shigeru, creator of the beloved Kitaro character, who grew up here.