# Tore Tore Market

> One of western Japan's largest seafood markets where visitors can buy fresh fish, dine at seafood restaurants, and enjoy barbecue.

- Prefecture: Wakayama
- Type: Market
- Address: Shirahama, Wakayama, Japan
- Admission: Free
- Official site: https://toretore.com/en/

A seafood market the size of a warehouse, run by the local fishery cooperative on the coast at Shirahama, and one of the largest of its kind in western Japan. Around 15,000 square metres of ice, tanks and counters, and most of the catch is landed on this coast.

The set piece is the tuna. Once or twice on a weekday and up to three times at weekends, a whole bluefin is broken down on a raised stage with a blade the length of an arm, the sections are laid out as they come off, and the cuts go straight into the case behind for sale. The times are decided on the day, so ask when you arrive. It is a demonstration and a working butchery at the same time, and the crowd for it is largely Japanese.

What most people do next is take what they have bought to the barbecue area beside the market, rent a grill and cook it there. Prawns, scallops, squid, ise-ebi lobster in season. Bring an appetite and expect to smell of smoke afterwards.

Wakayama specialities fill the rest of the building: umeboshi from Minabe, which supplies most of Japan's pickled plums, Kumano beef, mandarin oranges, and the local soy sauce from Yuasa, where soy sauce was first made in Japan. Whale meat is also sold here, Taiji being in this prefecture; it sits in the case like any other product, and visitors who would rather not see it should know that in advance.

Entry and parking are free. The complex includes a hot spring bath and accommodation, so it is a rest stop as much as a market.

Shirahama itself is ten minutes away, with a beach of white sand that was imported from Australia, cliffs at Sandanbeki, and open-air baths on the rocks at the water's edge.

## FAQ

### What time does Tore Tore Market open?

The market typically opens at 8:30 AM and closes around 6:00 PM. Some restaurants may have different hours. It's best to arrive in the morning for the freshest selection.

### How do I get to Tore Tore Market from Shirahama Station?

Take a bus from Shirahama Station toward Shirahama town (about 5 minutes to Toretore-ichiba-mae stop). The market also offers a free shuttle bus on some days.

### Can I eat fresh seafood at Tore Tore Market?

Yes, you can have fish prepared as sashimi on the spot, or buy seafood to grill yourself at the barbecue area. Several restaurants also serve sushi, seafood rice bowls, and set meals.

### What local specialties can I buy at Tore Tore Market?

Fresh tuna, yellowtail, shirasu (baby sardines), Ise-ebi lobster, Wakayama mikan citrus products, umeboshi plums, and various regional souvenirs are available.

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Source: Tore Tore Market — Japan Voyage