Located in downtown Nagoya, steps away from Nagoya Station, Yanagibashi Central Fish Market is an active market where you can see giant tuna cut to size by long swords and glimpse professional chefs and restaurateurs negotiating prices with fishmongers as you navigate the stalls of this historic market. With around 130 shops selling fresh ingredients from Ise Bay and nearby farms, the market has become known as the “Pantry of Central Japan.”
About Yanagibashi Fish Market
Yanagibashi differentiates itself from the famous Tsukiji and Toyosu Markets in Tokyo or Osaka’s Kuromon Ichiba in the fact that it remains true to its origins as a working fish market and is not your typical tourist destination. The market supplies seafood and other produce to over 5,000 different shops and restaurants across three prefectures (Aichi, Gifu, and Mie) every day. Stepping into the market is like stepping into the real lives of the locals who work and shop there.
Though the fish market is not your typical tourist destination, the fishmongers and shop staff who work there are more than happy to greet visitors and discuss the day’s catch—often waving guests into their shops to show them seasonal products, demonstrating their skills in slicing a massive tuna to size, or even holding a fish up and grinning towards the camera. As you walk through the stalls, you may even notice that many products do not have prices listed as talking to staff and haggling is encouraged.
For tourists with access to a kitchen, Yanagibashi sells fish and seafood not only to restaurants, but also to individuals. And more than simply a fish market, Yanagibashi also has shops selling fresh fruits and vegetables, green tea, wasabi, sweets, seaweed, cooking utensils, knives and more.
Visiting Yanagibashi Market
The market opens its doors at 4am daily (except Sundays, Wednesdays, and public holidays) with most shops closing up around 10am. The best time to tour the market is between 8am-10am when the staff have the most time to chat and provide recommendations.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour: Nagoya's Highlights and Small Bites will not only give you a taste of the wonderful flavors of the region and introduce you to some of the most notable landmarks in the city (including Nagoya Castle, Sakae, and Osu shopping district), but will also provide you with the confidence to go out and try more "Nagoya Meshi" on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Yanagibashi Market open every day?
No. The market is closed on Sundays, Wednesdays, and public holidays. Plan your visit accordingly.
What time should I visit?
The market opens at 4:00 a.m., but the best time for tourists is between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., when vendors are more relaxed and willing to engage with visitors.
Can I buy small portions or do I need to be a restaurant buyer?
Yes, many shops sell to individuals in addition to wholesale clients. Whether you’re buying one fish or a basket of vegetables, vendors are happy to assist.
Is English spoken at the market?
While English isn’t widely spoken, the vendors are very welcoming. Basic Japanese phrases or a translation app will go a long way. We, at Snow Monkey Resorts, are proud to include a stop to Yanagibashi Fish Market on our tour of Nagoya. So if you are interested in seeing the market, but nervous about the language barrier, our local, English-speaking guides are happy to show you around.
Can I take photos?
Yes, photography is allowed and often encouraged, but please be sure to ask first. Vendors frequently enjoy posing with their products.
Is it possible to eat fresh seafood on-site?
There are a few nearby eateries and sushi shops that serve market-fresh fish, but the market itself isn’t designed for on-the-spot dining.
