Dig into a Hearty Sushi Bowl — The Bold Seafood Dining Style of Shiogama Fish Market in Japan

▲Is this seafood bowl delicious? Just look at the expression on this Japanese uncle’s face.

Reported and photographed by reporter Chen Hanyin / from Japan

When visiting Japan, the seafood capital of the world, how can you head home without stuffing yourself with sushi? Seafood lovers must check out the Shiogama Fish Market in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan. With a wide variety of marine products and great value for money, over 190 shops sell delicious seafood such as tuna, bonito, octopus, and oysters—perfect for foodies to sample all the delicacies.

▲Located in Shiogama Fishing Port in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, the area boasts abundant catches thanks to the convergence of the Kuroshio Current.

▲This tuna weighs between 40 to 120 kilograms, and its large eyes are its signature feature.

Shiogama Fishing Port enjoys an excellent geographical location at the meeting point of the Kuroshio Current, yielding bountiful catches and being nationally renowned for its tuna. Though the Shiogama Fish Market is primarily a wholesale market, it offers equally low and affordable prices to individual tourists. There are many ready-to-eat plates of freshly prepared sashimi available for visitors to choose from with confidence.

▲No mistake here—seven pieces for just 1,000 yen (about 300+ TWD)!

▲Individuals can pick and choose their favorites on-site.

▲Feel free to fill your basket with whatever you’d like to eat.

▲Even dried goods are very affordably priced, making them great as souvenirs.

Besides fresh sashimi, there are also small stalls outside grilling Pacific saury. Visitors can bring their freshly bought seafood here for charcoal grilling. Juicy oysters and scallops sizzle on the grill, emitting an irresistible aroma that whets the appetite.

▲The stall owners also let customers try grilling for themselves.

▲The Pacific saury on the grill is incredibly fragrant.

After selecting your favorite sashimi and seafood, head to the corner seating area and order a “rice set.” It’s worth mentioning that Miyagi Prefecture is the home of high-quality “Sasanishiki” rice. The rice sets available come in three sizes priced at 200, 300, and 500 yen. Fresh seafood paired with chewy, perfectly cooked rice is truly the ultimate in flavor.

▲Even vendors who come to buy fish often end up eating here.

▲A generous pile of sashimi is spread right on top—super generous.

Lay out your freshly bought sashimi liberally to DIY your own personalized seafood rice bowl. Drizzle with soy sauce and enjoy heartily, then finish off with a warm bowl of miso soup. This is the bold dining style of Shiogama Fish Market. When traveling in Japan, don’t just think of Tsukiji Market—the fresh, fatty tuna from Shiogama Fish Market in Miyagi Prefecture will surely satisfy even the most discerning foodies.

▲“The baby thinks it’s delicious, but the baby isn’t saying anything.”

Shiogama Fish Market

Address: 74-20, 1-chome, Shinhama, Shiogama City
Business Hours: Closed every Wednesday.
Weekdays: 3:00–13:00 (Dining hours: 7:30–12:00)
Saturday: 3:00–14:00 (Dining hours: 7:30–13:00)
Sunday & Public Holidays: 6:00–14:00 (Dining hours: 7:30–13:00)