As a harbor town Yokohama is fortunate to have access to a great variety of fresh seafood. Many people are familiar with Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market (mostly relocated to Toyosu now), but few know that Yokohama has its own busy marketplace. It’s usually open only to professionals in the food industry, but on two Saturdays per month the market is made accessible to the general public from 9:00 to 11:00 in the morning.
For the full experience, arrive early to eat some fish fresh off the boat at one of the ten or so small restaurants located to the right of the parking lot. Prices range from under ¥1000 for simple sets to significantly more expensive servings of select sashimi. If you prefer to be your own chef, there are occasional fish preparation and cooking lessons offered for a small fee at the market. Check the website for monthly announcements.
Inside the fish market itself you can find bargains at every shop, particularly toward closing time. Every part of the fish literally from head to tail is being sold. Interested in fish heads or tuna eyeballs? You can buy them. Additionally, there is a varied selection of shellfish, crustaceans, fishcakes, edible seaweed, and even a vegetable market selling local produce. The best bargain is the free miso soup that is handed out in one corner of the market from 9:00 am. As you might imagine, the staff is kept busy filling bowl after bowl, especially on chilly days.
To see how the pros handle a giant tuna check out the Maguro (tuna) Carving Presentation, usually held twice a day shortly after 9:00 and 10:00. Those who already consider themselves pros at filleting can opt to join in the all-you-can-grab fish event (9:30~). Pay ¥300 for a plastic bag to snatch locally harvested fish (most under 30cm) from stocked tanks in the allotted 30 seconds. The staff refill the tanks when the picking grows thin, but it’s first-come-first-served and the line to participate grows quickly!