Shimizu Maguro: Supreme Red Flesh Delivered from Japan's Top Tuna Landing Port

Melting chutoro, vivid akami, and dramatic tuna-cutting shows: Shimizu Port in Shizuoka City is one of Japan great tuna hubs, boasting the nation top volume of frozen tuna landings. As a base for offshore fishing, frozen tuna from across the country gathers here, and enjoying top-grade tuna straight from the port is the highlight of a Shimizu visit.

The Home of Frozen Tuna

Shimizu Port in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City is known for having Japan largest volume of frozen tuna landings. Thanks to its central location on Honshu and good transport links, many ultra-low-temperature freezers and processing plants were built from the Showa era onward, and the port grew into a hub where tuna caught by offshore fishing gathers from around the country. Restaurants and markets serving tuna cluster around the port.

Top-Grade Tuna Straight from the Port

The appeal of tuna in Shimizu lies in its variety, from melting chutoro and richly flavored akami to prized otoro. At market eateries and sushi shops, rice bowls with assorted cuts and tuna-focused set meals are popular, offering a real treat for tuna lovers.

A Port Town with Mt. Fuji Views

Another draw of Shimizu Port is the view of Mt. Fuji rising across Suruga Bay. At market events, tuna-cutting shows in which large fish are butchered are sometimes held and make for an impressive sight.

Access and Basic Information

The Shimizu Fish Market Kashi no Ichi, the heart of the port area, is about a 3-minute walk from the east exit of JR Shimizu Station, which is reached from JR Shizuoka Station in about a dozen minutes on the Tokaido Main Line. By car, the area is accessible from Tomei and Shin-Tomei Expressway interchanges, with parking available. Opening hours and closing days differ by facility and may change, so check the official website of each site, such as Kashi no Ichi, before visiting.

Practical Travel Notes

Kashi no Ichi is a facility combining a market where wholesalers sell directly with restaurants, so you can both buy fresh fish and dine on the spot. Popular eateries can form lines at lunchtime, so visiting at off-peak hours tends to be smoother. Because it is close to Shimizu Station, it fits easily into a day trip by train. Combined with nearby sites such as Miho no Matsubara, Nihondaira, and Kunozan Toshogu, you can enjoy Mt. Fuji views and gourmet food in a single day.

One Piece of Advice

Because thawing technique greatly affects the taste of frozen tuna, you can appreciate the quality that specialist shops provide. To compare different cuts, an assorted rice bowl is a good choice. Some market facilities close on Wednesdays, so check the day of the week before you go. (TabiTabi JAPAN Editorial Team)

📚 Sources

This article is based on information published by the city of Shizuoka and the local tourism association, guidance from facilities such as the Shimizu Fish Market Kashi no Ichi, and introductions to nearby eateries and sushi restaurants. Business hours and closed days for the market and eateries may change, so please check the official sources of facilities such as Kashi no Ichi before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 1 to 2 hours for browsing the market and a meal
• Access: Kashi no Ichi, about a 3-minute walk from the east exit of JR Shimizu Station
• How to get around: Popular eateries form lines at midday, so shift your timing for a smoother visit
• How to enjoy: An assorted bowl is recommended for comparing cuts
• Good to check: Some facilities close on Wednesdays, so check the day of the week
• Also enjoy: Mount Fuji viewpoints such as Miho no Matsubara, Nihondaira, and Kunozan Toshogu