While Tokyo’s Tsukiji Outer Market often steals the spotlight when it comes to fish markets, there’s plenty more to see outside the capital. Head to Niigata Prefecture’s second largest city, Nagaoka, and visit Teradomari Street Market for delicious catches from the Sea of Japan.
Niigata Prefecture is Japan’s fifth largest prefecture by area and sits along the country’s northern coast. With the Sea of Japan as its access to the water, the Niigata area has a long maritime history. Because of its location along this vital body of water, the region was key in trade relations with Russia and China. Also, when Japan opened up to the wider world in the mid-1800s, Niigata’s port became the first along the Sea of Japan to trade with foreign powers.
Teradomari Street Market

Teradomari Street Market is located in Nagaoka City. The site is affectionately known as sakana no ameyoko (fish ameyoko), a reference to Ueno, Tokyo’s popular bustling outdoor market. Here, you’ll find about a dozen shops run by local fishers and distributors. Although you can browse seafood from across the country and processed fish in these shops, the real attraction is the fresh catches. Most fish have been caught from the nearby Teradomari Port or Izumozaki Port lying slightly south.
While the prices tend to be low, the quality of the seafood is quite high. You can pick up some fresh fish for lunch or dinner, or grab some prepared foods to go. Some of the establishments also have a second floor reserved for enjoying a meal. Why not taste the seafood before buying it downstairs?
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10 Comments
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BRS
Just pop round to Sakana no Ameyoko? Not so fast. No public transport to the Teradomari market. Better off going to Pier Bandai in Niigata City.
Niigata City, nothing to do with Teradomari. The port, located at the mouth of the Shinano River, was too shallow and did not become functional until 1869. Even then, Niigata was never more than a backwater.
BRS
China, unlike Russia, was not one of the 5 nations included in the commercial treaty brokered by the US at the end of the Edo Era.
One more thing: Niigata was not the first port on the Sea of Japan to open to foreign trade. Nagasaki was.
wallace
"Winking Fish" because they are fresh.
BRS
One more thing, JT: you erroneously put the population of Niigata at 2.47 million. It hasn't been that in a long time. Currently, it's 2.1.
albaleo
I don't think Nagasaki is generally considered to be on the Sea of Japan.
wallace
Nagasaki is on the East China Sea.
BRS
Have a look at a hydrographic map of the Sea of Japan. You'll see that the 日本海extends from Kyushu to Hokkaido.
albaleo
Most maps I've looked at show the Korea Strait (Tsushima Strait) between South Korea and the northern Kyushu coast as separating the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea.
Olive
This is a wonderful place to go for a weekend. There is also a nice hotel with saunas with sea views and the fish is fantastic. A great crab restaurant as well
wallace
Which sea is Nagasaki on?
Situated in the East China Sea, the Nagasaki Islands are famed for their clear waters, stunning vistas, relaxed vibe and mouth-watering cuisine.
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kyushu/nagasaki/nagasaki-islands/#:~:text=Situated%20in%20the%20East%20China,vibe%20and%20mouth%2Dwatering%20cuisine.