Karato Market

Perched on the harbor of bustling Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi, Karato Market is a local one-stop shop for all your fresh produce needs. Stalls filled with glistening fish may not be too unusual in the archipelago nation, but there are few places you can buy them directly from the fishermen themselves, or where you can dice with death if you’re feeling particularly adventurous.

Long ago in the Meiji Era, Karato grew into a busy trade hub with consulates and banks, and fresh produce and seafood began to be sold as commerce flourished. In 1909, street vending of vegetables and fruit was officially permitted. Later, in 1924, a nearby fish market relocated to the area, and by 1933 the two had come together to form the foundation of today’s market. Over decades, the area developed and the market grew with it, diversifying in produce and eventually requiring a bigger home, moving into its current building in 2001. The market celebrated its centenary in 2009 and has seen the surrounding area grow into a popular sightseeing area, with many spots dedicated celebrating the city’s reputation as the pufferfish capital of Japan.

Pufferfish sashimi (Photo courtesy of Yamaguchi Prefectural Tourism Federation)

While many people are uncertain about trying raw fish for the first time during visits to Japan, there’s one fish dish that would make any diner nervous. Fugu, or pufferfish, is a famous delicacy that asks each diner to take their lives into their hands with every delicate bite. Of course, with carefully trained chefs and a robust regulation system, the risk of eating the famous pufferfish is relatively low.

Visitors are welcome to try the subtle flavors of fugu safe in the knowledge that all dishes have been prepared by the highly trained and fully licensed staff of Karato Market, allowing them to focus instead on its delicious quality. Available in a variety of dishes such as sashimi or soup, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime dish that gives each diner a tale to tell when they arrive home.

Sushi buffet at Iki Iki Bakangai (Photo courtesy of Yamaguchi Prefectural Tourism Federation)

Aside from the famous fugu, Karato is known for excellent quality sea bream and yellow tail among other fish. Unlike almost any other market where wholesalers run the show, at Karato visitors can buy their fish directly from the fishermen, offering a uniquely charming and direct journey from sea to plate. Every weekend and holiday, the Iki Iki Bakangai event sees the first floor turn into a busy seafood stall, with hand-rolled sushi, delicious sashimi and other fresh treats. For those lucky enough to have accommodation that allows cooking, you can buy not only fish and seafood, but fresh vegetables from farmers here too, with staples like local rice and seasonings also available. If you’re simply here for lunch, then enjoy the opportunity to pick from dozens of fresh sushi options, all laid out in stunning colors and combinations by the friendly staff. Alternatively, head to one of the market’s restaurants for a sit-down meal made with the freshest ingredients possible.

The perfect spot for your sushi lunch has to be the boardwalk beside Kamon Wharf, a popular shopping mall nearby. Only a few steps from the market, the views across the Kanmon Straits are priceless and make the perfect accompaniment for a freshly caught snack. After browsing the shops for local products, be sure to visit the Shimonoseki Marine Science Museum Kaikyokan with a dedicated section on pufferfish, and for a final stop; the stunning Akama Jingu, a historic shrine wrapped in centuries of legend and devoted to a boy-emperor who died in a distant battle between warring clans.

Pufferfish statue at Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine overlooking the Kanmon Straits

The Karato Market is a busy hub with a community feel and serves the freshest sushi with a bonus insight into the unusual world of fugu. Feast your eyes as well as your stomachs and be sure to visit the world’s largest puffer fish statue at Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine for some added luck and some incredible views of the city.

For more details, contact DMC Japan to discuss ideas, locations and rates.
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