Furukawa Fish Market

Aomori prefecture has a reputation for being home to some of Japan’s freshest fish. Given that it is one of two prefectures that has coastlines on both the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean, it should come as no surprise.

Furukawa Fishmarket is Aomori City’s largest market and undoubtedly the best place to sample regional seafood, particularly as the market uses an innovative voucher system to entice visitors into trying the delicious fish.

Seafood breakfast/lunch

Customers can purchase a small booklet of vouchers, typically costing between ¥540, so they can create their own “Nokke-don” (a rice bowl with toppings). Once you have your rice bowl, you can visit one of the many stalls throughout the crowded market and trade the voucher for mouthwatering dishes, such as mackerel, salmon, or fried egg, which the vendors will carefully place upon your rice bowl.

Once you’ve created your unique dish, sit down at one of the many tables and enjoy your fresh fish whilst soaking up the atmosphere of the crowded, energetic marketplace.

Some of the vendors also sell their products in packets so you have the possibility to enjoy the fresh local seafood at home. They will also make sure you bring their best selection of seafood freshly caught by the fishermen before dawn.

Be sure to pop in for lunch; the market is only a 5-minute stroll from Aomori city station and the downtown area. The hardest task for the visit will be to make a choice among all the delicious fish.

Love Japanese food? Check out even more local food and drink.