Private Tour
Tuna Auction Market Guided Private Tour in Nachi-Katsuura
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
1. Discover the Art of Fresh Tuna Assessment
- Join a guided journey through Japan's premier port for fresh tuna landings.
- Go beyond the surface: Understand the criteria experts use for quality assessment and the intricate flow of the auction.
2. Uncover the Hidden Stories of the Tuna Community
- Did you know that no tuna fishermen actually live in this town?
- Discover what other professions are present here besides the buyers.
3. Explore the Sustainable Spirit of Nachi-Katsuura
- Learn about "Long-line Fishing"—a low-impact, environmentally friendly method that preserves the ocean's future.
- Discover why our tuna is "Fresh, Never Frozen" and how this traditional fishing method results in superior quality you can taste.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
\\The Live Auction & The People:// Witness the high-energy tuna auction right before your eyes! While you capture photos and videos of the impressive rows of tuna, I will introduce you to the different roles of the people working here—from the buyers to the market staff. Feel free to ask "What is that person doing?" or "How do they work together?" the moment the question pops into your head.
\\Deep Dive into Tuna Culture (Exhibition Room)// After the excitement of the port, we move to a specialized exhibition room. Using maps, illustrations, and videos, I will explain the "hidden stories" you can't see from the surface—such as our sustainable fishing methods, the town's history, and the deep connection between the sea and our community.
What‘s Included
1 guide
Transfers to and from your accommodation on foot.
Transportation expenses such as taxis (if not travelling on foot.)
Not included in the tour price. However, if you're interested, your guide will gladly introduce you to a local favorite restaurant for a fresh tuna breakfast!
Pickup points
Hotel Urashima
1165-2 Katsuura, Nachikatsuura-cho Japan
MAGURO BLDG. by WhyKumano
7-6-25 Tsukiji Nachikatsuura-cho Japan
Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura
216-19 Katsuura, Nachikatsuura-cho Japan
Manseiro
448 Katsuura, Nachikatsuura-cho Japan
Options
For solo traveler to book
For solo traveler to book
Additional Participant
Additional Participant
Reviews
50 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour of the tuna auction.
X3100JQmarief,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour is a must so when you visit the tuna auction in Kii Katsura. We learned so much from our guide Stella, she was very knowledgea
Tuna Tuna Tuna
joecY7736EF,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a fantastic Tuna auction tour with Stella. She communicated all trip details we needed. She met us on time. After a few minutes of meeting Stella it was like going to the auction with an old friend. She was prepared with props and ipad for fish details. Was a really great experience, after tour we had breakfast at local shop of fresh Tuna. It does taste better in Nachi-Katsuura!!!
Facinating
nursemary98,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fascinating tour, we really came away with knowledge and appreciation for all the labor and care that goes into the tuna process. Our guide was a really good teacher and welcomed our many questions. We really enjoyed the insider look at an important aspect of the culture here and appreciated that she also shared a bit of what is like to live here. Thank you
Amazing Behind-the-Scenes Fish Market Tour
amelie frenchy,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our private tour with Stella at the fish auction market was absolutely amazing — one of our favorite experiences in Japan! Stella explained everything in great detail and answered all our questions with warmth and enthusiasm. She knows everyone there, which allowed her to share behind-the-scenes stories and local anecdotes that made the visit truly special. With her iPad full of clear and relevant information about tuna trading and the fishing industry, we learned so much in a fun and engaging way. Stella also recommended two tuna restaurants that were exceptionally delicious. We couldn’t recommend her more highly — thank you so much, Stella, for this extraordinary moment! — Amélie & Lucas
Raising the appreciation for the complexity, the hard work and the expertise required for the trade of tuna.
Vito R,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thanks to Stella’s expert knowledge, this excursion was one of the highlights of my stay in the area.
Excellent tour!
887hillaa,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stella is a highly professional guide and also very kind! My husband and I attended a private tour of the tuna auction with her recently. She shared a lot of information with us in a very clear manner. She brought us a handout, used visual aids on her tablet, showed us the auction floor of course (explaining the roles of the different people, what the auction process was like, and what different kinds of fish there were), and brought us to a museum-like area near the auction. She answered our questions as well. Even though it was only about an hour in duration, we came away feeling that we got the most of that hour. Stella was also a super helpful local point person for us. She helped us find local restaurants that accommodated extensive dietary needs. We also had a safety issue the afternoon before… we were hiking in the mountains nearby and heard a siren. Thinking that it might be a tsunami warning, I messaged Stella, and she got back to me right away telling me not to worry, that it was actually a memorial siren. We went on a handful of tours while in Japan, and it is clear that Stella is a top-notch guide. Highly recommended!
Stella's Tuna Auction Tour, Kii Katsuura
cynthiafJ6617SW,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Despite last minute booking, Stella accommodated us beautifully, providing a sef-guided audio option at our preferred time, then meeting with us later at our hotel for Q&A. Couldn't have been better in any way!
It’s all about tuna fishing in Nachi Katsuura that we didn’t know, and it helps us understand better♪ It’s too much without a guide.
ひろみサ,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We learned that Katsuura tuna fishing is an environmentally friendly fishing method, and we answered all the questions that outpoured from it, deepening our understanding ♪ Thanks to meeting Chizu-san, a wonderful person guide♪ and getting local information, the subsequent trip was also fulfilling and made me want to visit Katsuura again. Next time, I would like to participate in Katsuura living experience tour and tuna cutting experience etc. ✨
Tuna auction tour
loreenr221,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stella is friendly and extremely knowledgeable. The tour is fascinating and so authentic. I highly recommend this tour if you are visiting Kii Katsuura.
Wonderful & Meaningful Tour
Traveler50216012181,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We are a family group of 6 and joined the Tuna Auction Market Guided Tour. Stella is very passionate and knowledgeable. She patiently answered all the questions we have and explained the whole process in details. Really appreciate what she did to promote the uniqueness of Katsura Tuna Market. We enjoyed it very much. Highly recommended.
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