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
46 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Amazing tour worth the time and fee!
A421FSangelaf,Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stella san met us at our hotel shuttle stop and guided us to the auction area. Her English is excellent and she knows so much about the auction, tuna, tuna commercial fishing and business. It is well worth it - we learned so much that we would not have if we visited the auction on our own. She gave us great recommends for the rest of the day!
Fun and informative tour
L3391YMjamest,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic tour with Chizuko-san who showed us the tuna auction, museum, and walked us around a portion of the port. We learned a lot from her about tuna and the local and Japanese fishing industry. Highly recommend if you’re in Katsuura or walking the Kumano Kodō!
Educational and fun
Luna306,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We used the audio tour which was very informative and enjoyable. It made our visit to tuna auction really enriched. We really enjoyed meeting Stella to answer further questions and eating the amazing tuna breakfast! Thank you Stella your tour was excellent.
Excellent tour of tuna auction market
ClaudeJ123,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very informative and interesting tour, can highly recommend. Stella is very professional, knows her subject, speaks excellent English and has a lovely warm personality. Thank you Stella!
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