Discover Fresh Seafood Delights at Tomari Iyumachi Market in Naha - Japan Travel Sights

Discover Fresh Seafood Delights at Tomari Iyumachi Market in Naha

Nestled in the northwestern part of Naha, Okinawa, Tomari Iyumachi is a vibrant fish market that has become a favorite destination for both locals and tourists.

Here, you can experience the true flavors of Okinawa, with fresh seafood that is directly delivered from nearby fishing grounds.

The market consists of 23 stores that offer a wide variety of seafood, including the freshest tuna you can find in the region. Interestingly, “Iyu” means “fish” and “Machi” means “market” in the Okinawan dialect.

Due to the proximity of tuna fishing grounds, the tuna here is delivered fresh without freezing, preserving its quality and taste. Okinawa is one of the top producers of three types of tuna—Albacore, Bigeye, and Yellowfin—with a significant portion of the catch being unloaded right here in Naha.

At the market, you’ll find more than just the common cuts of tuna like toro and akami. The market also offers unique cuts such as tuna cheek and kama (collar), each reflecting the individual personality of the vendors.

Tomari Iyumachi isn’t just about tuna, though. You’ll also discover a colorful array of tropical fish that are native to the region, making it a paradise for seafood lovers.

If you’re looking for a quick bite, “Okinawa Kaisendonya” offers freshly prepared tempura and sashimi.

On a special occasion, we even had the chance to enjoy a freshly caught “Taman” (a local fish) prepared as sashimi.

The chewy texture and delicate flavor were simply unforgettable.

For a more substantial meal, head to “Donburi Sushi Maguroya Honpo,” the only dining establishment within the market.

Their star dishes are the “Nakauchi Don” (a bowl of rice topped with scraped tuna meat) and the “Sanshoku Don” (a bowl of rice topped with three different tuna cuts), which are so popular that they often sell out by the afternoon.

Each donburi (rice bowl) comes with a side of soup, with unique options like squid ink soup or fish head soup, adding a special touch to your meal.

Before you leave, be sure to pick up some fresh sashimi as a souvenir or for a late-night snack if you’re staying at a nearby hotel. A visit to Tomari Iyumachi is a delightful experience that will leave you satisfied and full of memories.

Store Information:

  • Name: Tomari Iyumachi (Okinawa Fresh Fish Wholesale Market Cooperative)
  • Address: 1-1-18 Minatomachi, Naha, Okinawa
  • Phone: 098-868-1096
  • Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Closed: Open year-round
  • Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Naha Airport



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