Kochi City Central Wholesale Market, Central wholesale market in Kochi, Japan.
Kochi City Central Wholesale Market is a large facility with hundreds of stalls selling fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and farm products sourced from local producers. Buyers walk through organized sections where they can select items directly from vendors or purchase by the crate.
Founded in 1930, this market became a central hub for distributing seafood and agricultural products throughout Kochi Prefecture. It played an important role in connecting local producers directly with retailers and restaurants across the region.
The market reflects how Kochi residents source their daily food, with strong connections between vendors and local producers built over generations. Visitors notice how people here shop by examining and talking with sellers rather than simply taking what is displayed.
The market opens in early morning hours when professional buyers are active purchasing inventory. It is best to arrive early and wear sturdy shoes, as floors can be wet and slippery.
Some stalls sell rare seafood varieties and fish species found nowhere else, including fish caught in deeper waters off the coast. These specialty items are why local chefs specifically source from this market.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
