Being one of Japan’s largest national ports, the fishing industry is the backbone of Kesennuma’s economy. Its catch accounts for more than 70% of shark and swordfish production in Japan. It is also a major producer of sanma (Pacific saury), salmon, shellfish, and katsuo (skipjack tuna). That’s why the port and the fish market were among the first places to get rebuilt—just two months after the 2011 tsunami.

Visitors can observe the fascinating morning routine of fishermen from a long balcony. Watch ships large and small arrive from the Pacific Ocean to unload their haul, and merchants ordering and packing the day’s catch, before your very eyes! Visitors can also watch the silent auction, where buyers place their bids on sheets of paper and results are announced on TV screens.

The Kesennuma Fish Market was recently expanded, and the second floor of the new market area features a facility called the Fisheries Information Center. It’s free to enter and has some excellent video footage of the fish market, deep-sea tuna fishing, and the aquaculture of oysters and seaweed.

Book an English guided tour for an in-depth explanation of the fishing, processing, and auctioning methods used associated with the Kesennuma Fish Market. This and other tours are offered through the Kesennuma Tourism and Convention Bureau located in the nearby Umi no Ichi complex. At Umi no Ichi, you can also enjoy fresh seafood meals, buy local seafood products and souvenirs, and enjoy tourist attractions like the Shark Museum and the Ice Aquarium.