
Saikazaki Fishing Port
A picturesque fishing port known as 'Japan's Amalfi,' offering a vibrant fish market and stunning coastal views from its lighthouse.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure the freshest catch

Saikazaki Fishing Port
Best Time
Secure the freshest catch

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque fishing port known as 'Japan's Amalfi,' offering a vibrant fish market and stunning coastal views from its lighthouse.
"Experience the freshest seafood and breathtaking views at this charming Japanese coastal gem."

🎯 Arrive Early for Fish Market
Beat the crowds and get the best selection by arriving around 1 PM, even though the market officially starts at 3 PM.
📸 Capture Coastal Views
The Saikazaki Lighthouse offers stunning panoramic views of the bay and surrounding islands.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Saikazaki Fish Market
Saikazaki Fishing Port
Experience a lively fish auction and select your fresh catch for a delicious meal. Arrive early for the best selection!

Saikazaki Lighthouse
Hilltop overlooking the port
Panoramic views of Wakayama Bay, Futago Island, and the distant Wakanoura coast. A perfect photo spot.

Coastal Townscape
Surrounding hills of the fishing port
Charming houses clinging to the hillsides create a scenic vista, often compared to the Amalfi Coast.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything at the Fish Market
Embrace the 'Japan's Amalfi' Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Fish Market
Beat the crowds and get the best selection by arriving around 1 PM, even though the market officially starts at 3 PM.
📸 Capture Coastal Views
The Saikazaki Lighthouse offers stunning panoramic views of the bay and surrounding islands.
🚗 Easy Access by Bus
The port is accessible via the Wakayama Bus 'Saikazaki' stop, about an 8-minute walk away.
🍣 Fresh Seafood Delights
Enjoy incredibly fresh seafood, with many local restaurants offering delicious preparations.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Fish Market
Beat the crowds and get the best selection by arriving around 1 PM, even though the market officially starts at 3 PM.
📸 Capture Coastal Views
The Saikazaki Lighthouse offers stunning panoramic views of the bay and surrounding islands.
🚗 Easy Access by Bus
The port is accessible via the Wakayama Bus 'Saikazaki' stop, about an 8-minute walk away.
🍣 Fresh Seafood Delights
Enjoy incredibly fresh seafood, with many local restaurants offering delicious preparations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Saikazaki Fishing Port is celebrated for its authentic fish market experience and picturesque coastal scenery, often dubbed 'Japan's Amalfi.' Visitors praise the incredibly fresh seafood and the charming hillside townscape. However, some note that arriving late to the market means limited choices, and managing expectations regarding the 'Amalfi' comparison is advised.
"A very interesting and popular fish market not far from Wakayama city.
A lot of websites mention it starts at 3pm but actually what it means is that the fishing boat and buying people are gathering there as early as around 1pm. You can choose what they like to buy and the seller will put them aside for you and give you a number card, with which you can find your fish afterwards. You cannot pay and get your fish until 3pm, when the market "officially" starts.
So if you want to get something good, make sure to go there early. At 3pm almost everything are already sold or being put aside, and there won't be much choice left for you. Hope it helps :)"
Weinan Liu
"Lovely place"
AMN
"Good seafood"
David John
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Saikazaki Fishing Port by taking the Wakayama Bus to the 'Saikazaki' stop, which is about an 8-minute walk from the port. This makes it a convenient destination from Wakayama city.
No, Saikazaki Fishing Port is located not far from Wakayama city, making it an accessible day trip or half-day excursion.
The primary public transport option is the Wakayama Bus. Driving is also an option, with parking available near the port.
Yes, the port area is very walkable. You can explore the market, the surrounding streets, and the path leading up to the lighthouse.
Absolutely! Saikazaki Fishing Port is a perfect destination for a day trip from Wakayama city, offering unique experiences like the fish market and scenic views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Saikazaki Fishing Port itself is free. However, if you plan to purchase fish at the market, you will pay for your selected items.
While the market officially starts at 3 PM, it's best to arrive around 1 PM to select your fish, as they are set aside for you. The actual buying and selling happens from 3 PM onwards.
There is no entrance fee mentioned for visiting the Saikazaki Lighthouse area, allowing visitors to enjoy the views freely.
Reservations are not required for visiting the fish market. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis for selection, with payment later.
To avoid the busiest times at the fish market, aim for weekdays outside of peak lunch hours. The lighthouse area is generally less crowded.
🎫 🎣 Onsite Experience
You can experience a lively fish auction, purchase incredibly fresh seafood, enjoy scenic coastal views from the lighthouse, and explore the charming townscape.
The comparison comes from the picturesque houses built on the hillsides overlooking the fishing port, creating a beautiful, tiered landscape reminiscent of Italy's Amalfi Coast.
While the port is active with fishing boats, visitors are often seen enjoying recreational fishing in the calm waters.
You can find a wide variety of fresh seafood, including fish, shellfish, and other catches of the day, directly from the fishermen.
Yes, the Saikazaki Lighthouse offers stunning panoramic views, and the unique hillside townscape provides excellent photographic subjects.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Several restaurants are located near the fishing port, offering dishes made with the day's catch. 'Umimachi Shokudo Urara' is a popular spot mentioned for its fresh seafood.
While you can buy fresh fish at the market, most visitors purchase it to be prepared at local restaurants or take it back to their accommodation if facilities allow.
Dishes featuring the freshest catch of the day are highly recommended. Look for seasonal fish preparations and local specialties.
While the focus is on seafood, some local eateries might offer side dishes or other options. It's best to inquire directly at the restaurant.
Prices can vary depending on the catch and season, but one TikTok user mentioned buying a significant amount of fish for around $400. It's generally considered good value for fresh seafood.
📸 📸 Photography
The Saikazaki Lighthouse provides breathtaking panoramic views of the bay and islands. The unique hillside townscape is also a prime subject.
Late afternoon, especially during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for both the coastal scenery and the townscape.
Capturing the fishing boats, the bustling market activity (if you arrive early enough), and the daily life of the port can make for compelling photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views and townscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the fishing boats.
Photography is generally allowed in public areas of the port. Be mindful of the auction participants and avoid intrusive photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the market, the scenic views from the Saikazaki Lighthouse are captivating for everyone. The picturesque townscape, often compared to the Amalfi Coast, provides a beautiful backdrop for family photos. Consider visiting a local restaurant for a fresh seafood meal, which can be a delightful culinary adventure for kids. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and offers a glimpse into authentic Japanese coastal life.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the bustling fish market in the morning for dynamic shots of local life and the day's catch. The working fishing port itself, with its boats and nets, provides authentic maritime scenes. Experiment with different angles and times of day to capture the port's evolving character, from the morning's activity to the serene evening light.
🍣 Seafood Lovers
Beyond the market, the port itself is surrounded by eateries that pride themselves on serving the freshest possible ingredients. Whether you're looking for grilled fish, sashimi, or local seafood specialties, you're likely to find delicious options. The experience of eating seafood caught just hours before is unparalleled.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Saikazaki Fish Market Experience
Beyond the auction, the market area itself is a vibrant hub. You can observe the daily operations of a working fishing port and interact with local vendors. Many visitors enjoy purchasing their selected seafood and having it prepared at nearby restaurants, such as 'Umimachi Shokudo Urara,' for an incredibly fresh meal. The experience is not just about the food but also about immersing yourself in the authentic atmosphere of a Japanese fishing community.
Saikazaki's 'Amalfi Coast' Charm
While the comparison is flattering, it's best to appreciate Saikazaki for its own unique beauty. The area around Wakaura, to the southwest of Wakayama City, is historically significant and known for its scenic spots. Saikazaki, situated on a cape, offers a serene and beautiful port town atmosphere. Visitors often find joy in the simple beauty of the townscape, the calm sea, and the families enjoying leisure activities like fishing. It's a place where natural beauty meets the charm of a traditional Japanese coastal community.
Exploring the Saikazaki Lighthouse
The lighthouse area is also a fantastic spot for photography, especially during the late afternoon when the light casts a warm glow over the landscape. It provides an excellent opportunity to capture the essence of Saikazaki, from the bustling port below to the serene ocean stretching towards the horizon. The accessibility of the lighthouse, with a short walk from the bus stop, makes it an easy addition to any visit to the fishing port.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit