The Narita Wholesale Market is the beating heart of the town, where you’ll find a range of fresh produce and souvenirs. Its stalls are packed with exotic fish and locally grown fruits and vegetables. Get a sense of the local customs and culinary tastes by spending the afternoon in this lively complex. 

Arrive early in the morning for the tuna auction, one of the market’s highlights. Here, crowds gather and bid on the latest tuna catches, while culinary experts cut them into manageable parts. 

Wander past the stalls and haggle with vendors over the fish. Eat at a stall and choose between the sashimi raw fish and a cooked alternative. You’ll find everything from salmon to sea cucumbers, sea urchins, shellfish and dried fish. Much of the seafood comes from aquatic hubs such as the Choshi Port. Some fish is brought by air to the nearby Narita International Airport.

The market complex has both indoor and open-air sections. Enjoy a lunch of ramen and sushi from one of the restaurants lining the street. Try samples with the mixture of spices sold from specialized stands. Choose from herbs, vegetables and fruits available in the adjacent greens building.

The market has been running since its inception in 1974, when it was set up in response to the expected growth in population with the new airport being built here. Note that it opens Monday through Saturday from early morning until afternoon. Check the schedule to find out what special events are being held if you will be here on a second or fourth Saturday of the month. Arrange a tuna auction tour or participate in a market shopping course by applying online a week before your visit.

Find the Narita Wholesale Market in the southern part of Narita. Arrive at the Narita International Airport and take a bus to the Kozunomori Station. From the station walk southeast for about 15 minutes to reach the market. 

While you’re in the area, visit some of the surrounding treasures, including Kozunomorikinrin Park, Kotohira Park and the Sotoshujosen Temple.