Teradomari Fish Market Street 寺泊　魚の市場通り

The Teradomari area has been a trade hub for more than four centuries. It was one of the stops for merchant vessels known as kitamaebune (“north-bound ships”) that sailed the coastal route between the Seto Inland Sea and the Sea of Japan. Two important trading roads, Hokkoku Kaido and Mikuni Kaido, ran from Teradomari to large centers of commerce in present-day Nagano and Gunma Prefectures, respectively. Teradomari Fish Market Street was established in 1974 with the opening of the fresh seafood shop Kakujo Gyorui. At present, the market consists of around a dozen stores, the majority of which specialize in seafood. Although trade routes and practices have changed over the centuries, Teradomari Fish Market Street still provides marine products and other goods to people from near and far.

Marine Products

Storefronts and shop aisles are filled with fish of all shapes and sizes, as well as crab, shrimp, octopus, squid, shellfish, and more. Fresh catches are chilled on beds of ice, allowing customers to inspect the wide assortment of options. Some merchants offer skewers of grilled fish or other seafood that can be eaten right away. Another specialty is banyajiru, a savory seafood soup made with ingredients that change daily. Outdoor benches and tables are available for enjoying the market food or taking a short break, and some stores operate sit-down restaurants on the second floor of their buildings.

Other Regional Products and Souvenirs

In addition to fresh fish, the stores offer many Niigata specialties such as soy sauce, miso paste, and products made from the prefecture’s renowned rice, including crackers, mochi and dango sweets, and high-quality sake. Ice cream, shaved ice, and traditional Japanese confections are available for those who want a break from savory foods. Whether buying seafood, choosing gifts for friends and family, or just browsing, Teradomari Fish Market Street has something of interest for everyone.

This street is lined with stores that specialize in fresh seafood, regional products, and souvenirs. It is located within walking distance of the Sea of Japan coast, facing Sado Island, and allows visitors to enjoy food and shopping near the ocean.

A Brief History

The Teradomari area has been a hub for maritime and land-based trade for more than four centuries. It served as a port of call for merchant vessels known as kitamaebune (“north-bound ships”) that sailed the coastal route between the Seto Inland Sea and the Sea of Japan. The modern market was established in 1974 with the opening of the fresh seafood shop Kakujo Gyorui. At present, Teradomari Fish Market Street consists of around a dozen shops that sell marine products and other goods to customers from near and far.

Marine Products

The market shops offer fish of all shapes and sizes, as well as crab, shrimp, octopus, squid, shellfish, and more. Fresh catches are chilled on beds of ice, so that customers can get a closer look at the available options. Some stores offer skewers of grilled fish or other seafood that can be eaten right away. This cooking style is called hamayaki, which refers to grilling fresh fish on the beach or near a fishing port. Another specialty is banyajiru, a savory seafood soup du jour. The ingredients change daily, reflecting how fishermen of the past cooked meals from what they had available. Benches and tables are set up outdoors for eating market foods or taking a short break, and some stores operate sit-down restaurants on their second floors. Popular menu options include kaisendon (bowls of rice topped with raw seafood), sushi, and crab dishes.

Other Regional Products and Souvenirs

In addition to fresh fish, the stores sell many regional specialties, including rice crackers, mochi and dango sweets, sake made from high-quality Niigata rice, soy sauce, and miso paste. Ice cream, shaved ice topped with syrup (kakigori), and traditional Japanese sweets are available in addition to savory foods. A distinctive frozen dessert sold at the market is shio soft serve, a cerulean blue treat reminiscent of the ocean. Its flavor is sweet and creamy with a hint of salt to match the kanji character for shio, which signifies sea water and the tides.