[Special] The second edition of Ota Market by popular demand! Introducing Shopping and Gourmet Treats at Ota Market —Open to Everyone!

Opened in 1989, Ota Market is one of Tokyo’s 11 central wholesale markets. It’s home to three main markets —farm produce, marine products, and flowers—and spans an impressive area roughly 8.5 times the size of Tokyo Dome (around 400,000 square meters)! Serving as a key logistics hub, the market distributes fresh farm and marine products, along with ornamental plants, from all over Japan and the world.

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[Special] Ota Market: The Only Comprehensive Central Whole Market in Tokyo of Farm Produce, Marine Products, and Flowers that Anyone Can Enjoy | Unique Ota

We made our way to the Marine Products Building at Ota Market to check out Fish Day. Held on the fourth Saturday of each month, this special event invites the public to purchase fresh marine products—normally reserved for wholesale buyers—at unbeatable prices.



The event starts bright and early, running from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. To get the best selection, it’s worth arriving before 8:00 a.m. when things start to sell out.


Fresh tuna is a big hit!

Nearby, tuna was being prepared—around 100 are expertly cut and filleted here each day.

Conveniently packed for easy use.

If you’re ready to prepare it yourself, this is a great choice—straight from the source!

Check out these massive king crabs in the tank!

Ice is provided for keeping your purchases cold, but if you’re buying something large, consider bringing a cooler or an insulated bag.

What are the box-shaped tanks in the Marine Products Building?

In one corner of the Marine Products Building, you’ll notice a row of box-like structures. These are actually fish storage tanks.

The tanks are used by wholesalers, known as “o-oroshi,” who buy products at the market. They keep the fish alive to ensure they stay as fresh as possible for trading.



We were given a special peek inside!



Inside each tank, special cases (called cassettes) are stacked, with individual compartments holding one fish per case—sea bream, for example.

This method minimizes stress on the fish while maximizing space efficiency, keeping them safe and undamaged in a small tank.


Larger fish are housed in spacious tanks, giving them plenty of room to swim.

One tank even featured Canadian lobsters!
Freshness is essential for great-tasting fish. Thanks to these efforts to preserve it, we can enjoy delicious seafood from far and wide!

Next, we visited Yamakosa, an intermediate wholesale store known for its focus on raw oysters.



When it comes to raw oysters, freshness is crucial for both safety and taste. We were shown how they maintain that freshness!



We were taken to a room where the temperature is kept at a steady 10°C year-round.

On the wall, there’s an oyster storage unit, where the temperature is even lower, around 5 to 6°C. The system circulates sterilized saltwater as a mist to prevent the oysters from drying out.



The seawater inside the oysters from each production area plays a key role in determining their flavor. This storage method helps preserve both the oysters’ seawater and their distinct taste. This system was designed and developed in-house by Yamakosa to ensure both the safety and exceptional flavor of the oysters.


A Senpoushi oyster from Hokkaido. When we visited in October, many were carrying eggs, giving them a sticky texture similar to milt.

An olive oyster from Shodoshima , Kagawa Prefecture. The meat is tightly packed into a small shell, with a firm texture and rich flavor.
There are 10 to 20 different types of oysters available, depending on the season, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves fresh raw oysters from various regions!

Take a Break at Ota Market Yatchaba Yokocho
A Unique Spot for Shopping and Gourmet Delights

After exploring the Marine Products Building, why not unwind at Yatchaba Yokocho, located in the Annex ?



Yatchaba Yokocho is a lively area filled with shops and eateries catering to the people who work and trade at Ota Market. Visitors can also enjoy delicious meals and shop for unique items.

This time, we stopped by for an early lunch!

Uoya Iccho is a restaurant where you can indulge in fresh tuna sourced directly from the Marine Products Building. From affordable bluefin tuna sashimi set meals to crispy fried tuna, the menu offers something for everyone.


Rice bowls featuring salmon or raw horse mackerel are also available.
This time, we opted for the Magurozuke Don (Marinated Tuna Rice Bowl) (880 yen).


A rice bowl generously topped with marinated tuna sashimi, served with miso soup and a daily side dish (on this day, scallop mantle and chikuwa salad).

The tender, marinated tuna paired perfectly with the creamy egg yolk, which we crumbled and mixed in. The rich, seasoned flavors of the tuna blended seamlessly with the yolk, creating a smooth and indulgent texture.

A generous topping of shredded egg and chopped green onions added a refreshing accent, making this dish truly unique!


Mr. Momi, the owner

Next, we visited Iseju, a store dedicated to high-quality dashi ingredients.

Iseju offers an impressive selection of dashi ingredients, including dried bonito flakes, kelp, dried sardines, and shiitake mushrooms, catering to restaurants, food wholesalers, and everyday shoppers. It’s a must-visit for anyone passionate about making the perfect dashi!



The store was filled with rows of meticulously selected dried goods, each with its own distinct character.


Thickly shaved dried mackerel flakes, dried frigate tuna flakes, and dried bonito flakes are perfect for making rich soup stock for soba or udon.

The kelp is impressively large and full of flavor!
One standout product is their ultra-thin dried bonito flakes, freshly shaved in-store. We were given a special look at the shaving process!



As the raw bonito block is fed into the machine, delicate, fluffy shavings cascade into the collection box below.



The aroma that fills the air during the process is utterly irresistible—a blend of savory bonito and smoky undertones, rich with umami. Each shaving is finely cut, ensuring an exceptional dashi that brings out the best flavors in your cooking.


Mr. Takashi Itakura , the owner

Ota Market is a hub for goods from across Japan, offering a unique experience where even the general public can enjoy shopping and gourmet food.

*Please note that there is no parking available for general visitors, so we recommend using public transportation.

There are many more attractive places in Ota City. Try finding your own place that you can recommend Ota City for. If you find your favorite, please make sure to post on SNS. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #uniqueota!

Ota City promotion website “Unique Ota” delivers information about the appeal of Ota City with the keywords “a town where you can encounter unique locations unlike anywhere else, which can only be found in Ota City.”

We encourage you to dig deep to find the contents you are interested in. Check back soon for the next edition!