TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Toretore Market (official name: Toretore Market Nanki Shirahama) is a large fresh fish and specialty market located in Shirahama Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. It features a wide selection of fresh seafood landed at fishing ports around Shirahama, as well as local agricultural products, dried and processed fish, souvenirs, and restaurants, all under one roof. For tourists, it offers tastings, a beach barbecue corner, and a dining area where you can eat seafood on the spot, making it a popular spot where you can enjoy sightseeing and shopping at the same time.
Highlights
- Fresh fish section: Fish caught that morning and seafood perfect for sashimi are lined up, making it fun just to look around. You can also find seasonal seafood.
- Beach grilling and barbecue corner: There is a corner where you can grill and eat shellfish and seafood you have purchased on the spot, making it a great place for families and groups to have fun.
- Dining district: There are many restaurants serving dishes using local seafood, such as sushi, seafood bowls, and set meals. You can easily sample the local seafood while walking around.
- Local specialties and souvenirs: There is a wide variety of products unique to Wakayama and Nanki, such as pickled plums, processed mandarin oranges, dried fish, and processed soy sauce products.
- Tasting service: Many stores offer tastings so you can check the taste before purchasing (this may vary by store).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Shirahama Station on the JR Kisei Main Line (Kinokuni Line) - about 10-15 minutes by car from the station, or it is convenient to use a local bus or taxi.
- By car: Take the Hanwa Expressway to Nanki Tanabe IC or Minabe IC and head towards Shirahama. There is a large parking lot on-site, which is easy to park in even during the tourist season (it is often free, but may be full during peak times).
- Expressway bus/direct bus: Take a direct express bus from Osaka (Namba) or the Kansai area to Shirahama. Access by local bus or taxi from Shirahama Bus Center or Shirahama Station.
- Air: Access via Kansai Airport or Osaka via express bus or rental car/car (travel time varies depending on the route).
- Note: Business hours, temporary closures, and shuttle service status may vary depending on the season and day of the week. Please check the official website or call the facility before traveling for the latest information.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Shopping and snacks only: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Dining (slowly enjoying seafood) + shopping: 1.5 to 2 hours
- If you include beach barbecue, group meals, and walking around the area: 2-3 hours
Nearby spots
- Shirarahama: A beautiful beach with white sand. Approximately 5-10 minutes by car.
- Sandanbeki: A scenic spot with impressive cliffs. Approximately 10 minutes by car.
- Engetsuto: A small island popular for its sunsets. Approximately 10 minutes by car.
- Senjojiki: A beautiful spot with wide rock formations and a beautiful view of the sea. About 10 minutes by car.
- Adventure World: A zoo and theme park famous for its pandas. Approximately 15-20 minutes by car.
- Shirahama Onsen: Enjoy the hot spring town for a day trip or overnight stay. There are several inns and hot springs nearby.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It gets very crowded on weekends, consecutive holidays, during the summer beach season, and during the New Year holidays. If you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to go right after opening in the early morning or in the evening.
- Taking home fresh produce: If you are purchasing fresh fish or shellfish, please bring ice packs or a cooler box with you, or consider using a refrigerated delivery service. Maintaining freshness is especially important in the summer.
- Tasting/Hygiene: In stores that offer tasting, please follow hygiene rules and follow the instructions of staff. Please refrain from tasting excessive amounts of raw food.
- Traveling with children: Please be careful not to leave small children unattended in the beach grill corner and eating and drinking area as they are equipped with heat sources and grills.
- Allergy and raw food precautions: Raw seafood may not be suitable for people with allergies, pregnant women, or small children. Please choose according to your physical condition and family composition.
- Payment: Some stores only accept cash, and some do not accept credit cards or electronic payments. It is a good idea to have some cash on hand.
- Manners: Taking photos inside the restaurant and in the aisles is generally permitted, but please be considerate when taking photos of the staff preparing food or other customers. When it is crowded, try not to block the aisles.
- Seasonality: The types of fish available, opening hours, and events change depending on the season. Please check in advance for information on seasonal seafood and events.
(Note) We recommend checking the official website or contacting the facility for the latest opening hours, closing days, access details, and event information.
