Misaki Port, located at the southern tip of the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture, is one of Japan's most important tunafishing ports. Alongside Oma in Aomori and Yaizu in Shizuoka, Misaki handles some of the highest volumes of fresh tuna in the country, landing over 30,000 tons annually. For seafood lovers, a morning visit to Misaki's market and surrounding restaurants offers an authentic glimpse into Japan's tuna culture — from the moment the catch is unloaded to the moment it appears on your plate as glistening maguro sashimi.
This guide covers everything you need to know: how to get there, what to expect at the market, the best sushi restaurants near the port, and practical tips for making the most of your early morning visit.
The Tuna Capital of Kanagawa
Misaki's identity is inseparable from tuna. The port's history stretches back to the Edo period, when it served as a key stop for ships navigating the coastal route between Edo (modern Tokyo) and the Kanto region. After the Meiji Restoration, Misaki developed into a modern fishing port, and by the mid-20th century, it had become a powerhouse for tuna longline fishing.
Today, Misaki is synonymous with maguro. The port's fleet operates across the Pacific, bringing in bluefin, bigeye, and yellowfin tuna. Much of the catch is shipped directly to Toyosu Market in Tokyo, but the best cuts stay local — served in the small, family-run sushi restaurants clustered around the port.
The morning market operates between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM, when the day's catch is still fresh off the boats. This is not a tourist-oriented market with souvenirs — it is a working wholesale operation where restaurants and local buyers bid on the catch. But here's the thing, visitors are welcome to observe the action from designated areas.
What to Expect at the Morning Market
Arrive by 5:30 AM to catch the most activity. The market is compact but intense: rows of tuna laid out on tarps, their tails cut off to reveal the color and marbling of the meat; auctioneers calling out prices in rapid-fire Japanese; buyers examining each fish with flashlights and hooked tools to assess quality.
The auction process is fascinating to watch. Each tuna is assigned a number, and buyers move quickly from fish to fish, checking fat content, color, and freshness. When the auction starts, bids are signaled with hand gestures almost too fast to follow. A single premium bluefin tuna can fetch hundreds of thousands of yen, though most fish sell for ¥10,000–¥50,000 depending on size and quality.
Photography etiquette: You are welcome to take photos, but avoid using flash (it disturbs buyers assessing the fish), do not touch any tuna without permission, and stay behind any marked lines. The market floor is a busy workspace — be aware of forklifts, hand carts, and workers moving quickly.
Best Sushi Restaurants Near the Port
The real reward of a Misaki morning is breakfast sushi — asazushi — served within walking distance of the market. These restaurants open as early as 6:00 AM to serve the freshest possible fish.
Misaki Kō — The Gold Standard
Located directly across from the port, Misaki Kō is the most famous sushi restaurant in the area. They have been serving sushi for over 50 years, sourcing tuna directly from the morning auction. The maguro don (tuna bowl, ¥1,800) is legendary — a generous portion of fresh raw tuna over vinegared rice, topped with a sprinkle of nori and wasabi. The tokujō (special) set (¥3,500) includes multiple cuts of tuna — lean akami, medium-fatty chūtoro, and the prized fatty ōtoro — along with tamago and miso soup.
Pro tip: Arrive by 6:30 AM to avoid the queue, which starts forming around 7:00 AM. They serve until they run out of fish, which is usually by 10:00 AM.
Kappō Uoseki
For a slightly more refined experience, Kappō Uoseki offers kaisen-don (seafood bowls) with a wider variety of toppings beyond tuna. Their kuro-maguro (bluefin tuna) course (¥4,500) includes five different preparations of tuna: sashimi, seared, marinated, minced as negitoro, and grilled. The restaurant is a 7-minute walk from the port and opens at 7:00 AM.
Misaki Port Shokudō
For a budget-friendly option, this informal diner serves maguro teishoku (tuna set meal, ¥1,200) — a bowl of rice topped with chopped tuna, a small salad, miso soup, and pickles. The atmosphere is pure working-port: vinyl tablecloths, a TV playing the morning news, and fishermen eating breakfast before their next shift. Opens at 5:30 AM.
Uogashi Misaki
This restaurant specializes in grilled tuna dishes, offering an alternative to raw preparations. Their maguro kama-yaki (grilled tuna collar, ¥1,500) is a hidden gem — the collar is one of the most flavorful parts of the fish, with tender, fatty meat that caramelizes beautifully under the grill. Opens at 6:00 AM.
Beyond Tuna: What Else Misaki Offers
While tuna is the star, Misaki's waters produce excellent kinmedai (golden eye snapper), aji (horse mackerel), and ika (squid). Some stalls near the market sell himono (dried fish) — salted and dried fish that grills up beautifully for breakfast. Local shops also offer tsukudani (seaweed and small seafood simmered in soy sauce), which makes a great souvenir.
Location
Misaki Port is located at the southern tip of the Miura Peninsula. From Tokyo, take the Keikyu Line to Misakiguchi Station (approximately 90 minutes, ¥1,200), then take a local bus to Misaki Port (15 minutes, ¥300). Alternatively, drive via the Daiichi Keihin Road and the Miura Peninsula Toll Road — parking is available near the port for ¥500–¥700 per day.
Budget Breakdown
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Keikyu Line round trip (Tokyo to Misakiguchi) | ¥2,400 |
| Local bus to port | ¥600 round trip |
| Breakfast sushi (per person) | ¥1,200–¥3,500 |
| Dried fish souvenirs | ¥500–¥2,000 |
| Total per person | ¥4,000–¥6,500 |
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Start early: The market is most active between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM. Aim to arrive at Misakiguchi Station by 5:30 AM. The first Keikyu train from Shinagawa departs around 5:00 AM — check the schedule in advance.
- Cash is king: Most market stalls and smaller sushi restaurants do not accept credit cards. Bring sufficient cash for your meal and any purchases.
- Seasonal note: Winter (November–February) is peak season for fatty bluefin tuna. Summer tuna is leaner but still excellent, and the morning commute is more comfortable.
- Combine with other activities: The Miura Peninsula has beautiful coastal hiking trails, including the Misaki Coastal Trail with views of Jogashima Island. The Misaki Marine Park and aquarium are a 15-minute walk from the port.
- Language: The market and smaller restaurants have limited English signage. A few Japanese phrases — ikura desu ka? (how much?), osusume wa? (what do you recommend?) — go a long way.
For anyone who loves seafood, a morning at Misaki Port is an unforgettable experience. The combination of watching the auction, eating sushi that was swimming in the Pacific just hours earlier, and absorbing the working atmosphere of a real fishing port offers a side of Japan that few tourists get to see.
⏰ Best Time to Visit
Early morning (8-10 AM): Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds, perfect for photos Late afternoon (4-6 PM): beautiful lighting, local life, less crowded than midday
What I Recommend
- Don't rush: Take your time to explore the side streets and hidden spots
- Talk to locals: They often know the best hidden gems that aren't in guidebooks
- Try the local specialties: Each area has its own unique food and souvenirs
Things to Watch Out For
- Some shops close on weekdays or have irregular hours
- Parking can be challenging during peak seasons
- Cash is still king at many smaller establishments
Miura Peninsula
| Restaurant | Type | Official Website | Hours | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Misaki Port Tuna Restaurants | Seafood | 🔗 Official Website | 10:00-18:00 | ¥1,500-5,000 |
Misaki Port Tuna Restaurants
- 🏷️ Type: Seafood
- 🌐 Official Website: https://www.city.miura.kanagawa.jp/suisan/
- 📞 Phone: Various
- ⏰ Hours: 10:00-18:00
- 💰 Price: ¥1,500-5,000
- 📍 Area: Misaki Port
- 📅 Reservation: Book a Table (recommended for weekends)
Best Times to Visit
- Lunch: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (busiest, make reservations)
- Cafe: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (relaxed atmosphere)
- Dinner: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (popular spots fill up quickly)
Payment Methods
- Credit Cards: Widely accepted at major restaurants
- Cash: Still preferred at smaller establishments and ramen shops
- IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo): Accepted at chain restaurants and cafes
Dietary Requirements
- Vegetarian options: Limited but available at larger restaurants
- Halal: Very limited, check in advance
- Allergies: Most restaurants can accommodate with advance notice
Useful Apps
- Tabelog: Japan's largest restaurant review site (English available)
- Google Maps: Check reviews and hours
- Omakase: Restaurant reservations
Conclusion
misaki morning market tuna offers a unique window into the diverse attractions of Kanagawa Prefecture. Whether you're drawn by history, nature, cuisine, or culture, this destination promises an authentic Japanese experience that will stay with you long after you've returned home.
