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Family-friendly hotels near Katsuura fishing port
Information checked on 2026-10-17. Hours, admission and facilities can change; please confirm on the official site before you go.
About Katsuura fishing port
Katsuura Fishing Port is a Class 3 fishing port (a category of port used by fishing boats from all over Japan) in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture, and one of Japan's leading tuna fishing bases. It is said to have the largest landings of fresh tuna in Japan, and the surrounding area is designated as part of Yoshino-Kumano National Park. The port sits right next to a hot spring town, with walking paths and rest facilities set up for visitors, and a morning market selling local products is also held. The Katsuura Fishing Port Nigiwai Market (Nigiwai means "bustling") inside the port has four sections: direct sales, tenant shops, food, and events. The fish market also has a viewing area where you can watch the auction at around 7:00 a.m.
Visiting Katsuura fishing port with kids
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Tuna cutting show
In the event corner at the far end of the Nigiwai Market, a dramatic tuna cutting show is held every day. It is introduced as a new tourist attraction in Nachikatsuura.
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Rest on the wooden deck
The food corner has a wooden deck where you can eat, drink, and rest while looking out at the sea. You can eat what you buy at the tenant shops right there.
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Foot bath and walking paths
This fishing port is next to the hot spring town and has walking paths for visitors, plus a foot bath (a hot spring where you soak only your feet) as a rest facility. There are places to sit and rest as you stroll.
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Watching the morning auction
Around 7:00 a.m., you can watch the bidding-style auction from the viewing area called "TSUNAGOOD" at the Second Sales Floor. The market is closed on some days.
The Nigiwai Market parking lot is paid and holds up to 24 standard-size cars. When it is full, visitors are directed to the parking lot of the Nachikatsuura Town Office.
Family-friendly features near Katsuura fishing port
Hotels within 15 km of Katsuura fishing port (4, nearest first)
Of the family-friendly hotels listed on Kids Stay, 4 are within 15 km of Katsuura fishing port. They are sorted from nearest to farthest, with the distance to each.
TAOYA Nachikatsuura
Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima
Kamenoi Hotel Nachikatsuura
Kyukamura Nanki Katsuura
Other attractions near Katsuura fishing port
Areas near Katsuura fishing port
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Travel tips
The auction starts around 7:00 a.m., and the Nigiwai Market is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can plan to watch the auction in the morning, then have a meal and shop at the Nigiwai Market afterward. The Nigiwai Market is closed every Tuesday, and the auction cannot be viewed on days when the market is closed, so it is a good idea to check before you set your dates.
Best season
The peak season for Pacific bluefin tuna is said to be March through May. At the end of January every year, the Tuna Festival is held, with tuna sales and food booths serving tuna dishes. Guided auction tours are offered year-round.
Getting there
It is a few minutes' walk from Kii-Katsuura Station on the Kisei Main Line.
Access and basic information
| location_onAddress | 7-12 Tsukiji, Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture (Katsuura Fishing Port Nigiwai Market) |
|---|---|
| scheduleHours | 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last order for meals is 30 minutes before closing) |
| calendar_monthClosed | Every Tuesday (the market may open on some of these days) |
| paymentsAdmission | Auction guided tour: from 2,500 yen for adults, from 2,000 yen for children |
| trainNearest station | A few minutes' walk from Kii-Katsuura Station on the Kisei Main Line |
| local_parkingParking | Paid, 24 standard-size cars, 1 space for visitors with disabilities |
| callPhone | 0735-29-3500 |
Map
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FAQ
Is there a guided tour of the auction?
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Yes, there is a tour where you watch the auction with a certified guide and listen to the commentary through an earphone guide. It is not held on Tuesdays or on days when the market is closed.
Can we eat at the port?
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The tenant corner sells items such as tuna nigiri sushi, deep-fried breaded tuna skewers (kushikatsu), and Katsuura original ice cream. You can eat what you buy right away in the food corner.
Can we walk there from the station?
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It is said to be a few minutes' walk from the nearest station, Kii-Katsuura Station. There is a tourist information center right outside the station.
Are there hotels near the port?
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TAOYA Nachikatsuura is about 0.2 km away, Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima is about 0.5 km away, and Kamenoi Hotel Nachikatsuura is about 1.1 km away. All of them meet the conditions for family-friendly lodgings.
Which hotels offer baby food?
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Three of the 4 lodgings within 15 km offer baby food. Kamenoi Hotel Nachikatsuura also allows you to bring your own baby food and will warm it for you.