Katsuura Morning Market Food Walk: 5 Best Foods to Savor Fresh Seafood and Local Warmth.

Located in Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture, the Katsuura Morning Market is one of Japan’s three major morning markets, beloved by both locals and tourists alike. With a history spanning over 400 years, this bustling market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, locally produced goods, and ready-to-eat street foods that you can enjoy on the spot.

As you stroll through the lively streets of the market, the mouthwatering aromas drifting from every corner will surely tempt you to stop and explore. It’s the perfect place to follow your nose — and your appetite — to discover hidden gems and local favorites.

In this guide, we’ll introduce five must-visit spots perfect for a food walk at Katsuura Morning Market. Enjoy the crisp morning air, savor the fresh flavors, and immerse yourself in the warm, welcoming atmosphere of this historic marketplace.

Asaichi Shinsen Hiroba Uosui

First on our list is Uomizu, one of the most popular spots at the Katsuura Morning Market. Run by a local seafood company, Uomizu offers an incredible selection of freshly caught seafood at surprisingly affordable prices. From yellowtail and mahi-mahi to bonito, along with an array of shellfish like abalone and turban shells, the variety is impressive and a delight to browse.

One of the biggest highlights here is their series of marinated rice bowls ("zukedon") served right at the storefront. Among them, the Fresh Marinated Tuna Bowl ("Nama Maguro Zukedon") stands out as a crowd favorite. Featuring tender, fresh tuna soaked in a special house sauce, this hearty bowl is packed with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy your appetite. Other options like sea urchin bowls and salmon roe bowls are also available, making it hard to choose just one!

Prices start from an incredibly reasonable 600 yen, offering excellent value for both quality and portion size.

If you want to bring a taste of Katsuura home, don’t miss their dried fish and specialty products like nagarami (Danbeikisago snails), a rare local delicacy from the Sotobo coast. Boiled nagarami offers a rich, deep flavor that’s truly unique. If you’re planning to stock up, bringing a cooler box is highly recommended.

Recommended Dish: Fresh Marinated Tuna Bowl – 770 yen
Access: About a 15-minute walk from JR Katsuura Station

Asaichi Shinsen Hiroba Uosui

住所	136, Katsuura, Katsuura-shi, Chiba
電話番号	0470-73-5505
営業時間	7:00 to 13:00
営業日	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday
定休日	Wednesday
公式サイト	http://www.uosui.jp/

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Oshokuji Dokoro Ishii

When you think of Katsuura, one specialty that immediately comes to mind is the rich and spicy Katsuura Tantanmen. And at the Katsuura Morning Market, you can experience this local favorite at Ishii Restaurant ("Shokujidokoro Ishii").

Originally loved by fishermen and divers as a way to warm up after long hours at sea, Katsuura Tantanmen features a deep, flavorful broth packed with umami. It's made with a rich soy sauce base, generous amounts of aromatic chili oil, bonito flakes, mackerel flakes, and chicken stock, all enhanced with the savory goodness of minced meat and fragrant vegetables.

At Ishii, you’ll find a wide variety of Tantanmen styles — not just the classic soy sauce version, but also salt, miso, curry, and tonkotsu (pork bone) flavors. For those who aren't big fans of spicy food, milder options are available too, so everyone can enjoy a taste of this local tradition.

In addition to noodles, they also serve Namerou Teishoku, a traditional set meal featuring finely chopped fresh fish seasoned with miso — another must-try from the Katsuura area.

Whether you’re seeking to warm up on a chilly morning or simply want to dive into the local food culture, Ishii is the perfect stop during your market stroll.

Recommended Dish: Chashu Tantanmen (Spicy Ramen with Sliced Pork) – 1,000 yen
Access: About a 15-minute walk from JR Katsuura Station

Oshokuji Dokoro Ishii

住所	159, Katsuura, Katsuura-shi, Chiba
電話番号	0470-73-7153
営業時間	7:00 to 14:00
営業日	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday
定休日	Wednesday

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Kushiyaki Chi-chan

If you're looking for a quick and delicious bite while exploring the morning market, make sure to stop by Kushiyaki Chi-chan. This charming food stall, easily spotted by its bright yellow setup, specializes in grilled skewers featuring fresh seafood like turban shells (sazae), bonito, and squid.

Each skewer is brushed with a savory sauce and freshly grilled to order, filling the air with an irresistible, mouthwatering aroma. Prices start at just 100 yen, making it an easy and affordable treat during your stroll.

Among the favorites are the grilled sazae skewer and the grilled bonito skewer. The sazae has a mild flavor that's easy to enjoy even for first-timers, while the bonito is grilled to a perfect, tender finish.

Perfect for snacking as you wander the lively market streets, Kushiyaki Chiichan is a must-try stop for seafood lovers.

Recommended Dish: Grilled Sazae Skewer – 200 yen
Access: About an 8-minute walk from JR Katsuura Station

Kushiyaki Chi-chan

住所	138-1 Katsuura, Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture
営業時間	6:00 to 11:00
営業日	Saturday, Sunday, Holidays
定休日	ordinarily

SPAiCE COFFEE

If you find yourself needing a quick break while exploring the Katsuura Morning Market, SPAiCE COFFEE is the perfect spot. This stylish mobile café, operated from a bicycle cart, serves up expertly brewed drip coffee that's loved by both locals and visitors alike.

Their signature Blend Coffee, made with medium-dark roasted beans from Brazil and Colombia, offers a rich, toasty flavor that's ideal for a refreshing start to your morning.

For something a little more adventurous, try their Spice Coffee, a unique creation featuring a hint of homemade ginger syrup. The subtle sweetness and gentle spice kick make it a surprisingly addictive treat.

Enjoying a quality cup of coffee from their charming cart will make your market experience even more memorable.
If you’re still craving more after the morning market wraps up, you can also visit their permanent café nearby for a more leisurely coffee break.

Recommended Drink: Spice Coffee – 700 yen
Access: About a 15-minute walk from JR Katsuura Station

SPAiCE COFFEE

住所	65 Katsuura, Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture
営業時間	6:00 to 11:00
営業日	Everyday
公式サイト	https://a----me--maaaaa.wixsite.com/spaice

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Kandaya

Kandaya is a special taiyaki stand run exclusively during the morning market by Mr. Shūkai Ezawa, who also operates a local guesthouse. While their classic red bean taiyaki (200 yen) is a perennial favorite, the real standout is their creative local twist — the Tantan Taiyaki (250 yen).

Inspired by Katsuura’s famous spicy noodle dish, Katsuura Tantanmen, this taiyaki is filled with a savory, slightly spicy filling made from minced meat, onions, seasonal vegetables, and flavored with bonito flakes and chili oil sourced locally. Wrapped in a slightly sweet, fluffy batter, the spicy-sweet combination creates a truly addictive flavor experience.

Not only is the food memorable, but so is the friendly conversation with Mr. Ezawa himself, adding a warm personal touch to your visit.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind treat at the market, Kandaya is a must-visit!

Recommended Item: Tantan Taiyaki – 250 yen
Access: About a 5-minute walk from JR Katsuura Station

Kandaya

住所	818-19 Sumina, Katsuura-shi, Chiba
電話番号	0470-73-1554
営業時間	AM6:30 to AM11:00
営業日	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday
定休日	Wednesday
公式サイト	http://www.kandamaru.com/

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Summary

Katsuura Morning Market isn’t just a place to savor fresh local flavors and unique gourmet treats — it’s also a wonderful opportunity to connect with the local community.

From the mouthwatering Marinated Tuna Bowl at Uomizu, the spicy and hearty Tantanmen at Ishii, and the freshly grilled skewers at Kushiyaki Chi-chan, to the aromatic Spice Coffee from SPAiCE COFFEE, and the creative Tantan Taiyaki at Kandaya — each spot offers a special experience you can’t find anywhere else.

At every turn, you’ll discover not only incredible food but also the warmth and hospitality that make Katsuura so unforgettable. Come hungry, leave with a full heart!