Off-Limits Market Tour and Insights into an Expert Kyoto Chef’s Seafood & Dish Sourcing Process

Meet Your Guide, an Experienced Chef from Kodaiji Tantora

This tour is guided by a seasoned chef from Kodaiji Tantora, an exquisite tempura restaurant tucked away in the streets of Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district. Located just steps from Kodai-ji Temple, the restaurant sits apart from the main sightseeing routes, offering a calmer vantage point on the neighborhood.

The refined interior that reflects Kodaiji Tantora’s philosophy

At Kodaiji Tantora, cooking begins with a respect for established technique, paired with a thoughtful openness to new ideas. The restaurant places particular emphasis on the quality of its ingredients, from fresh seafood prepared as tempura to seasonal produce sourced from across Japan, including Kyoto. Each element is selected and handled with care, shaping a cuisine defined by restraint, balance, and attention to detail.
Please note that this experience focuses on a guided market tour and does not include dining at Kodaiji Tantora.

Go Behind the Scenes of Some of Kyoto’s Finest Food

A 5-minute walk from Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station (just a stop away from Kyoto Station), Kyoto City Central Wholesale Market officially opened its doors in 1927, making history as the city’s first wholesale market. Today, it houses around 300 businesses supplying produce, meat, and more to over 3,000 buyers. 

The seafood section of the market, where you’ll find some of the freshest fish in Kyoto

Almost every day, 5:10 am marks the beginning of a dynamic auction where wholesalers compete to purchase fresh seafood. While it can be seen from a public viewing deck, the wholesale stalls - where they sell their wins to retailers, culinary professionals, and so on - are off limits to the general public. As a Wabunka guest, you will be granted special access with the chef as your very own guide.

This passage contains just a few of the market’s many wholesalers, who sell around 200 varieties of seafood alone

Savor a Chef’s Insights Into Sourcing Quality Fish

Entering the market floor brings you to a new side of Kyoto; as you walk past potential buyers inspecting bright-eyed fish, the sounds of rushing water and the scent of the ocean wash over you. Your guide will help to contextualize all of this by offering valuable insights into obtaining and making full use of top quality fish.

Learn directly about types of fish vital for creating mouthwatering tempura (photo for reference only)

Look forward to stopping at his supplier of choice, Seafoods Otani, run by fourth-generation owner Toru Otani and his son. The restaurant sources almost all of its fish from Otani, a sign of deep trust in the latter’s comprehensive knowledge and unwavering dedication to quality above all. You will be able to experience this firsthand by sampling a cut of fish bought by Otani at that very morning’s auction.

Whichever kind is chosen for you to sample, rest assured it will be approved by a trusted supplier (photo for reference only)

Of course, don’t forget to take advantage of your guide’s wealth of culinary experience by asking him any questions you may have about not only seafood, but also Japanese cuisine in general.

Discover How Tableware and Kitchen Tools Shape the Cuisine

After this special visit, take another step into the professional world behind Japanese cuisine by visiting Katsufujiya, a long-established wholesaler that supplies dishes, knives, and just about anything else a culinary professional might need. 

Hear all about the tools of the trade directly from a seasoned professional

With so many items of all shapes, sizes, and materials, Katsufujiya is a feast for the eyes, a quality that is deeply valued in Japanese cuisine. Food is expected not only to be delicious, but also to entertain and move those who experience it. Thus, each plate, bowl, and cup is a vital part of their experience. Some are chosen to complement the size and color of a specific dish, while others inspire new ideas, sparking dishes designed to feel complete only when paired together.

Let these dishes inspire your own culinary curiosity

Whether you hope to level up your own Japanese cuisine or simply want a quality souvenir, your guide will be happy to explain about the dishes and tools you come across or even help you to choose something for yourself. 

Deepen Your Understanding of a Kyoto Chef’s Craft

This Wabunka tour not only grants you access to an off-limits fish market area, but also takes you behind the scenes of an expert chef’s process. Savor the opportunity to learn firsthand about the fresh fish and beautiful dishes that are transformed into unforgettable meals, knowledge that is sure to help you enjoy Japanese cuisine even more.

Take home a greater appreciation of not only Kyoto’s cuisine, but also Japanese cooking as a whole