Latest Information

The Taiji Fisheries Association runs a wide variety of businesses in Taiji

"Gyokyo" Supermarket

A truly local supermarket 
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At this supermarket, run directly by the Fisheries ​Association, one can find freshly caught fish, whale, and other sea products. Most customers are local residents, that also shop here for vegetables, meat, and other daily items. Much of the seafood, especially the whale and fish, was brought ashore at the market just across the street, and is offered at a local discount.

"Michi no Eki" Taiji

The first stop when you visit Taiji!
Visitors Welcome!!

The "Michi no Eki" Taiji sits at the town's doorstep. Each morning, Taiji residents bring freshly caught fish and locally grown vegetables to sell, as well as hand-made delicacies. There are also local whale delicacies and tourist information for visitors.

Morning Market

A smorgasbord of unique local products!

A local market is held at the "Michi no Eki" on the morning of the first Sunday of each month. Some residents offer all-you-can-grab shellfish and abalone, while others offer freshly caught fish, as well as local gourmet like fried whale, whale sandwiches, and even whale tacos - these are foods you won't find anywhere else! There are also handmade crafts and other products. With games and activities, this is a market for everyone, from children to adults. 

The local supermarket is a bright and cheerful place where locals gather to do their shopping, and chat about local goings-on.​

Take some time to enjoy the beautiful views and relaxed atmosphere while you sample the menu at the "Michi no Eki" cafe.

The early bird gets the good bargains! We hope to see you at the next morning market!!

About the Taiji Fisheries Association

Q：What is the role of the association?
A：The Taiji Fisheries Association is in charge of managing fishing rights for the town, and all local fishermen must register as members. The association is also in charge of the individual fishing unions responsible for each type of fishing, and managing independent fishermen in town. This includes oversight of the "Isana" Union, which hunts dolphins and small whales, as well as unions for other catches such as lobsters and fixed net fishing.

Q：About how many members do you have?
A：The Taiji Fisheries Association has 124 full members and 221 partial members, with 233 registered boats. Our executive committee has six members, with three auditors. We have 18 full-time employees and 38 part-time employees.

Q：What are the main marine products caught in Taiji?
A：A wide variety of fish including several varieties of tuna, mackerel, bonito, mahi-mahi, and sardines. Also shellfish including crab, lobster, and abalone, as well as dolphins and whales.

Q：What is the yearly catch in Taiji?
A：As an example, in fiscal 2018, our local market handled 586 tons of freshly caught marine products.

Tourism Information

Taiji sits near the southern tip. of Japan's main Honshu Island, on the eastern side of the Kii Peninsula. The town offers excellent fishing, calm bays with clear ocean waters, and easy access to the sacred sites and ancient trails of the Kumano, a spiritual mecca in Japan. The town has much to offer for all types of visitors, from those looking for a laid-back vacation to those who want to study local culture and history. We hope to see you soon!

Taiji Field Kayak

Taiji's Four Seasons

The Taiji Whale Museum

3167-7 Taiji, Taiji-cho, Higashi-murogun
Wakayama-ken, JAPAN   649-5171

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