Qkamura Nanki Katsuura, a resort hotel located in Yoshino-Kumano National Park (Address: Ugui, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture; General Manager: Yasuhiro Kawakatsu), has launched a special accommodation package featuring a guided tour of the fresh tuna auction at Katsuura Port, located 20 minutes by car from the hotel. The package, which includes a fresh tuna breakfast meal at the market, became available starting January 6.
Japan's Top Port for Fresh Tuna Landed by Longline Fishing
Katsuura Port is located in the southeastern part of Wakayama Prefecture at the southernmost tip of Honshu. The port boasts one of the nation's highest tuna landing volumes, thanks to favorable fishing grounds created by the Kuroshio Current mainstream. "Fresh tuna" refers to tuna that has never been frozen throughout the entire process from the ship to shipment, and the texture and flavor are truly unique to this location.
The tuna fishing method practiced in this region is called "longline fishing," which uses fishing gear consisting of a thick main line with branch lines attached at regular intervals, each equipped with hooks. By adjusting the size of bait fish, fishermen can selectively catch fully grown fish rather than juveniles, making this a sustainable and eco-friendly fishing method that conserves tuna resources.
Guided Tour of Fresh Tuna Auction with Local Expert Commentary
On this tour, guests observe the exciting bidding-style auction at Katsuura Regional Wholesale Market alongside a certified guide. Visitors watch the dynamic auction from areas normally off-limits to the general public, while an experienced local guide provides detailed explanations of what's happening. The tour uses earphones for the guide's commentary, ensuring a comfortable experience. The tour's appeal lies not only in witnessing the auction itself but also in learning detailed explanations about longline fishing methods and their history.
Market Breakfast Featuring "Fresh Tuna Set Meal" After the Tour
Following the tour, guests enjoy a "Fresh Tuna Set Meal" breakfast right at the market. This hearty breakfast can only be experienced through this tour.
Fresh Tuna Set Meal:
Two varieties of seasonal fresh tuna for comparison, two small side dishes, simmered tuna crumbles, fried moray eel, rice, miso soup, pickles, and dessert
Katsuura Port "Fresh Tuna Market Auction" Guided Tour Experience Plan - Details
Period: Starting January 6, 2026
*The experience tour is not available on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and other designated market closure days throughout the year.
Price: From ¥19,500 per person (tax included, bath tax separate) for 1 night with 2 meals
*Price is per person for 2 adults sharing a Japanese-style 10-tatami room on weekdays.
Minimum participants: 2 adults
Schedule:
Day 1: After check-in, relax at the hotel.
Dinner: Nanki Kuroshio Kaiseki
Day 2: 7:00 AM - Gather at Ashi-yu "Umi no Yu" (foot bath, located before Katsuura Fish Market Nigiwai Market) on your own
Guide tour begins
7:50 AM - Guide tour ends at Nigiwai Market
8:00 AM - "Fresh Tuna Set Meal" breakfast
10:00 AM - Check out
Important Notes:
・The tour meeting point is at Katsuura Port (approximately 20 minutes by car from the hotel).
Transportation to the meeting point is not provided.
・Auctions may be suddenly canceled due to sea conditions. In such cases, a buffet breakfast will be served at Qkamura, and the difference in tour fees will be refunded.
Nachikatsuura Town's "Over-the-Top 8 Days" - "Over-the-Top Tuna Fest - Connecting Mountains and Sea"
This is an event that connects the appeal of mountains and sea through experiencing, consuming, and touring centered around the local resource of tuna.
During the period, "Fresh Tuna Flash Sales," "Tuna Gacha" featuring tuna-themed prizes, bar-hopping events with special cups, and stamp rallies will be held.
Special prizes for visitors during the period include a whole fresh tuna and suite room accommodation vouchers at hotels in town.
<Wakayama Prefecture, Nachikatsuura Town - Over-the-Top Tuna Fest>
Period: January 31 (Sat) to February 7 (Sat), 2026
・January 31 (Sat): Opening event - Opening ceremony / Fresh tuna flash sale / Tourism PR / Experience PR
・February 7 (Sat): Finale event - Gathering event centered on product sales and food
・January 31 (Sat) to February 7 (Sat): Tuna gacha and town touring programs during the period
*This is the current schedule and content, dates, etc. are subject to change.
Inquiries: Nachikatsuura Tourism Organization TEL: 0735-52-6153
URL: https://nachikan.jp/news/9119/
Qkamura Nanki Katsuura - Relaxation by the Kumano Sea Sounds on the Hilltop
Located on a hilltop overlooking the Kumano Sea in the southeastern part of the nature-rich Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture, Qkamura Nanki Katsuura is the southernmost Qkamura on Honshu's main island. Blessed with a warm climate and lush evergreen mountain ranges backed by the bountiful Kuroshio Current and coastal views, this area is a resort destination blessed with southern scenery. It's also an ideal hotel base for exploring the World Heritage sites of "Kumano Sanzan" including Kumano Nachi Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and the "Kumano Kodo" ancient pilgrimage routes.
Location: Ugui, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture 649-5312
General Manager: Yasuhiro Kawakatsu
URL: https://www.qkamura.or.jp/katsuura/
Qkamura - Resorts That Spark Wonder in Nature
Qkamura resort hotels are located in excellent natural environments such as national parks and quasi-national parks that represent Japan's landscapes. With 35 locations, Qkamura operates under the concept of "Resorts That Spark Wonder in Nature," providing opportunities to experience local cuisine made from regional ingredients and programs that connect guests with the area's nature, culture, and history, delivering moments when hearts naturally spark with wonder for all guests.
