| Akashi has been active as a fishing town from ancient days. The Uonotana Shopping Street of Akashi is a historic market which opened when Akashi Castle was built about 400 years ago. About 110 shops are lined up along an arcade, and are always lively and active. Most shops sell fresh local fish and sea food, such as octopus, and processed sea food. In Akashi, auction of fish starts at 11:30, close to noon, so that fresh food can be purchased by retailers for evening meal time. Fresher fish can be purchased if visitors go to shops after noon when freshly-auctioned fish start to be displayed at the storefront. The new year is a time when everyone who can get there visits the market for fresh fish for the New Year! |