The Iwashi Exchange Center, commonly known as Umi no Eki Kujukuri, is a multipurpose facility in Kujukuri Town, Sambu District, Chiba Prefecture. The complex combines a museum, a local agricultural and seafood market, and restaurants, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the region’s food, fishing culture, and local industries.
Established as a center for revitalizing local industries and promoting interaction between residents and visitors, the facility has become one of the symbolic tourist destinations of Kujukuri Town.
The Iwashi Exchange Center was established under an ordinance of Kujukuri Town as a community hub that combines local industry, tourism, and regional exchange.
The facility was built on a site of approximately 6,359.71 square meters in the area behind Katakai Fishing Port. The building is a two-story steel-frame structure with a total floor area of approximately 1,057.08 square meters. Construction cost approximately 342 million yen.
The first floor contains the Iwashi Museum, which introduces the history and culture of sardine fishing in Kujukuri, as well as a local market selling agricultural products and seafood from the area.
On the second floor, visitors can enjoy meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients at the food court. When the weather is clear, the terrace seating provides views toward the sea, creating a pleasant setting for enjoying local cuisine.
A 17-meter-high tsunami evacuation tower stands on the premises. It provides approximately 154 square meters of evacuation space and can accommodate around 150 people.
The tower is an important disaster-prevention facility that provides additional peace of mind for both local residents and visitors in an area facing the Pacific Ocean.
The Iwashi Museum introduces the history and culture of sardine fishing in Kujukuri. The town once prospered through its sardine fishing industry, and the museum displays fishing equipment, boat models, fish-processing tools, household items, and other materials related to the lives of local fishing communities.
Near the entrance, visitors can also find an aquarium containing approximately 3,000 Japanese sardines swimming together. The tank provides an eye-catching introduction to the marine life that has played such an important role in the region’s history.
The local market is a popular area for visitors looking to experience the flavors of Kujukuri. Fresh sardines and other seafood landed at nearby Katakai Fishing Port are available alongside locally grown agricultural products.
The selection showcases the appeal of local production and local consumption, making it a convenient place to discover ingredients and specialty foods associated with Kujukuri.
The second-floor food court serves dishes made with ingredients closely associated with the Kujukuri coast, including sardines, clams, and nagarami, a small edible sea snail popular in the region.
On pleasant days, visitors can enjoy their meal on the terrace while looking out toward the sea. It is a convenient way to combine sightseeing with a taste of Kujukuri’s local seafood.
In 2016, a distinctive blue cylindrical Japanese-style post box was installed at the facility. It has attracted attention as a unique photo spot and is one of the memorable features of the center.
Kujukuri Town developed its Fourth Kujukuri Town Comprehensive Plan in response to a decline in tourism. The plan promoted tourism exchange, local consumption of regional products, and hands-on tourism experiences.
In 2012, local economic organizations and other stakeholders began exchanging ideas about the project, leading to the preparation of a basic design proposal for the facility.
The project faced several challenges, including the acquisition of national land around Katakai Fishing Port and changes to the original design. Construction eventually began in April 2014.
The facility’s nickname, “Umi no Eki Kujukuri,” was selected through a public naming competition. The facility officially opened on April 24, 2015.
The Japanese sardine aquarium in the exhibition area has also been the subject of concerns from animal welfare organizations regarding the density of fish kept in the tank.
Kujukuri Town has considered suspending the aquarium display and exploring alternative approaches. As a result, the exhibition is undergoing review, with consideration being given to how the facility can present the region’s fishing heritage while also addressing these concerns.
Katakai, Kujukuri Town, Sambu District, Chiba Prefecture, Japan
From JR Togane Station, take the Kujukuri Railway Bus on the Katakai Line. Get off at the Nishi bus stop and walk for approximately 5 minutes.
The Iwashi Exchange Center (Umi no Eki Kujukuri) is a convenient place to discover the history, culture, and flavors of the Kujukuri coastal region.
Visitors can learn about the area’s traditional sardine fishing industry at the museum, shop for fresh seafood and local agricultural products, and enjoy regional dishes at the food court. The sea views from the terrace and the distinctive blue post box add further points of interest.
For travelers interested in local seafood, Japanese fishing culture, regional cuisine, and coastal communities, the center offers an easy way to experience several aspects of Kujukuri in one location.