Japan, surrounded by the ocean, is a treasure trove of fresh seafood such as tuna, sea bream, and horse mackerel. One of the great pleasures of traveling is visiting different regions and enjoying seafood bowls at market cafeterias or seafood dishes at local restaurants. Here, we introduce spots where you can savor delicious seafood gourmet food.
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The charm of morning markets lies in their offering of fresh, delicious local fish at reasonable prices, such as seafood bowls and set meals. It’s also a great way to engage with locals and experience the local food culture, making morning markets a popular tourist spot. Since markets typically close by noon, it’s worth the effort to wake up early.
Dining at a local restaurant that knows everything about the local fish is one of the highlights of traveling. You can also enjoy a more luxurious seafood experience at a traditional Japanese restaurant. Izakaya, where you can feel like a local, and Italian or French cuisine focusing on locally sourced ingredients, are also appealing. Recently, more fish markets have been adding eat-in corners, offering fresh seafood on the spot.
One of the unique pleasures of traveling in Japan is tasting a variety of local seafood, thanks to the country's abundance of fresh seafood and river fish. While enjoying freshly caught fish in a fishing village is a delight, there are also preserved fish dishes, such as "Mackerel Heshiko" from Fukui Prefecture, a fermented food made from salted mackerel pickled in rice bran, and "Ikanago no Kugini" from Hyogo Prefecture, which is braised sand lance. These inland specialties are equally exquisite. Take the opportunity to try local fish dishes from around Japan and learn about each region's history and culture.
The charm of morning markets lies in their offering of fresh, delicious local fish at reasonable prices, such as seafood bowls and set meals. It’s also a great way to engage with locals and experience the local food culture, making morning markets a popular tourist spot. Since markets typically close by noon, it’s worth the effort to wake up early.
Dining at a local restaurant that knows everything about the local fish is one of the highlights of traveling. You can also enjoy a more luxurious seafood experience at a traditional Japanese restaurant. Izakaya, where you can feel like a local, and Italian or French cuisine focusing on locally sourced ingredients, are also appealing. Recently, more fish markets have been adding eat-in corners, offering fresh seafood on the spot.
One of the unique pleasures of traveling in Japan is tasting a variety of local seafood, thanks to the country's abundance of fresh seafood and river fish. While enjoying freshly caught fish in a fishing village is a delight, there are also preserved fish dishes, such as "Mackerel Heshiko" from Fukui Prefecture, a fermented food made from salted mackerel pickled in rice bran, and "Ikanago no Kugini" from Hyogo Prefecture, which is braised sand lance. These inland specialties are equally exquisite. Take the opportunity to try local fish dishes from around Japan and learn about each region's history and culture.
If you want to enjoy freshly caught seafood, a restaurant at the fish market is a must. Breakfast is especially popular. Frequented by people working at fishing ports and markets, these spots offer hearty seafood bowls and set meals at reasonable prices. Some of the most popular markets among tourists include Hakodate Morning Market, Otaru Triangle Market, Odawara Fish Center, Sakata Seafood Market, Fukui Nihonkai Fish Town, Oarai Seafood Market, and Tsukiji Outer Market. Enjoy the lively atmosphere while filling your stomach with delicious seafood.
Ehime
Savor Three Kinds of Local Cuisine in One Indulgent Meal
"Ehime, Kakureya" offers a variety of local Ehime dishes and Japanese-Western fusion cuisine. At lunchtime, there is a comprehensive menu, featuring classic dishes like the "tonkatsu set meal" and the "kimagure set meal," where the owner showcases his skills using ingredients available that day. The recommended dish is the "Taimeshizen (seabream rice set meal)," which allows you to enjoy three types of local cuisine in one meal. This luxurious set includes taimeshi from Matsuyama City and Uwajima City, as well as Satsuma soup, a traditional dish from the Nanyo region, making it a must-try meal worth reserving. Hamburgers made with 100% domestic beef are also popular. In the evening, the restaurant offers all-you-can-drink and course meals by reservation, and is happy to accommodate custom menu requests.
Kouchi
A Restaurant Where You Can Enjoy Warm, Homemade Food and Seasonal Flavors
"Nishimura Shoten" is a popular restaurant located in "Tosa no Sato AGRI COLLETTO" complex in Kitamiza, Kochi City. Local ingredients from Kochi are served in a variety of dishes, such as "Today's Ippon-zashi Sashimi Set Meal" - a signature sashimi dish featuring an entire fresh fish sliced and served - along with sizzling teppan-grilled items and hearty fried foods. The menu is affordably priced and includes flavourful meat dishes that pair well with rice, ramen, and mini seafood bowls. With options available even for those who prefer non-seafood dishes, the offerings appeal to all ages.
Hokkaido
Freshly Grilled Oysters, Unique to the Area, Available on the Street Corner
A restaurant offering live seafood from Hokkaido, delivered fresh and full of vitality. Outside, grilled items can be casually enjoyed in a food stall-like setting, while inside, regional specialties such as "Kaki soba (soba noodles with oysters)" and "Kaki chazuke (rice with oysters and broth)" showcase local ways of eating. Plump, satisfying oysters are served raw in summer and grilled hot on the spot in winter. The savoury broth that pools inside the shells is also a delicacy, enhanced with a touch of lemon or Tabasco for extra flavour. Oysters are sourced from various regions depending on the season, including Akkeshi, Senposhi in Kushiro Town, Shiriuchi, and Lake Saroma - offering the opportunity to compare subtle differences in taste. Another highlight from "the grill" is the hotate (scallop), large and rich in umami, perfect for enjoying fresh off the fire.
Ishikawa
A Neighbourhood Kitchen Serving Simple and Heartwarming Dishes
This local eatery serves regional ingredients at reasonable prices. As the area is known for rice cultivation, the rice used is sourced from contracted farmers and carefully cooked to a glossy, fluffy finish. Home-grown vegetables are also purchased and featured in small dishes and pickles. With its unpretentious atmosphere, the restaurant welcomes all visitors. Seasonal ingredients are used to create a wide variety of thoughtful dishes reminiscent of traditional Japanese cuisine, attracting many repeat guests from both within and outside the prefecture. Choosing what to eat next is part of the fun.
Search for Restaurants Where You Can Eat Gourmet Seafood by Area
If you want to casually enjoy local fish with some drinks, we recommend visiting a local izakaya. It’s the perfect place to have fun with friends. You can savor a variety of dishes such as shuto and shiokara (traditional sake accompaniments), local fish, transparent squid sashimi, grilled crab shell, and seafood bowls topped with generous amounts of salmon roe and sea urchin. Asking the staff or local patrons for recommendations on regional seafood specialties will make your trip even more memorable.
Okayama
Luxurious Dishes Created by Artisans Through Trial and Error
Located in Kurashiki City’s historic Bikan District, the izakaya "Local sake and local cuisine Sawaraya" focuses on local sourcing, offering dishes featuring Okayama specialties like sawara (Spanish mackerel) and yellow garlic chives. The 200-year-old renovated traditional house provides a charming setting with views of a Japanese garden. The menu, paired with locally brewed sake, delivers a luxurious dining experience. With counter seating, tables, and tatami rooms, the restaurant accommodates a variety of occasions, from large gatherings to intimate meals.
Hiroshima
Enjoy Hiroshima to the Fullest With a Variety of Dishes and Local Sake
A popular izakaya featuring Hiroshima ingredients and seasonal local sake. Known as an "accessible neighborhood restaurant," it attracts both locals and visitors from outside the prefecture who come to enjoy Hiroshima specialties like oysters and seasonal handmade dishes. They emphasize local sourcing, offering fresh locally-caught sashimi and dishes made with Hiroshima brand chicken. The diverse menu includes "shrimp shumai" steamed to order, "kamatama meatballs" with a fluffy texture served with egg, and "sesame-flavored amberjack sashimi." Their extensive drink menu features both local Hiroshima sake and selections from across Japan that pair perfectly with the food.
Miyagi
Enjoy Miyagi's Delicious Sake Easily and at an Affordable Price
About a 3 - minute walk from Sendai Station, this restaurant has a reputation for being able to enjoy a variety of Miyagi's seasonal flavors at reasonable prices. We have fresh Sanriku fish shipped directly from the source, and over 50 types of local sake from all over the country that change seasonally. It's a popular restaurant that is often full, so it's best to make a reservation in advance if you plan to visit. Lunch is full of great value menus, with a focus on seafood bowls. Among them, the "Omikuji - don" filled with plenty of seafood purchased that day is very popular. Inspired by the desire to return the favor from Tohoku, 100 yen from the lunch fee will be donated to the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake (duration to be determined).
Aichi
A Wide Range of Izakaya Dishes Featuring Seasonal Seafood
This izakaya is located in the southern part of Miyoshi City, a thriving commuter town for Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. In addition to fresh seasonal fish from the Nagoya Central Wholesale Market, the restaurant offers a wide selection of izakaya dishes made with ingredients sourced from all over Japan, including Mie Prefecture's famous chicken, "Ise Akadori."
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Many people travel in search of seasonal seafood that can only be enjoyed at specific times and places, such as spiny lobster, pufferfish, grouper, and monkfish. If you want to savor top-quality seafood in a relaxed atmosphere, a traditional Japanese restaurant is the perfect choice. You’ll feel fulfilled as you indulge in the dishes prepared by chefs who are experts in local ingredients. Staying at a gourmet ryokan allows you to enjoy a luxurious experience, falling asleep right after a sumptuous meal.
Yamanashi
A Long-Established Sushi Restaurant Where You Can Enjoy Exquisite Dishes That Highlight the Craftsmanship
Fukuzushi Main Branch, located about a 15-minute walk from JR Kofu Station, has been serving customers since 1970. Operated by a second-generation owner trained in a prestigious Ginza restaurant, this traditional sushi establishment brings the art of sushi-making to Yamanashi Prefecture, a landlocked region. The menu features expertly prepared seasonal fish, including "Seto Inland Abalone," "Seared Monkfish Liver," "Marinated Sushi," and "Fresh Sea Eel Sushi." The "Seasonal Delicacies Course," which combines sushi with creative seasonal dishes, is a must-try. Visitors can also enjoy a unique sushi-making experience, complete with a traditional headband, making it a memorable part of their trip.
Hyogo
Beloved by Locals for Authentic Japanese Cuisine
This Japanese restaurant is approximately a 10-minute drive from JR Sasayamaguchi Station. The owner and chef, who have experience training in Osaka, use their skills while considering what their customers want and only serve dishes that they themselves believe are delicious, offering dishes such as "Otsukuri Gozen (Sashimi set meal)," which features an assortment of recommended fresh fish. As they source seasonal ingredients, the menu changes depending on the season, and they aim for local production and consumption, so they use vegetables from Tanba Sasayama City as much as possible and Koshihikari rice that has been lovingly grown locally. In addition to purchasing sake from a local sake brewery in the hopes of supporting the local area, they also stock a selection of shochu carefully selected by the owner.
Osaka
Savour Seasonal Specialities Like Hamo and Fugu in a Private Japanese Room
"Hachiko, Traditional Japanese Cuisine" is conveniently located approximately a 5-minute walk from Higashi-Umeda Station on the Osaka Metro, right next to Ohatsutenjin Shrine (Tsuyuten Shrine). The restaurant serves kaiseki cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients, such as hamo (conger eel) in summer and fugu (pufferfish) in winter, and can flexibly adjust the menu to accommodate individual preferences. The interior exudes a calm Japanese ambience, offering a wide variety of private rooms: tatami rooms for two or more guests, sunken kotatsu rooms, and table rooms, along with a banquet hall that accommodates up to 80 guests. It is an ideal setting for diverse occasions, including business dinners, family celebrations, and large banquets.
Kouchi
Seasonal Ingredients and One-of-a-Kind Japanese Cuisine
This authentic Japanese restaurant requires reservations in advance. There are two course options available, priced at 8,800 yen and 13,200 yen, both featuring "seared bonito." The bonito is grilled over Tosa binchotan charcoal and sourced from Kochi Prefecture. The restaurant's name, "Yuinchi," comes from the Ryukyu dialect, meaning "a place full of abundance where trade goods come from all over," which reflects the thriving trade during the Ryukyu Kingdom era (the historical name of the Okinawa region). True to its name, the restaurant uses seasonal ingredients throughout the year to create unique dishes that highlight the freshest flavors. Additionally, the food is presented on a variety of tableware, including pottery and antiques collected from across the country, as well as pieces by contemporary artists, making the dining experience a visual delight.
Search for Restaurants Where You Can Eat Gourmet Seafood by Area
When thinking of seafood, Japanese cuisine may come to mind, but fresh seafood is also a key ingredient in French and Italian dishes. For example, seafood pasta, bouillabaisse, and poached fish all rely on fresh ingredients. Oysters, spiny lobster, and abalone are often used in French and Italian cuisine as well. For a romantic date or a special family trip, consider visiting an Italian or French restaurant to enjoy these gourmet seafood dishes.
Kanagawa
A Modern Izakaya Blending Japanese and Western Flavours
Just a 5-minute walk from JR Yokohama Station (East Exit) and one minute from Shin-Takashima Station, this modern izakaya blends a relaxed café mood with stylish dining flair. Inside, find an inviting mix of antique-style tables, sunken kotatsu tatami seats, and cozy counter spots—perfect for anything from girls’ gatherings to date nights or parties. The menu stands out with playful originals: the "Grilled Silver Salmon Set" inspired by Japanese-style afternoon tea, the ultra-thick "Smile Pork Ginger," and the bonito-rich "Gentle Set." Stop by during café hours for their signature soufflé pancakes, available in four tempting flavours.
Chiba
A Restaurant Showcasing Fresh Local Ingredients
This Western restaurant is located inside "Minori no Sato Togane," a roadside station. It offers a wide range of locally sourced dishes and desserts, including pasta made with seasonal ingredients. The glass-walled interior creates a bright, open atmosphere. Additionally, "strawberry picking" is available at the roadside station from winter to spring.
Toyama
Italian Dining Highlighting the Distinct Taste of Toyama
Located in Shinminato, Toyama Prefecture, this Italian restaurant is a hidden gem, renovated from a 100-year-old traditional Japanese house. The nostalgic, tranquil interior and a courtyard that reflects the beauty of each season create an extraordinary dining experience. The restaurant serves only the "Omakase Course," showcasing the bounty of Toyama. Thanks to its coastal setting, the menu features fresh local fish delivered every morning, alongside other carefully selected regional ingredients. Guests can savour Italian cuisine unique to this area, complemented by a curated wine selection. The owner’s wish to "inspire affection for the town" is infused in every detail of the restaurant.
Kyoto
A Culinary Spot Featuring Locally Sourced Seasonal Delicacies
"Kyokaido Gourmet Market" is a culinary destination showcasing seafood and agricultural products from Miyazu City, Kyoto - also known as the "Kyoto of the Sea". This multi-purpose facility offers a convenient way to enjoy the flavours of the region all in one place. The "Kyokaido Bakery" is known for its soft French bread, approximately 60 cm in length, baked fresh throughout the day. The retail section features ham and sausages produced by Tango Foods, the local company that operates the facility. At "Kyokaido Cafe", visitors can enjoy dishes made with ingredients from Miyazu City. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays after 5:00 P.M., the café transforms into an Italian night bar, offering craft beer and wine alongside its seasonal fare.
Search for Italian and French Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Gourmet Seafood by Area
During road trips, you may come across roadside stations or tourist markets and streets offering takeout seafood delights such as kushiyaki (grilled skewers), grilled oysters in their shells, and mini seafood bowls loaded with fresh ingredients. This takeout style allows you to easily enjoy local and B-class gourmet food unique to the region, making it a popular option for family trips with children or casual outings with friends.
Hyogo
Beloved by Locals for Authentic Japanese Cuisine
This Japanese restaurant is approximately a 10-minute drive from JR Sasayamaguchi Station. The owner and chef, who have experience training in Osaka, use their skills while considering what their customers want and only serve dishes that they themselves believe are delicious, offering dishes such as "Otsukuri Gozen (Sashimi set meal)," which features an assortment of recommended fresh fish. As they source seasonal ingredients, the menu changes depending on the season, and they aim for local production and consumption, so they use vegetables from Tanba Sasayama City as much as possible and Koshihikari rice that has been lovingly grown locally. In addition to purchasing sake from a local sake brewery in the hopes of supporting the local area, they also stock a selection of shochu carefully selected by the owner.
Hokkaido
Signature Beef Cutlet and Shabu-Shabu Dishes to Savor
This izakaya has a wide variety of menu items, including shabu-shabu, seafood dishes, and the specialty beef cutlet. It is run by a meat wholesaler, so you can enjoy shabu-shabu at a reasonable price. In addition to meat dishes such as tender beef cutlet and fresh seafood, there are many dishes that focus on dashi, such as udon and oden.
Hokkaido
Freshly Grilled Oysters, Unique to the Area, Available on the Street Corner
A restaurant offering live seafood from Hokkaido, delivered fresh and full of vitality. Outside, grilled items can be casually enjoyed in a food stall-like setting, while inside, regional specialties such as "Kaki soba (soba noodles with oysters)" and "Kaki chazuke (rice with oysters and broth)" showcase local ways of eating. Plump, satisfying oysters are served raw in summer and grilled hot on the spot in winter. The savoury broth that pools inside the shells is also a delicacy, enhanced with a touch of lemon or Tabasco for extra flavour. Oysters are sourced from various regions depending on the season, including Akkeshi, Senposhi in Kushiro Town, Shiriuchi, and Lake Saroma - offering the opportunity to compare subtle differences in taste. Another highlight from "the grill" is the hotate (scallop), large and rich in umami, perfect for enjoying fresh off the fire.
Kyoto
A Culinary Spot Featuring Locally Sourced Seasonal Delicacies
"Kyokaido Gourmet Market" is a culinary destination showcasing seafood and agricultural products from Miyazu City, Kyoto - also known as the "Kyoto of the Sea". This multi-purpose facility offers a convenient way to enjoy the flavours of the region all in one place. The "Kyokaido Bakery" is known for its soft French bread, approximately 60 cm in length, baked fresh throughout the day. The retail section features ham and sausages produced by Tango Foods, the local company that operates the facility. At "Kyokaido Cafe", visitors can enjoy dishes made with ingredients from Miyazu City. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays after 5:00 P.M., the café transforms into an Italian night bar, offering craft beer and wine alongside its seasonal fare.
Search for Takeout Seafood Gourmet Food by Area
