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.
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.
Mie
A Wide Variety of Ise-Shima Souvenirs
There is a wide selection of products, from classic souvenirs that are synonymous with Ise - Shima to niche rare items. There are 4 stores in total, and the Toba Flagship Store also has a restaurant where you can enjoy the blessings of Ise - Shima, and a spacious parking lot is also a great feature. If you come to Ise - Shima, this is a place you definitely want to stop by.
Shimane
A Japanese Restaurant Filled With the Flavors of Shimane Prefecture
As an official merchant of Izumo Taisha Shrine, this long - established restaurant is said to have served food to Emperor Taisho and Emperor Showa. There is a family crest next to the entrance, and the interior of the store is Japanese - style with a strong wooden impression, typical of a store near Izumo Taisha Shrine. Since it is within walking distance of Izumo Taisha Shrine, it is not only used for meals while sightseeing, but also used by locals for banquets and receptions. The menu includes "Seafood Bowl" where you can enjoy seafood from the Sea of Japan, "Uzuni" which the first generation learned at Izumo Taisha Shrine 130 years ago, and "Enmusubi Zen" which was registered as a project by the Shimane Prefecture Tourism Division. We also offer a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, with a focus on Junmai Ginjo made by a local sake brewing company. Enjoy traditional flavors with famous sake.
Ibaraki
Enjoy the View of Oarai Port and Fresh Seafood
A seafood restaurant near Oarai Port. It is loved by locals and tourists alike, along with the affiliated restaurants "Uo Heaven Seafood Restaurant" and "Fresh Kaiten Sushi." You can enjoy impressive seafood bowls and juicy fried foods while facing a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. I can't stop using my chopsticks for seasonal seafood.
Aomori
“Eat Oma’s Seasonal Produce” Such as Tuna and Sea Urchin
A restaurant located in Omasaki, the northernmost tip of Honshu. Speaking of Oma, tuna fishing has a history of over 100 years. The owner of this shop, known only to those in the know among tuna fishermen, is the No. 38 Miyoshi Maru fisherman who, in 2001 and 2013, set the highest bid price ever for a father and son. The owner, who is also a fisherman, works as a team to keep the restaurant lively, with his wife doing the Dish. Our specialty is tuna, which is handled in - house from landing to processing. In addition to tuna dishes such as the "3 - color tuna bowl" and "3 - color tuna sashimi set meal" with large fatty tuna, medium fatty tuna, and red meat, you can also enjoy set meals and a la carte dishes of atka mackerel.
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.
Aomori
Authentic Cuisine and Hospitality Made With All Our Heart
A creative dining restaurant that opened in Aomori City in 2004 and has continued to be loved by locals ever since its opening. We are particular about seasonal cuisine and Aomori ingredients, and serve heart - warming, authentic cuisine, incorporating carefully selected ingredients such as seasonal seafood purchased from the market and Kuroge Wagyu beef. The word "kokoro" in the restaurant's name comes from the idea of "valuing heartfelt customer service," and the restaurant offers delicious food and warm hospitality. The store is crowded with locals, tourists, and businessmen, and is used for a variety of purposes. Various events are held every month, and it's great that you can experience something new every time you visit.
Chiba
Enjoy Carefully Selected Sushi, Sake, and A La Carte Dishes at Otaki
"Sushidokoro Mizuki" is located in Otaki Castle Town, Otaki, Isumi County, Chiba Prefecture, a place connected to Tadakatsu Honda. The inside of the restaurant is much more spacious than you might imagine from the outside, and there is also a tatami room for groups. There are also seats available for people in wheelchairs. The ingredients used for the carefully made sushi are all based on the owner's motto of offering the most delicious food of the season, without being particular about the place of origin. Also, the a la carte dishes made with fresh fish caught in the waters around Sotobo are delicious. It goes perfectly with the over 60 types of sake we always have in stock. You can also find local sake such as "Otakijo" and "Koshikoi".
Shimane
Handcrafted Japanese Cuisine with Local Ingredients from the San’in Region
This Japanese restaurant is located along the banks of the Ohashi River in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. The chef carefully prepares dishes such as sashimi and tempura using fresh ingredients from the San’in region, sourced daily. The interior features both counter seating and private rooms, offering a calm and comfortable atmosphere. A thoughtfully curated selection of local sake is also available to complement the flavors of each dish.
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.
Search for Pubs Where You Can Eat Gourmet Seafood by Area
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.
Nagasaki
Enjoy Dishes Made With Carefully Selected Ingredients in Sasebo
Located in an area near the Sasebo River, "Kanda Kanda" serves attractive cuisine that takes advantage of the characteristics of the ingredients. Reservations are required and meals are carefully prepared for each individual. The restaurant is popular for its relaxing atmosphere where you can enjoy conversations with the owner and relax without feeling nervous.
Tochigi
Japanese Kaiseki Cuisine Made with Tochigi Ingredients Served in a Private Room
Japanese Restaurant Tajima is located in Hotel New Itaya near Utsunomiya Station, where you can enjoy seasonal flavors in a luxurious private room. The kaiseki cuisine is packed with flavor and seasonal ingredients from locally sourced ingredients, and the dishes vary depending on the season, day and night, so you'll want to come back again and again.
Kochi
Tosa Cuisine, Prepared by Highly Skilled Chefs, Appealing to All Five Senses
At Ryotei Hamacho, you can enjoy Japanese cuisine made with ingredients produced in the land of Tosa, which is rich in food, seasoned with dashi, seasonings, and condiments, and presented in a seasonal style. You can enjoy delicious food that stimulates all five senses, such as the beautiful appearance, the exciting aroma, the texture that predicts the taste, and the sound you can hear from the crunch. One of the attractions is the ozashiki play, an essential part of the Tosa drinking party, where you can mingle with geishas, locals, and waitresses. We have prepared games that will make you laugh, from bekuhai and chopstick fisting to the Shibaten Dance performed in harmony with song. Indulge in exquisite cuisine and playful moments with geisha, and let yourself forget the passage of time in the enchanting "Tosa Time."
Shiga
Dishes Made with Fresh Ingredients and Outstanding Techniques
Uosei is a restaurant where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine that incorporates seasonal produce from Shiga Prefecture. Our seasonal kaiseki cuisine is made with seasonal ingredients such as home - grown pesticide - free vegetables, and is prepared by experienced chefs, with a focus on fresh fish with just the right amount of fat, which is delivered directly from Obama every morning. , the colors are vivid. Inside the hotel, where you can feel at ease with the seasonal flowers arranged throughout, there are rooms suitable for family gatherings, auspicious events, Buddhist services, welcome and farewell parties, entertainment, etc., such as table seats and Japanese - style rooms, which can be selected according to the number of guests and the occasion. are completed. We want you to enjoy a blissful moment of refined and luxurious kaiseki in a relaxing, high - quality space.
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.
Yamanashi
Enjoy Teppanyaki Cuisine in a Luxurious Space
Teppanyaki restaurant in Kofu City, Yamanashi. In a luxurious setting, enjoy exquisite locally sourced dishes, including "Koshu Beef," premium Japanese Black Wagyu. A must-try is the "100% Japanese Black Wagyu Rare Hamburger." The outside is grilled to a crisp, while the inside remains rare and juicy, offering a rich umami flavor with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. For steaks, carefully selected rare cuts of A4 and A5 grade Japanese Black Wagyu are used, enhanced by a flavorful sauce made with plenty of Kujo green onions. The restaurant also offers an excellent selection of alcoholic beverages, including handpicked Koshu wine from Yamanashi and "Hakushu" whiskey, both perfectly paired with meat dishes. A wide variety of local wines is also available on tap.
Osaka
Luxurious Dinner with a Night View
The restaurant's large windows overlook the Okawa River and Tenmabashi Bridge.At night, you can enjoy "Oiseushi," a brand of beef from Mie Prefecture, and fresh oysters while gazing at the glittering night view of the blue-lit Okawa River and the lights of the city.
Hiroshima
Enjoy Hiroshima's Delicacies in an Open Seat Overlooking the Seto Inland Sea
ZONA FORTUNATO is located in Sunami Seaside Park, about 20 minutes by car from the center of Mihara City, Hiroshima. You can enjoy your meal while looking out at the Seto Inland Sea from all seats. Enjoy dishes that incorporate plenty of Hiroshima's blessings, such as octopus caught in the Seto Inland Sea, oysters and local shrimp from Hiroshima, Setouchi six-grain pork, aged chicken aged at low temperatures, and Setouchi beef. Drinks made with fresh citrus juice and Setouchi lemon are also delicious. Reservations are required for dinner. The perfect location can be used for a wide range of occasions, including wedding ceremonies and receptions.
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.
Kyoto
A Sushi Restaurant in Saiin, Kyoto That Is Particular About Natural Fish and Vegetables
A sushi restaurant about 13 minutes walk from Tambaguchi Station on the JR Sagano Line. This restaurant is run by a proprietor who wants people to enjoy sushi in a casual manner, and strives to create a customer - centered restaurant. You can visit anytime during business hours, and you can even use it with your baby. They serve sushi and other dishes according to the customer's pace. For dinner, we recommend the "General's Omakase Nigiri Course" where you can enjoy 12 pieces of nigiri. We use ingredients that are kind to the body, such as sushi vinegar and salt that do not contain chemical seasonings, and vegetables that do not use pesticides as much as possible. I want to fully enjoy sushi made with fresh, natural seafood.
Hiroshima
A Dual-Purpose Restaurant That Transforms Into a Café During the Day and an Izakaya at Night
A store located within walking distance from the Hiroshima Electric Railway Chuden-mae stop. During lunchtime, the restaurant offers poke bowls, set meals, and pizza toast at reasonable prices. A popular choice is the "poke bowl," available in a wide variety of flavors, from classic Hawaiian to Korean yukhoe and spicy options. At night, it transforms into a pub. They offer "gansu," a local dish of minced fish mixed with onions and chili peppers and deep-fried, "four kinds of seafood assortment," including cute octopus, and "three kinds of chicken fillet" topped with wasabi and plum perilla. You can enjoy hearty kushikatsu. There is also an all-you-can-drink menu, perfect for banquets and after-parties. Takeout is available both day and night.
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