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.
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.
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.
Aichi
Enjoy Raw Whitebait in One of Japan's Premier Whitebait Fishing Towns
"Marui Shoten Utsumi" is a restaurant offering whitebait dishes and souvenirs, located about a 10-minute walk from Nagoya Railroad Utsumi Station. Minamichita Town in Aichi is known for its rich whitebait fishing grounds, and this shop is directly managed by Marui Shoten, which specializes in processed seafood products. Recommended dishes include the popular "Nama Shirasu Don (raw whitebait bowl)" and "Namataki Shirasu Hitsumabushi (raw whitebait simmered in a special sauce with rice)", featuring "Namataki Shirasu Tsukudani (raw whitebait simmered in a special sauce)", which won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award. Other menu items include "Himono Teishoku (dried fish set meals)" and gelato. Enjoy a relaxing meal while selecting souvenirs such as tsukudani and dried fish in the store's food and drink corner. It's a must-visit during your trip.
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.
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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.
Miyazaki
Enjoy Fresh Seafood Delivered Directly from Aburatsu Fishing Port
"Bibi" is a word for fish in the Nichinan region. "Bibin - ya" is located in front of the fishermen's cooperative in Aburatsu Port, and offers 100 types of original dishes made with fresh local "bibi". The owner's special dish, which uses yellowfin or bigeye tuna depending on the dish, is hearty and reasonably priced. The most recommended course is the tuna course, which includes sashimi and steak, as well as unusual dishes such as tuna tempura with mustard soy sauce and simmered tuna tripe called gonguri. Ise lobsters, which are in season from September, are large in size and delicious with a soft texture. Let's enjoy extremely fresh spiny lobsters made with the blessings of the Kuroshio Current at a reasonable price.
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.
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.
Hiroshima
Enjoy the Hiroshima Nightlife With All-You-Can-Eat and Drink
"Enengakugaku Otemachi" is approximately a 5-minute walk from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima is also within walking distance, making it the perfect place for a get-together after a game. The high-quality menu, which defies the common sense of all-you-can-eat and drink, is sure to get the conversation flowing. In addition to a wide variety of Hiroshima specialties, including the "Kokusan-gyu Corne Aburi (lightly seared domestic beef corne)" which has been the most popular dish since the restaurant opened. "Kaki Cancan-yaki", oysters steamed in a can over an open flame, is a hearty optional dish worth adding. For those who wish to enjoy their meal without watching the clock, the restaurant also offers an unlimited time plan - a thoughtful touch for a relaxed dining experience.
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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.
Shizuoka
A Long-Established Sushi Restaurant in the Heart of Izunagaoka Onsen
This sushi and seafood restaurant is located in Izunagaoka Onsen Town, Shizuoka. The sushi rice is made with red vinegar, giving it a sweet taste and making it a favorite among locals. For lunch, you can enjoy the popular "Kaisendon" (seafood bowl), and there are plenty of other fish dishes available besides sushi. All are fresh and delicious, making them perfect as snacks.
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.
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.
Kochi
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.
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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.
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.
Miyagi
Casual Italian Restaurant That You Can Drop In to Easily
Located approximately a 1-minute walk from JR Matsushima Station, "Bene ITALIAN DINING" is a casual Italian restaurant offering a relaxed dining experience. A wide selection of dishes is available for both lunch and dinner, featuring seasonal local ingredients at reasonable prices. The drink menu is also extensive, including wine, cocktails, and beer, allowing for delightful pairings with the diverse menu. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant is ideal for family meals, casual gatherings, and parties. Breakfast service is also popular, with many customers stopping by for takeaway coffee or meals on their way to work.
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.
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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.
Aomori
A Casual Spot Inside the Station Offering Seafood and Local Sake
"Mutsuminato, Station Bar" is an izakaya located inside JR Mutsuminato Station. They serve only sake from the local Hachinohe Brewery, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of Aomori Prefecture along with their signature "Ekinaka Teishoku" (station set meal). It’s also enjoyable to plan your trip while savoring a delicious breakfast menu.
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.
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.
Hokkaido
Hidden Izakaya in Susukino for Drinks and Small Bites
A hidden izakaya tucked away in a back alley in the heart of Susukino, Sapporo. In a homey atmosphere, you can enjoy a menu that pairs well with sake, including the specialty grilled shabu-shabu, grilled fish, and yakitori. The alcohol selection mainly includes sake from Hokkaido, as well as corn shochu from the Tokachi region.
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