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.
Miyagi
Enjoy Whale Dishes and Seafood Unique to the Oshika Peninsula
Cottu, a tourism and product exchange facility located in Whale Town Oshika, a tourist facility on the Oshika Peninsula, opened in October 2019 in Ayukawahama, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. "Seafood Restaurant Nagisa" inside is a restaurant operated by "Shimashu no Yado Sakai", an inn located on the peninsula. Ayukawa is famous for its whale dishes and seafood dishes. The minke whale sashimi set meal, which can only be served fresh, and the set meal using seafood caught off the coast of Mt. Kinka in Sanriku, one of the world's best fishing grounds, are recommended. You can use the lobby inside Cottu as well as inside the store. You can enjoy your meal while looking out at the sea from the terrace seats.
Kagawa
A Seafood Restaurant Operated by a Fresh Fish Store That Focuses on Local Production and Local Consumption
This seafood restaurant is located within the Toyohama Roadside Station and is run by a local fish shop that has been in business for three generations. With a focus on local production and local consumption, you can enjoy a variety of menus using fresh fish from the Seto Inland Sea and seasonal local ingredients. "Yamachi Zukedon (Shi)", which is a combination of thick hamachi marinated in homemade sauce and rich "Running Egg", and "O - shan Bento Shichifuku", a large bowl filled with seasonal fish, which is popular among women. All of the dishes, such as "Wan", are plentiful and reasonably priced. The daily set meals are also popular. Kanonji brand products such as the all - purpose soup stock used in the cafeteria, Ibuki sardine, and shrimp miso can also be purchased at the shop.
Tokyo
We Offer Only the Best Ingredients Selected by the Middleman's Landlady
A long - established sushi restaurant that continues from Tsukiji Market, located on the 3rd floor of Toyosu Market's Fisheries Intermediate Wholesale Building. With the motto of "Freshness First," the proprietress serves carefully selected seasonal seafood that remains fresh. The restaurant is so popular that even after its relocation, regular customers continue to visit it.
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.
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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.
Hiroshima
Custom-Made Course Meals Tailored to Your Tastes
A Japanese restaurant that requires reservations and is limited to a maximum of two groups per day, located about a 6-minute walk from the Hiroshima Electric Railway Komachi stop. They purchase ingredients only after receiving a reservation and always provide fresh ingredients. In addition to the standard main dishes such as eel, crab, sukiyaki, and hot pot, they also take requests into account and customize the course contents to suit your tastes, which is why it is popular. The head chef, who has over 30 years of experience in Japanese cuisine, has a reliable skill that brings out the best in ingredients, even when it comes to how they are cut and can accommodate a wide range of Japanese cuisine requests. Enjoy the exceptional cuisine prepared by Japanese culinary craftsmen.
Osaka
An Izakaya Serving the Freshest Local Chicken and Seafood
Opened in October 2021, this izakaya is located approximately a 4-minute walk from Osaka Metro Shinsaibashi Station. It prides itself on its commitment to freshness, serving a variety of seasonal dishes featuring high-quality jidori chicken and seafood. The owner’s meticulous attention to detail is evident not only in the flavors but also in the presentation. Designed to offer both a casual and slightly luxurious dining experience, "Sakedokoro Umaiya" features counter seating, private rooms, and sunken kotatsu-style tatami seating. The space can also be reserved for private gatherings of up to 20 people, making it an excellent choice for banquets and business meetings. If you're visiting Shinsaibashi, this spot is well worth a visit.
Hiroshima
A Hideaway-Like Spot Where You Can Fulfill Your Wishes
Located in Yagenbori, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City, this izakaya is like a hideaway for adults and has a private space with a sunken kotatsu. Dishes are characterized by using ingredients purchased directly from producers, ranging from dishes using fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, such as "assorted sashimi," "conger eel tempura," and "deep-fried local octopus." They have a wide selection of delicacies from the mountains and seas, including Hiroshima soul food such as homemade gansu and white meat tempura. One of the attractions is the extensive lineup of Japanese sake, with around 40 types always available, including local sake from Hiroshima and famous sake from all over the country. As the name suggests, this is a restaurant that will make your wishes come true, and you will want to get drunk to your heart's content.
Hyogo
An Izakaya Founded in 1974, Full of Local Love
A beloved izakaya located just a 2-minute walk from JR Sannomiya Station has been serving customers for over 40 years. The menu features specialties from Hyogo Prefecture, such as fresh fish caught during the daytime haul, locally brewed sake, and premium "Kobe Beef." The restaurant values connections with producers, using locally sourced vegetables to complement its dishes. Guests can enjoy Hyogo's culinary delights while supporting the revitalization of the local community. In addition to fresh seafood and Kobe beef, courses featuring black wagyu shabu-shabu are also popular. With its casual and welcoming atmosphere, it's an ideal spot for friends or colleagues to gather.
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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.
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.
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.
Yamagata
Creative Course Meals Using Local Ingredients
A creative Japanese cuisine restaurant where you can enjoy reasonably priced course meals using seafood from Shonai Beach and Yamagata beef. Enjoy your meal slowly while sipping on a variety of local sake. The recommended "Yonezawa beef sirloin steak" is marbled and delicious. It can be used for a wide variety of purposes, from banquets to small drinking parties.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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