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.
Search by Area
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
A Cafe for Desserts and Savory Plates
This cafe is located near the "Matsuyama Castle Ropeway Station" in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. The signature shaved ice, made with homemade syrup, is a hugely popular menu item, selling around 5,000 bowls in a summer. In addition to meals like lunch and sea bream rice, they also serve sweets and drinks, making it a relaxing spot.
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.
Chiba
Enjoy Grilled Seafood With a Focus on Fresh Local Seafood
Hamachaya Amimoto is a restaurant located in Kujukuri Town, Chiba Prefecture, where you can enjoy grilled seafood and Japanese cuisine while looking out at the Kujukuri sea. In the spacious space with large windows and high ceilings, you can enjoy local turban shells, clams, abalone, and more in a hamayaki style. Kujukuri's famous sardines, which are extremely fresh, not bitter, and reasonably priced, are also popular, as is the tuna bukkake bowl, which is available in limited quantities. I'm happy that my beloved family members, my beloved dogs and cats, can spend time with me in the companion seat of the tatami room. Groups with dogs are also welcome.
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.
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.
Kouchi
Vintage Signs and Local Kochi Specialties
This retro, Showa-era izakaya is a popular spot in Kochi Prefecture, renowned for its local cuisine, including seared bonito, regional specialities, and the nostalgic "Kochi mom's fried rice." The selection of Kochi sake, widely acclaimed nationwide, is sure to satisfy both tourists and locals."
Kouchi
A Chef’s Choice Menu at the L-Shaped Bar You’ll Want to Visit Again
A cozy sake bar adjacent to the terrace at the popular "Shimanto+Terrace Harenoba," located approximately a 3-minute walk from Shimanto City Hall in Kochi Prefecture. Known for its omakase dishes made with local fish, vegetables, and seasonal ingredients, this bar offers a unique dining experience. From 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., enjoy the chef's special course dishes and sake, and from around 8:30 P.M. until closing, savor standard menu items, small plates, and snacks for a casual drink, finishing with rice dishes or desserts. The horseshoe-shaped counter, surrounding the open kitchen, has only eight seats, so it is recommended to reserve in advance.
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.
Ishikawa
A Quaint Izakaya Where You Can Enjoy Seasonal Ingredients from Hokuriku
An izakaya with a modern brick exterior, located in a prime spot about a 5‑minute walk from the Kenrokuen exit of JR Kanazawa Station. Nestled in a quiet alley, this hidden gem is popular with both locals and tourists. Seafood is sourced from Omicho Market, where seasonal ingredients from Hokuriku are gathered, and the restaurant insists on using only natural seafood. Driven by the president's conviction that while expensive and delicious food is expected, offering affordable yet equally delicious options is essential, high‑quality ingredients are served at a reasonable price. Notably, "Hachimaru's" specialty, Nodoguro (Akamutsu), is renowned for its generous size and affordable price. Savor your meal in an ambiance that evokes the charm of old Kanazawa.
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.
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.
Yamaguchi
"Fuku Restaurant" Where You Can Feel "Happy"
Located in Tokuyama, the birthplace of longline fishing, "Fukudokoro Kai" offers an authentic fugu (pufferfish) dining experience. This modern-style fugu restaurant is nestled near the port, slightly away from the city center. The dining space provides a comfortable, semi-private atmosphere where guests can enjoy fresh, high-quality ingredients served in robust Imashiro ware bowls under soft lighting. The restaurant also boasts a wide selection of Japanese sake, including "Kai," crafted specifically for fugu hire-zake (grilled pufferfish fin-infused sake), as well as shochu and plum wine—allowing diners to fully immerse themselves in a "Ko-fuku (happiness-filled)" experience. Signature dishes include "Fugu no Sumibi Yaki" marinated in a special sauce, and hearty fugu dishes are available year-round.
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.
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.
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.
Shizuoka
Spend a Special Day with your Loved One in this Restaurant
"il ponte" is located in Tadehara, Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and is a cafe and restaurant with a Southern European vibe, featuring a spacious terrace. This popular restaurant specializes in authentic European cuisine, particularly Italian dishes. The terrace is adorned with lovely flowers and greenery during the day, while the restaurant's interior offers a view of the starry sky at night, evoking a sensation of being at a foreign resort. The menu boasts a wide array of colorful dishes, including various, pastas, meat dishes, and salads made with fresh vegetables. The restaurant offers a variety of meal plans and courses designed to enhance occasions such as girls' nights out and anniversaries, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a special dining experience.
Mie
Seasonal Dishes of Kuwana Served in a Refined Traditional Space
This restaurant and wedding venue in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, is a modern-day revival of a long-established restaurant founded in the Meiji era. Guests may enjoy unhurried moments across a variety of spaces, including elegant private rooms in a sukiya-style building and the modern “The Garden Room,” filled with gentle natural light. For wedding ceremonies, guests can choose between a formal Japanese wedding or a sophisticated Western-style ceremony, with the beautiful, well-maintained garden as a backdrop. The restaurant serves visually stunning, creative French cuisine that exquisitely blends Japanese and Western styles, using generous amounts of local seasonal ingredients and the restaurant's specialty, clams. Unforgettable hospitality creates a fitting setting for cherished anniversaries and family milestones.
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.
Shimane
Dining Experience Built on Shimane Prefecture Wide Sourcing
Located within "Matsue Excel Hotel Tokyu," this restaurant is open to both hotel guests and visitors. Its name, "Mosoro Mosoro," reflects a local expression meaning "quietly and gently," and the cuisine follows this concept by bringing together ingredients gathered from across Shimane. The menu features both Japanese and Western dishes, allowing for a relaxed dining experience. Dinner offerings include Japanese courses with seasonal sashimi, "Shimane Wagyu Sirloin Steak," "Izumo Soba," and clear soup made with clams from Lake Shinji, as well as Western-style courses using ingredients from the Sanin region. The restaurant is well regarded by both locals and visitors to the area.
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.
Hokkaido
Enjoy Sushi and Small Bites in a Cozy, Inviting Space
Just about a 2-minute walk from Kotoni Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway, "Sushidokoro Misao" offers a warm welcome and masterfully crafted sushi. The owner, who trained for over 10 years at sushi restaurants in Sapporo and says he “loves sushi so much he could eat it every day," prepares each piece with great care, showcasing the rich flavors of fresh fish. During the day, guests can enjoy sushi at reasonable prices, while in the evening, the chef’s choice course and nigiri sets come highly recommended. The bright, clean, and cozy interior features both counter and table seating, making it perfect for solo diners, families with children, or a special meal with someone important.
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.
Hokkaido
Savour Seasonal Seafood Caught Near Otaru
Located approximately a 14-minute walk from JR Otaru Station, this kappo-style restaurant serves fresh sashimi and grilled dishes featuring seafood sourced from the nearby waters of Otaru. Hearty course and kaiseki meals made with seasonal ingredients are also available, with the menu tailored upon request at the time of booking.
Hokkaido
Street Corner Bites of Freshly Grilled Local Oysters
This restaurant serves live seafood from Hokkaido. Outside, grilled items are served in a casual, stall-style setting, while inside, the menu features regional dishes such as "Oyster Soba" and "Oyster Chazuke." The oysters, known for their large size and satisfying texture, are served raw in summer and freshly grilled in winter. The broth that collects in the shell is also part of the experience, with lemon or Tabasco added for extra flavor. Oysters from various regions—including Akkeshi, Senposhi in Kushiro, Shiriuchi, and Lake Saroma—are offered seasonally, allowing a comparison of different origins. Another highlight of the grill is scallops, served as large pieces with concentrated umami.
Search for Takeout Seafood Gourmet Food by Area
