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.
Kochi
A Restaurant with a Wide Variety of Menu Items Located Close to the Scenic Katsurahama Beach
Located near Katsurahama Beach, a popular tourist spot in Kochi City, this restaurant offers hearty set meals (note: side dishes shown in the photo are not included) and a wide selection of local seafood at reasonable prices. Non-seafood options are also available, making it a flexible choice for all diners. The space includes both table seating and raised tatami seating, making it family-friendly for those visiting with young children. With its relaxed atmosphere and strong local character, it’s an ideal stop for lunch during a visit to Katsurahama.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Kagawa
A Long-Established Restaurant Serving High-Quality Japanese and Seafood Cuisine
Located about a 5-minute walk from JR Yashima Station, "Uonatsu" is a Japanese and seafood restaurant with roots dating back to 1917 as a fishmonger. Utilizing the expertise and techniques honed over its long history, the owner personally selects fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea every morning. The restaurant offers high-quality Japanese cuisine in a calm atmosphere. Private and semi-private rooms with sunken kotatsu seating provide an ideal setting for important gatherings. The counter seating is perfect for solo diners to enjoy food and sake casually. A spacious hall with a stage and karaoke is also available, making it suitable for year-end and New Year parties, welcome and farewell gatherings, and meals during sightseeing tours.
Tokushima
A Seafood Izakaya That Prides Itself on the Freshness of Naruto's Seasonal Ingredients
"Sakanabatake" is easily accessible, about a 1 - minute walk from JR Naruto Station. This seafood izakaya is always busy with locals, tourists, and people visiting from far away to enjoy the freshest seasonal seafood at reasonable prices. The owner, who honed his skills in hotels and Japanese cuisine, offers his signature creative cuisine. The repertoire is wide ranging from Japanese to Western cuisine. The recommended dishes of the day are written on the board, so be sure to check them out, such as the "Assorted Sashimi Platter" with five types of fresh fish, and the "Tempura Platter" with shrimp, sardines, and kisses. The spacious restaurant is fully equipped with private rooms and sunken kotatsu seats.
Hokkaido
Savour the Best of Hokkaido's Fresh Seasonal Produce in Tomakomai
"Shunkashuto Katsugyo Ryori Hokkai", a long-established Japanese restaurant, is located in Nishiki Town, a vibrant area, just a 10-minute walk from JR Tomakomai Station. They offer sashimi and creative dishes using fresh, seasonal seafood mainly sourced from Hokkaido. In the center of the restaurant, there is a large fish tank surrounded by counter seats where you can observe rare seasonal fish like Matsukawa flounder, a premium fish known for its thick white meat, swimming around. The seafood is caught from the tank and cooked to order, ensuring freshness. The restaurant also provides private rooms, ideal for hosting guests or celebrating special occasions such as anniversaries.
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.
Fukui
Enjoy the Gourmet Delights of Hokuriku, Japan’s Food Haven
Conveniently located approximately a 12-minute walk from JR Fukui Station and approximately a 5-minute walk from Fukui Railway Fukui Castle Site Daimyocho Station. This Japanese restaurant is located in the Hamacho area, which once flourished as a high-end restaurant district, along the Asuwa-gawa River, famous for its cherry blossoms. Opened in March 2024 by the owner who served as head chef at the Japanese cuisine and teppanyaki restaurant "Mikuni" on the outskirts of Fukui City, the restaurant offers a traditional kaiseki course meal that makes use of seasonal ingredients from mainly the Hokuriku region, including Echizen crab sourced from Echizen Fishing Port and Mikuni Port. The highlight of the course is the tempura, which adds a touch of Japanese cuisine. Enjoy the true essence of Japanese cuisine along with the owner's performance behind the counter
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
Authentic Edomae Sushi in Kitashinchi , Osaka
Sushi Hiromi in Kitashinchi, Osaka, reopened in September 2023.The menu offers three courses of omakase, "Yo," "Katsu," and "Haru," featuring a wide variety of fresh fish from the Osaka Kizu Wholesale Market served with sweet rice.The owner himself has completed this course through repeated trial and error until he was satisfied with the results, and the large number of items, including red and white fish, gunkan, and a la carte dishes, will satisfy your appetite.Another feature of the restaurant is the combination of seasonal ingredients.Enjoy the warm personality of the owner, and enjoy the finest sushi in a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.
Niigata
Enjoy the Blessings of Niigata's Sea and Mountains in a Relaxing Private Room
A 140 - year - old Japanese restaurant located just off the street, about a 12 - minute walk from Niigata Station. While inheriting tradition and techniques, they pursue new possibilities for Japanese cuisine by incorporating new Dish methods and presentations that suit the times. The restaurant is famous for its various sushi kaiseki dishes, which are a fusion of Japanese cuisine and sushi made with seasonal ingredients from the sea and mountains. You can also enjoy Niigata's specialties such as black - throated blackthroat, Nanban shrimp, and Murakami beef, as well as sashimi served in hand - carved ice - crafted vessels. Niigata's famous sake is also available, and many fans come from outside the prefecture to enjoy Niigata's delicious ingredients and alcohol.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Hokkaido
Premium Sea Urchin Dishes by a Long-Standing Seafood Wholesaler
"Uni no Sato" is conveniently located approximately a minute's walk from JR Hakodate Station. Located in the area of Hakodate Morning Market, a popular tourist spot in Hakodate City, Hokkaido, this sea urchin specialty restaurant is run by a seafood wholesaler and serves fresh seafood that only a wholesaler can provide. For sea urchin lovers, the restaurant offers a luxurious selection of dishes that showcase the natural sweetness and rich flavor of uni, along with a variety of seafood from Hokkaido. Highlights include the "Sea Urchin and Abalone Bowl", generously topped with both delicacies, and the "Two-Color Bowl", featuring seasonal portions of bafun and purple sea urchin. This is a restaurant that you should definitely stop by to commemorate your trip to Hakodate.
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 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.
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.
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