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.
Kouchi
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.
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.
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.
Iwate
Enjoy Fresh Seafood That Can Only Be Found in Stores Directly Managed by Fisheries Producers
A restaurant and direct sales facility directly managed by a fisheries industry, located about a 10 - minute walk from BRT Ofunato Station on the JR Ofunato Line. From seafood caught in the waters near Ofunato, where the Oyashio and Kuroshio Currents collide, a rich fishing ground, to farmed products such as scallops and oysters, you can only find fresh seafood lined up in stores directly managed by fisheries producers. The seafood on display at the store can be cut into sashimi, or cooked and eaten on the spot (separate Dish fee required). At the cafeteria, you can enjoy Sanriku seafood such as fries and sashimi, as well as the standard scallop and oyster set meal, which you can eat while grilling on the grill attached to the table.
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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.
Gifu
Expertly Handled Seafood From a Trusted Fish Shop
A long-established fish shop in Gifu City with an eat-in space, in operation since its founding in 1910. After generations of operating solely as a fresh fish retailer, the fourth-generation owner began serving prepared dishes in-store to share professional knowledge on selecting, preparing, and appreciating seafood. Seasonal fish is expertly prepared in full view, offering a unique experience at a specialty fish shop. Efforts also extend beyond the shop through workshops and takeout options that make it easier to enjoy fish at home. To introduce children growing up in landlocked Gifu to the appeal of seasonal seafood, tuna-cutting demonstrations featuring whole bluefin tuna are held at kindergartens and at local events such as the Dosan Festival in spring and the Gifu Nobunaga Festival in autumn.
Ishikawa
A Sushi Bar That Continues the Tradition of Kanazawa City's Popular Conveyor Belt Sushi Restaurant
"Sushi Izakaya Raku", which opened in September 2024, offers a fusion of sushi, traditional Japanese cuisine, and izakaya-style dining. The restaurant carries on the legacy of "Saemon", a beloved conveyor belt sushi restaurant in Kanazawa that closed in February the same year, while incorporating the flavours of its sister restaurant "Uoshou" for an even more refined menu. Dishes are served on Kutani ware, a traditional craft of Ishikawa, enhancing the experience. The menu features a range of Japanese dishes, including sushi made with seasonal seafood delivered fresh each morning from Kanazawa Port. Ideal for both casual dining and enjoying local cuisine during your trip, the meal pairs perfectly with sake from Ishikawa and the wider Hokuriku region.
Hokkaido
Known for Its Seafood and Smoky Charcoal-Grilled Specialties
The restaurant offers dishes that go well with alcohol, using seasonal ingredients, such as charcoal-grilled fish and meat, sashimi, and hearty, fatty "Hokke no Hiraki (Atka mackerel)", rare "Tako Tonbi" (octopus beak meat) ,and charcoal-grilled "Tachi (Pacific cod milt)". The menu changes depending on the season, so you'll want to come back again and again.
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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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.
Kouchi
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.
Tokyo
Pioneering Japanese Cuisine Pairings
"Nogizaka Shin," approximately a 2-minute walk from Nogizaka Station on the Tokyo Metro, carefully explores the possibilities between Japanese cuisine and wine, offering essential pairings that harmonize with each dish. Free from formal titles, the restaurant continues to pursue the essence of Japanese cuisine and pairing, allowing even those less familiar with Japanese cuisine to sense its depth and appeal. While grounded in seasonality and culinary culture, the restaurant values both continuity and new ideas, and accommodates vegetarian and gluten-free diets. English-speaking staff is also available, with attentive, easy-to-understand service.
Kyoto
Savour Exquisite Japanese Tiger Pufferfish Prepared for Ultimate Freshness
Founded about 45 years ago in Osaka, "Guenpin Kyoto Gion" is a specialty restaurant dedicated to Japanese tiger pufferfish. Conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station and 11 minutes from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, it stands near Yasaka Shrine with a luxurious white exterior as its landmark. Through unique techniques, the restaurant ensures that farmed Japanese tiger pufferfish achieve the same quality as wild-caught ones, offering a wide variety of exceptionally fresh dishes year-round. The menu ranges from casual à la carte selections to luxurious courses featuring carefully chosen wild Japanese tiger pufferfish delivered directly from Shimonoseki, the pufferfish capital. From April to October, seasonal eel dishes are also available, adding to the dining experience.
Shimane
Enjoy the Finest San'in Delicacies and Live Crab
A celebrated Japanese restaurant in Matsue City, renowned for showcasing seasonal ingredients sourced from across the San'in region. A large on-site tank holds a rotating selection of fresh seafood landed locally throughout the year, prepared à la minute for an exceptional dining experience. The rare opportunity to savor live crab year-round—ranging from lively snow crab to wintertime Matsuba crab—sets this establishment apart. Another highlight is the popular "Shinjiko Shitchin Seiromeshi", a signature steamed rice dish featuring all seven famed delicacies of Lake Shinji. Conveniently located near JR Matsue Station, the restaurant maintains an approachable ambiance despite its refined setting, attracting both locals and travelers seeking an authentic taste of Matsue.
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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.
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.
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.
Aomori
Taste and Landscape Engaging All Five Senses
This restaurant with a spectacular view specializes in ingredients from the Northern Ou region of Aomori and Iwate prefectures. Lunch offers a limited-edition seasonal local fish course, as well as à la carte dishes featuring pasta and grilled dishes. Dinner offers a creative French and Italian course menu, offering a "special and familiar" experience.
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.
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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.
Kanagawa
Tiered Food Boxes Showcasing Carefully Selected Ingredients
"Maguro Oju, Sakamachi - Kamakura Komachi" is a 3-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Kamakura Station, serving authentic "Maguro oju (in a tiered boxe)" made with carefully selected bluefin tuna, "Kamakura vegetables," and wasabi from Shizuoka, highlighting the qualities of each ingredient; the dishes feature fresh tuna and shirasu prepared to emphasize natural flavors, paired with house-made red vinegar rice, along with a selection of beer and sake that complements seafood, all presented in a warm, wood-accented modern Japanese setting suitable for a relaxed visit during sightseeing or lunch in Kamakura.
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
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.
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