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.
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.
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.
Hyogo
Line-Caught Seafood Showcasing the Waters of Awaji Island
Located near Suntopia Marina in Sumoto City, Hyogo Prefecture, "Cafe Shokudo Oruca" offers seafood from Awaji Island and homemade sweets. The signature Oruca Seafood Bowl is prepared exclusively with wild, line-caught fish sourced directly from local fishermen, highlighting the natural flavor and texture of exceptionally fresh seafood. House-made sweets crafted from carefully selected local ingredients are also available, ideal as an after-meal dessert or for a relaxed café moment. Counter seating creates a welcoming, approachable setting suited to solo diners and families alike, while the warm, home-style ambience draws both local patrons and visitors. Seating is limited, and advance reservations are recommended.
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.
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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.
Hokkaido
Enjoy the Finest Fresh Fish in Sake Gaku
"Gaku, Fish and Sake" is located right next to the Goryokaku Park tram stop in Hakodate. It is highly rated by locals and tourists visiting Hakodate, who can enjoy elaborate, small-restaurant-style dishes using seasonal ingredients. The restaurant purchases fish daily from a long-time fishmonger at the Hakodate Jiyu Ichiba in Shinkawa-cho, known as the "chef's kitchen" of Hakodate, and the carefully selected ingredients for dishes such as "raw tuna" and "hairy crab in the shell" are all fresh and of high quality. Depending on the season, rare seafood is sometimes available, and it is a pleasant surprise to see rare fish such as "spotted bonito," which is caught in small quantities.
Tokyo
Savor the Flavors of Tosa at Shinjuku East Exit with Straw-Grilled Delicacies
Located just a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, this restaurant specializes in bold straw-grilled dishes. Experience the rich flavors of Kochi Prefecture’s sea, mountains, and rivers, with the highlight being the straw-roasted Tosa Hachikin Jidori chicken, prized for its intense flavor and premium fat. The menu includes fresh seafood like sardines, horse mackerel, mackerel, kibinago (silver-stripe round herring from Sukumo Bay), and dorome (young sardines), a rare local delicacy. Inspired by the Shimanto River, the serene interior features diverse seating options. Enjoy sunken kotatsu seats with the calming sound of a flowing river, private rooms for two, or larger spaces ideal for group gatherings, making it suitable for any occasion.
Hokkaido
A Dual-Concept Spot Offering Ramen and Izakaya Dining
"Nishijin" is located approximately a 6-minute drive from Monbetsu Racecourse in Hidaka Town, Saru County, Hokkaido, an area well known for horse breeding. It operates as a ramen restaurant during the day and as an izakaya with an extensive menu in the evening, earning a strong reputation among both locals and visitors for its high-quality dishes. The first floor features counter seating suitable for solo diners and a raised tatami area convenient for families with children, while the second floor offers a large hall that can accommodate group banquets. The restaurant provides flexible arrangements for various occasions, so inquiries can be made when making a reservation.
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.
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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.
Ishikawa
A Heartfelt Japanese Hideaway in Komatsu
This Japanese restaurant in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, primarily uses seasonal ingredients from the local area and the Hokuriku region. It serves dishes that are carefully selected for their freshness and seasonality. The tableware and setting incorporate traditional crafts from Ishikawa, and together with the food, you can immerse yourself in the "art of Japan" with all five senses. The restaurant's interior, built in the sukiya style, makes the most of the elegant building, creating a slightly more formal and sophisticated atmosphere than usual. The restaurant is renowned for its hospitality that caters to a wide range of generations. It also has a private annex, making it an ideal place to celebrate milestones in life, such as the first meal, a meeting between family members, or a longevity celebration. Many events are also held to promote the merits of Japanese cuisine to the younger generation.
Gifu
Unagi Glazed in a Secret House Sauce
"Namazuya Marunouchi" is located an 8-minute walk from Hashima City Hall Station on the Nagoya Railroad. Set in a warm, wooden interior, the restaurant serves traditional river fish dishes made with eel and carp. The 45-year-experienced chef grills the eel using traditional methods and finishes it with a secret sauce that has been refined over time. The "unaju (Grilled eel and rice in a lacquered box)" is renowned for its exquisite balance of eel, sauce, and rice. Other impressive and hearty options include the oke-mabushi, a rice bowl containing five long grilled eels, and the hitsumabushi, a rice bowl containing so much eel that it almost spills out of the lid.
Ehime
A "Hidden Retreat" for Fine Dishes and Select Sake
Facing Chifunemachi-dori in Matsuyama, this hideaway-style Japanese restaurant serves seasonal dishes made with seafood from the Seto Inland Sea and other mountain and sea ingredients, paired with local sake. At lunch, a limited Tensen set (15 servings per day) presents small portions of selected dinner favorites, arranged with careful attention to detail. The sake lineup features nine labels at all times, combining six core selections with three seasonal local brews. Inside, a white-wood counter and refined Japanese design elements create a calm, welcoming space, complemented by warm wood tones and discreet, well-paced service for a quietly relaxed dining experience.
Nagasaki
Enjoy Dishes Made With Carefully Selected Ingredients in Sasebo
Located in an area near the Sasebo River, "Kanda Kanda" serves attractive cuisine that takes advantage of the characteristics of the ingredients. Reservations are required and meals are carefully prepared for each individual. The restaurant is popular for its relaxing atmosphere where you can enjoy conversations with the owner and relax without feeling nervous.
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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.
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.
Kanagawa
A Relaxing French Hideaway in Kita-Kamakura
Located approximately a 7-minute walk from JR Kita-Kamakura Station, this hidden French restaurant serves dishes prepared entirely by the chef, highlighting the natural flavors of ingredients such as Kamakura vegetables and fresh seafood delivered directly from Kanazawa City in Ishikawa, the hometown of the madame. Drawing on training in France and Belgium as well as experience as executive chef at the residence of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium in Japan, the cuisine is carefully prepared with a restrained use of butter and salt. Wines are selected by the madame, who is also a sommelier. An open terrace leading out to the garden adds to the airy setting for both lunch and dinner.
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.
Chiba
A Restaurant Showcasing Fresh Local Ingredients
This Western restaurant is located inside "Minori no Sato Togane," a roadside station. It offers a wide range of locally sourced dishes and desserts, including pasta made with seasonal ingredients. The glass-walled interior creates a bright, open atmosphere. Additionally, "strawberry picking" is available at the roadside station from winter to spring.
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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.
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
Handcrafted Sushi Made With Deep Knowledge of Haboro’s Local Seafood
Located in Haboro Town along the scenic "Sea of Japan Ororon Line" in northern Hokkaido, this sushi restaurant is run by a chef who trained for nearly ten years in Susukino, Sapporo’s entertainment district, before returning home. Fresh seafood is sourced from local waters, including specialties like oshizushi (pressed sushi) made with "amaebi (sweet shrimp)", a local delicacy of Haboro. The menu features Hokkaido-sourced ingredients such as botan ebi (large shrimp), live scallops, "Stewed Kasube (skate), "Kajika no ko in soy sauce (marinated sculpin roe)", and "Suffolk lamb" from Yagishiri Island. Course meals may also include off-menu items upon request. With counter seats, tatami rooms, and private rooms available, the relaxed setting welcomes both solo diners and groups.
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.
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.
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