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.
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.
Aomori
“Eat Oma’s Seasonal Produce” Such as Tuna and Sea Urchin
A restaurant located in Omasaki, the northernmost tip of Honshu. Speaking of Oma, tuna fishing has a history of over 100 years. The owner of this shop, known only to those in the know among tuna fishermen, is the No. 38 Miyoshi Maru fisherman who, in 2001 and 2013, set the highest bid price ever for a father and son. The owner, who is also a fisherman, works as a team to keep the restaurant lively, with his wife doing the Dish. Our specialty is tuna, which is handled in - house from landing to processing. In addition to tuna dishes such as the "3 - color tuna bowl" and "3 - color tuna sashimi set meal" with large fatty tuna, medium fatty tuna, and red meat, you can also enjoy set meals and a la carte dishes of atka mackerel.
Kouchi
A Restaurant on the Sea Where You Can Enjoy Fresh Live Shellfish With a Spectacular View
A seaside restaurant about a 15-minute drive from the Susaki East IC on the Kochi Expressway. Loved by locals for over 50 years, it was temporarily closed in 2020 but reopened in 2022 under new ownership. Patrons can savor fresh, locally sourced shellfish paired with secret sauces in a serene setting overlooking the sea. Signature dishes include the "Kai Meshi" (clam rice) and "Ukihashi Teishoku" (set meal), attracting visitors from across Japan.
Gifu
Delicious Fish Dishes Served by Professionals at a Long-Established Fish Store
A long-established fresh fish store in Gifu City featuring an eat-in space. Since its founding in 1902, the business has operated solely as a fresh fish store; however, the fourth-generation owner has recently begun serving meals on-site to showcase a professional approach to enjoying fish. Seasonal fish are expertly prepared before customers' eyes—a unique experience offered exclusively by a fresh fish store. Seminars and take-out services are also available for those wishing to enjoy delicious fish at home. To convey the thrill of encountering seasonal fish to children in oceanless Gifu and inspire a love for fish, bluefin tuna dissection shows are held at kindergartens, 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.
Chiba
Taste the Finest Boso Seafood, Including Spiny Lobster and Abalone
Kanehachi Sushi was founded in 1968 and has been a popular spot for many years, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Its popularity stems from the careful selection and preparation of ingredients, including tuna, conger eel, gizzard shad, simmered clams, domestically-sourced kanpyo, and the sushi rice made with local Isumi rice and seasonal local fish. Spiny lobster is available as sashimi, nigiri, tempura, and onigara-yaki. At the same time, abalone is available as sashimi, steamed, or grilled in miso, bringing out the exquisite, rich flavor of its liver. Enjoy your meal with a selection of sake and shochu, including Iwanoi, made by a local sake brewery. This renowned Onjuku restaurant serves fresh seafood from the Boso region.
Hiroshima
A Lively Hiroshima Night Centered on Oysters and Meat
Located in the lively Nagarekawa entertainment district of Hiroshima City, this izakaya serves a wide range of oyster dishes made with fresh oysters landed in Hiroshima Bay, available year-round. A standout favorite is the yakiton, prepared exclusively with morning-ground Seto Momiji pork, a branded variety from Hiroshima Prefecture. Other local specialties, such as beef koune (a rare wagyu cut from the shoulder) boldly grilled over binchotan charcoal, pair well with a selection of sake brewed by local producers as well as notable labels from across Japan. The energetic interior, popular with both after-work locals and visitors, offers counter seating, tables, and private sunken-floor rooms, making it well-suited for everything from solo dining to group gatherings.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima Oysters and Regional Dishes in a Casual Izakaya Setting
Located near JR Hiroshima Station, this izakaya offers a range of local favorites, from fresh Hiroshima oysters to standout dishes such as wagyu koune and motsunabe. For visitors, it serves as a memorable taste of the city during their travels, while locals and after-work diners appreciate it as a place for an elevated yet familiar meal.
Fukui
Savor Fresh, High-Quality Crab and Seafood
This restaurant is located in Nihonkai Sakana - machi, one of the largest markets on the Sea of Japan side in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, and is run by Masuyone, a popular online crab store. In the spacious space with 120 seats, you can enjoy seafood bowls full of seasonal seafood and plump, steamy crab dishes. "Masuyone" handles over 200 tons of crabs a year, and during the season when Echizen crabs and Echizen Seiko crabs are landed, they purchase them directly at auctions and serve them freshly boiled. They also partner with a Canadian factory to ensure a stable supply of high - quality crabs throughout the year. In addition to crabs, they also sell seafood at the facility.
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.
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.
Tokyo
Proudly Serving Eel "Prepared With the Utmost Care in Japan"
Located near Kabukiza Tower, this long-established Japanese restaurant boasts a history of approximately 150 years. It is renowned as a discreet destination for celebrities from the world of kabuki and beyond. Selected in the "Michelin Guide Tokyo 2024", the restaurant’s eel, prepared with traditional flavours and meticulous care, is a masterpiece passed down through generations. Upholding the belief of being "Prepared With the Utmost Care in Japan," no compromises are made across the seven stages of preparation, from selecting ingredients to the final grilling. Preparing a single eel, including the removal of fine bones, takes approximately two hours. With a dedication to excellence in ingredients, culinary technique, tableware, and atmosphere, the establishment offers an experience akin to visiting a small museum where both food and artistry can be savoured.
Shimane
A Sushi Restaurant Committed to Fresh Ingredients
Located along National Route 9 in Higashiizumo-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, "Sushi Hakata, Farm-fresh Conveyor Belt Sushi" serves carefully crafted sushi made with freshly caught fish and seasonal ingredients sourced from across Japan. Beyond sushi, the menu offers a wide variety of seasonal dishes, side plates, drinks, and desserts. Takeout is available, so you can also enjoy the restaurant’s flavors at home. Seating includes a counter for solo diners and box seats that accommodate up to eight people, making it easy for both individuals and families to dine comfortably. A pond visible through the windows, where koi and goldfish glide by, adds to the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shimane
A Sushi Restaurant Committed to Fresh Ingredients
Located along National Route 9 in Higashiizumo-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, "Sushi Hakata, Farm-fresh Conveyor Belt Sushi" serves carefully crafted sushi made with freshly caught fish and seasonal ingredients sourced from across Japan. Beyond sushi, the menu offers a wide variety of seasonal dishes, side plates, drinks, and desserts. Takeout is available, so you can also enjoy the restaurant’s flavors at home. Seating includes a counter for solo diners and box seats that accommodate up to eight people, making it easy for both individuals and families to dine comfortably. A pond visible through the windows, where koi and goldfish glide by, adds to the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
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.
Hokkaido
Hidden Izakaya in Susukino for Drinks and Small Bites
A hidden izakaya tucked away in a back alley in the heart of Susukino, Sapporo. In a homey atmosphere, you can enjoy a menu that pairs well with sake, including the specialty grilled shabu-shabu, grilled fish, and yakitori. The alcohol selection mainly includes sake from Hokkaido, as well as corn shochu from the Tokachi region.
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