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.
Ishikawa
Fresh Seafood Lunches Drawing Local Popularity
"Kuimonya Furusato Kaga" is located close to JR Kaga Onsen Station. You can enjoy fresh seafood dishes for lunch, including crab, a winter delicacy of the Hokuriku region. Popular dishes include the specialty "Kaga Crab Rice," packed with the delicious flavor of crab, the "Sashimi Set Meal," and the seafood bowl. Reservations are essential, particularly for the crab dishes.
Kagawa
A Seafood Restaurant Operated by a Fresh Fish Store That Focuses on Local Production and Local Consumption
This seafood restaurant is located within the Toyohama Roadside Station and is run by a local fish shop that has been in business for three generations. With a focus on local production and local consumption, you can enjoy a variety of menus using fresh fish from the Seto Inland Sea and seasonal local ingredients. "Yamachi Zukedon (Shi)", which is a combination of thick hamachi marinated in homemade sauce and rich "Running Egg", and "O - shan Bento Shichifuku", a large bowl filled with seasonal fish, which is popular among women. All of the dishes, such as "Wan", are plentiful and reasonably priced. The daily set meals are also popular. Kanonji brand products such as the all - purpose soup stock used in the cafeteria, Ibuki sardine, and shrimp miso can also be purchased at the shop.
Ishikawa
A Neighbourhood Kitchen Serving Simple and Heartwarming Dishes
This local eatery serves regional ingredients at reasonable prices. As the area is known for rice cultivation, the rice used is sourced from contracted farmers and carefully cooked to a glossy, fluffy finish. Home-grown vegetables are also purchased and featured in small dishes and pickles. With its unpretentious atmosphere, the restaurant welcomes all visitors. Seasonal ingredients are used to create a wide variety of thoughtful dishes reminiscent of traditional Japanese cuisine, attracting many repeat guests from both within and outside the prefecture. Choosing what to eat next is part of the fun.
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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.
Hiroshima
A Hidden Retreat for Charcoal-Grilled and Seafood Specialties
"Yakitori and Fish Iwaiya" is a yakitori restaurant specializing in charcoal-grilled skewers and fresh seafood. Carefully hand-skewered by skilled chefs and grilled over charcoal, the yakitori is crisp and aromatic on the outside while remaining juicy within. In addition to grilled chicken, the menu features a wide variety of seafood dishes, including sashimi, allowing both meat and seafood to be enjoyed in one meal. Counter seats provide a comfortable setting for solo dining and dates, while table seating and sunken kotatsu seating are well-suited to gatherings and casual get-togethers with friends. The calm atmosphere invites relaxed dining, making it an ideal choice for occasions ranging from an after-work drink to a special evening.
Hyogo
Commitment to Ingredient Quality and Flavorful Rice
Located in Tamba-Sasayama, Hyogo, surrounded by abundant natural scenery, the long-established sushi restaurant "Morimotoya" sources live fish each morning, focusing on freshness, and keeps them in an in-house tank until preparation. Each order is prepared at its optimal moment to preserve peak flavor. The sushi rice, made with locally grown "Koshihikari" from Tamba-Sasayama and cooked in a gas kettle, is known for its distinct grains and delicate texture. In addition to sushi, dishes such as sashimi, simmered fish, and dobin-mushi are available, prepared with the day’s ingredients. A selection includes the locally brewed sake "Homei," known for its rich character.
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.
Kagawa
A Seafood Izakaya With Course Dining Options
Located close to Miyanoura Port in Naoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture, this popular seafood izakaya requires reservations. A chef’s choice course featuring generous portions of fresh local fish is available, along with à la carte dishes well suited to pairing with drinks. In addition to counter seating, the restaurant offers semi-private table seating and tatami rooms, allowing for flexible arrangements including small groups.
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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
Long Established Ryotei Surrounded by Yamanaka Onsen Seasons
"Meigetsuro," a traditional restaurant located beside Korogi Bridge in Yamanaka Onsen, the inner retreat of Kanazawa. Founded in the Taisho era (1910s) as a river fish restaurant, the establishment features tatami rooms all facing the river, allowing meals to be enjoyed while taking in the flowing Daishoji River and the seasonal scenery of Kakusen Gorge. A detached building renovated from a traditional house includes a tea room. The signature eel dish is prepared with a sauce continuously replenished since the restaurant’s founding and grilled in a distinctive manner. Lunch features eel rice bowls and kaiseki cuisine, while dinner is served as a series of courses.
Gunma
A Sensory Journey Through Traditional Edomae Sushi
This is a restaurant that serves authentic Edomae zushi with red vinegar rice. The high quality of the ingredients, selected from all over the country, is achieved through a relationship of trust with the fishermen who supply them. The course menu "Otsumami to Nigiri no Omakase (Appetizers and Nigiri Omakase" requires a reservation. They will assess the season and the condition of the fish and suggest the most delicious way to eat them that day. They take great care to bring out the best in the ingredients, such as by deliberately aging the ingredients. The course includes around eight types of appetizers and around ten pieces of nigiri, allowing you to spend two to three hours in luxury. You can also have the sushi made to your liking after the appetizers. Enjoy sushi to your heart's content in a sophisticated space.
Yamanashi
A Long-Established Sushi Restaurant Where You Can Enjoy Exquisite Dishes That Highlight the Craftsmanship
Fukuzushi Main Branch, located about a 15-minute walk from JR Kofu Station, has been serving customers since 1970. Operated by a second-generation owner trained in a prestigious Ginza restaurant, this traditional sushi establishment brings the art of sushi-making to Yamanashi Prefecture, a landlocked region. The menu features expertly prepared seasonal fish, including "Seto Inland Abalone," "Seared Monkfish Liver," "Marinated Sushi," and "Fresh Sea Eel Sushi." The "Seasonal Delicacies Course," which combines sushi with creative seasonal dishes, is a must-try. Visitors can also enjoy a unique sushi-making experience, complete with a traditional headband, making it a memorable part of their trip.
Shizuoka
A Long-Established Sushi Restaurant in the Heart of Izunagaoka Onsen
This sushi and seafood restaurant is located in Izunagaoka Onsen Town, Shizuoka. The sushi rice is made with red vinegar, giving it a sweet taste and making it a favorite among locals. For lunch, you can enjoy the popular "Kaisendon" (seafood bowl), and there are plenty of other fish dishes available besides sushi. All are fresh and delicious, making them perfect as snacks.
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.
Tokyo
Seasonal Ingredients and the Chef’s Vision on Every Plate
"Konsai", located a 1-minute walk from Kagurazaka Exit 1, was opened by owner-chef Kumagai as "a place to relax in an oasis." The restaurant features a wooden interior with soft lighting, bamboo and diatomaceous earth walls, creating a cozy Japanese atmosphere. Specializing in seasonal ingredients, Imasai offers a unique blend of French and Japanese cuisine with a focus on "expressing seasonal cuisine in the Imasai style." Alongside customizable four-course meals, they also offer a diverse selection of à la carte dishes, making it a popular choice for special occasions like anniversaries and business meetings.
Toyama
Dishes Perfectly Completed by Wine Pairings
"Winista" serves dishes that use an abundance of seasonal ingredients from Toyama Prefecture and are completed by pairing them with wine. The owner sommelier, a great wine enthusiast, confidently recommends unique wines to match each dish of the course menu. You can feel the attention to detail, not only in the pairing with the ingredients, but also in temperature control and tableware that allows you to enjoy the aroma to the fullest. Reservations are required by phone, and the course contents are created after confirming the occasion, preferences, and number of visits. Based on the concept of "from the everyday to the extraordinary," enjoy memorable service that focuses on each individual guest.
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.
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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
Signature Beef Cutlet and Shabu-Shabu Dishes to Savor
This izakaya has a wide variety of menu items, including shabu-shabu, seafood dishes, and the specialty beef cutlet. It is run by a meat wholesaler, so you can enjoy shabu-shabu at a reasonable price. In addition to meat dishes such as tender beef cutlet and fresh seafood, there are many dishes that focus on dashi, such as udon and oden.
Hyogo
Commitment to Ingredient Quality and Flavorful Rice
Located in Tamba-Sasayama, Hyogo, surrounded by abundant natural scenery, the long-established sushi restaurant "Morimotoya" sources live fish each morning, focusing on freshness, and keeps them in an in-house tank until preparation. Each order is prepared at its optimal moment to preserve peak flavor. The sushi rice, made with locally grown "Koshihikari" from Tamba-Sasayama and cooked in a gas kettle, is known for its distinct grains and delicate texture. In addition to sushi, dishes such as sashimi, simmered fish, and dobin-mushi are available, prepared with the day’s ingredients. A selection includes the locally brewed sake "Homei," known for its rich character.
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.
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.
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