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 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.
Nagasaki
Fresh Sasebo Seafood Straight From the Catch
"Kaisen Ajidokoro Ryo" is located a 3-minute drive from the Ainoura Nakazato Interchange on the Nishi Kyushu Expressway and a 5-minute walk from Matsuura Tetsudo Daigaku Station. Operated directly by a fishery company in Sasebo City, Nagasaki, engaged in purse seine fishing, aquaculture, and processing, this restaurant draws a steady mix of local regulars and visitors from inside and outside the prefecture, with lines forming at lunchtime. The menu centers on seafood sourced through its own operations, including the signature "Seafood Bowl Set Meal" and "Daily Set Meal", limited to 20 servings per day. In the evening, a variety of dishes and courses are available for individuals, families, and groups, with a children's menu and luxurious dishes including spiny lobster and tiger pufferfish.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Ehime
Izakaya Showcasing the "Best of Ehime Cuisine"
This izakaya is situated in the "Dogo Shopping Arcade," linking the Iyo Railway Dogo Onsen stop to the Dogo Onsen Main Building. Drawing on the expertise of his family's fishmongering business, this renowned supplier offers fresh seafood from the Setouchi region, landed at Mitsu Port in Ehime Prefecture, at affordable prices. The expertly prepared and served fish dishes are exceptionally delightful, even pleasing the discerning local palate. Highly rated is the local specialty "Tai Meshi (Seabream mixed rice)", offering a variety of flavours. Diners can also savour dishes and drinks crafted with locally sourced ingredients, including fragrantly grilled sea bream, "Himekko Jidori", "Amatoro Pork", and "Iyo Beef".
Hokkaido
Hidden Izakaya in Susukino for Drinks and Small Bites
Tucked away in a back alley in the Susukino County of Sapporo, this hidden-style izakaya offers a welcoming, home-like setting. The menu features items that pair well with sake, including its specialty grilled shabu-shabu, grilled fish, and yakitori. The drink selection centers on sake from Hokkaido, along with options such as corn-based shochu from the Tokachi region.
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.
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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.
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.
Yamagata
Creative Course Meals Using Local Ingredients
A creative Japanese cuisine restaurant where you can enjoy reasonably priced course meals using seafood from Shonai Beach and Yamagata beef. Enjoy your meal slowly while sipping on a variety of local sake. The recommended "Yonezawa beef sirloin steak" is marbled and delicious. It can be used for a wide variety of purposes, from banquets to small drinking parties.
Saitama
A Traditional Japanese Restaurant Serving Refined Kaiseki Cuisine
Founded in 1885, "Ichinoya, Ryotei Omiya" preserves the traditional flavors that have been handed down through generations. In a serene, sukiya-style setting, guests can savor kaiseki cuisine prepared with carefully selected seasonal ingredients, including premium items such as Japanese Black beef, soft-shelled turtle, pufferfish, and abalone. All dining rooms are completely private, featuring tatami rooms, sunken kotatsu tables, and Western-style seating—ideal for every occasion, from weddings and celebratory gatherings to large year-end parties and casual dining. Surrounded by lush greenery, the restaurant offers heartfelt hospitality and an elegant dining experience steeped in history.
Gifu
A Restaurant Where Families Can Enjoy Meals Together With Smiles
Located in Takayama City, Gifu, with views of the Northern Alps, "Gyosai, a Japanese Restaurant" offers a full taste of the Hida Takayama region’s rich bounty. In addition to fresh seasonal seafood and its signature eel dishes, the restaurant features a variety of menu items made with "Hida Beef." The retro interior evokes a sense of nostalgia and calm, creating a relaxed setting that welcomes guests of all ages. It is a place where grandparents and grandchildren often share precious moments together. Thoughtful details such as a ramp at the entrance reflect the restaurant’s commitment to accessibility. With approximately 140 seats in total, the restaurant accommodates everything from intimate gatherings to large groups.
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.
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.
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 Modern Izakaya Blending Japanese and Western Flavours
Just a 5-minute walk from JR Yokohama Station (East Exit) and one minute from Shin-Takashima Station, this modern izakaya blends a relaxed café mood with stylish dining flair. Inside, find an inviting mix of antique-style tables, sunken kotatsu tatami seats, and cozy counter spots—perfect for anything from girls’ gatherings to date nights or parties. The menu stands out with playful originals: the "Grilled Silver Salmon Set" inspired by Japanese-style afternoon tea, the ultra-thick "Smile Pork Ginger," and the bonito-rich "Gentle Set." Stop by during café hours for their signature soufflé pancakes, available in four tempting flavours.
Kanagawa
French Cuisine Centered on Carefully Sourced Local Ingredients
Located along the road from JR Kita-Kamakura Station toward Genjiyama Park, "Bistro La Peknikova" is a hidden retreat with a loyal following from both local and out-of-prefecture visitors despite its slightly removed location. The menu features French cuisine centered on local ingredients, such as "Kamakura vegetables" and fresh seafood, prepared with a simple, gentle approach, alongside a selection of rare Slovak wines that pair well with the dishes. Without relying on luxury ingredients, each plate highlights seasonal produce at its peak, carefully prepared and widely appreciated across generations. The warm, home-like setting also suits special occasions and private gatherings.
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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
Hidden Izakaya in Susukino for Drinks and Small Bites
Tucked away in a back alley in the Susukino County of Sapporo, this hidden-style izakaya offers a welcoming, home-like setting. The menu features items that pair well with sake, including its specialty grilled shabu-shabu, grilled fish, and yakitori. The drink selection centers on sake from Hokkaido, along with options such as corn-based shochu from the Tokachi region.
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.
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.
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.
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