What to Eat in Maizuru

The portside town of Maizuru is famous for many local sites and attractions, however it’s arguably best known for its incredible seafood. One of the area’s best delicacies is the snow crab which only grows in the near freezing waters in the North Pacific and Atlantic. Each winter the local fishermen battle the harsh cold to hunt down this delicacy, bringing it back to the hungry locals of the town. Beyond this legendary crab, however, there are an abundance of amazing foods to eat and places to explore while in Maizuru. Here’s a guide to some of the culinary highlights.

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Michi-no-Eki Maizuru Port

The town of Maizuru is home to Kyoto's biggest fishing port, and subsequently one of the area’s best seafood markets. Located in the bustling market is the Michi-no-Eki Maizuru Port’s food court, one of the best places to try some of the most delicious seafood in Japan. The food court here allows guests to pick the type of seafood they’d like. The hot tip for seafood fanatics is to visit in November when the locally grown oysters are at their peak.

Travel Guide

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Ittenbari

To try the area’s best seafood expertly crafted by the expert chefs make your way to Ittenbari seafood restaurant. Oozing with classic Maizuru charm, this warm and inviting restaurant offers a variety of different dishes to suit all tastes. From fresh fish to succulent shellfish the team in the kitchen really know how to bring out the best of the area’s local produce. Located not too far from the town’s main shopping district, it’s a central, convenient and of course delicious place to check out.

04

Kasumi

Kasumi is home to the area’s best nikujaga and definitely worth checking out while in town. In Japanese the name nikujaga translates to meat-potato which is essentially what this dish is. Consisting of meat, potatoes, a mixture of other vegetables and onion stewed in lightly sweetened soy sauce, sometimes served with konnyaku, which is a traditional Kansai style Japanese noodle made from konjac, a Japanese yam. If by some crazy chance you get tired of the town’s incredible seafood offerings then make your way here. They also offer a variety of other dishes including soba and sashimi meaning there’s something for everyone.

05

Totogen

Sashimi, baked fish, tempura, no matter how you like to eat seafood the chefs at the popular local hangout Totogen know how to cater to your tastes. All the fish is handpicked locally so you can rest assured that what you’re getting is the very best in the area. Located an easy five-minute walk from Nishi-Maizuru Station, rumor has it this is the home of some of the best yellowtail in the entire Maizuru area.

06

Forest

Given that the area is surrounded by some of the most stunning forests in the Kyoto region, local café Forest has a lot to live up to in terms of its namesake, but it does. This cozy café and restaurant is the perfect place to stop off for a laidback lunch or a short coffee break. Featuring hearty home cooked style food like omelets and curry, this little hideout near Nishi-Maizuru station is definitely worth a visit.

Roadside Station Maizuruko Tore-Tore Center