Niigata Seafood: A Journey Savoring the Bounty of the Japan Sea

Rich Japan Sea Seafood

Niigata facing the Japan Sea has fresh seafood landed through all seasons. Winter representative foods include nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), winter yellowtail (kanburi), and sweet shrimp. Winter yellowtail raised in the Japan Sea's cold waters is especially fatty and delicious.

Niigata Markets and Ports

Fresh seafood can be purchased and sampled at the Niigata Central Wholesale Market near Ryutotobashi Bridge and the market street known as "Fish's Ameyoko" in Teradomari. The lively atmosphere of direct-sale markets is also a travel enjoyment.

Hegi Soba and Local Cuisine

Niigata's specialty "hegi soba" is noodles with distinctive texture incorporating funori (seaweed), served in a wooden vessel called "hegi." Enjoying hegi soba at a traditional Niigata restaurant before viewing the Japan Sea sunset is the travel climax.