Japan is a dream destination for fish and seafood lovers, and as a pescatarian, you’re in for a treat. From freshly caught shellfish to sizzling grilled freshwater fish, the options are endless. However, with the language barrier and the possibility of a few local food surprises, navigating menus can be a little tricky. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here’s your go-to guide for eating your way around Japan, pescatarian style!
Is Japan Familiar with Pescatarianism?
You might be surprised to learn that Japan’s culinary roots are close to pescatarianism. For centuries, under the influence of Buddhism, people lived largely on a diet rich in seafood and vegetables. It wasn’t until the late 1800s, during the Meiji Restoration, that eating meat began to catch on. Despite this, Buddhist cuisine lives on, meaning that delicious, pescatarian-friendly dishes are available everywhere in Japan, just waiting to be discovered.
What to Eat as a Pescatarian in Japan
Pescatarians are spoiled for choice in this fish and seafood-loving nation, where tasty fish dishes abound.
Nabe (Hot Pot)
A beloved comfort food during the colder months, nabe (hot pot) is all about warmth, flavor, and variety. While some nabe feature meat, there’s no shortage of those with seafood. From Ishikari nabe, a native dish of Hokkaido that includes miso and salmon, to more luxurious hot pots with fugu (puffer fish) or anko (monkfish), there’s a world of delicious regional flavors to explore.
Tempura
When in doubt, go for tempura! This light, crispy favorite features seafood, like prawns or squid, and seasonal vegetables, such as eggplant, pumpkin, or shishito peppers. Whether served as a side dish or on top of a steaming bowl of rice as in tendon (tempura rice bowl), tempura is a satisfying choice that’s both comforting and pescatarian-friendly.
Grilled Fish
Many izakaya (casual bars) serve up tasty yakizakana (grilled fish) like saba (mackerel), sake (salmon), or sanma (Pacific saury), a seasonal favorite. Seasoned only with salt or soy sauce and paired with grated daikon or ginger, it’s a healthy option that can be found almost everywhere.
Sushi
No trip to Japan is complete without a few bites of sushi, and as a pescatarian, you’ll be delighted with what you find here. From melt-in-your-mouth seasonal fish to local seafood specialties, the variety is endless. Not a fan of raw fish? No problem—you’ll discover plenty to excite your taste buds, with delicious cooked seafood like maguro (tuna), ebi (prawns), tako (octopus), and aburi salmon (seared salmon).
How to Enjoy Local Specialties as a Pescatarian?
Japan takes great pride in its regional cuisine, so travelers will find unique local fare at every stop along the way. Fortunately for pescatarians, many local specialties feature fresh seafood from the area. Why not try these delectables?
• Fugu (puffer fish) karaage (deep-fried) in Yamaguchi
• Hamo (pike conger eel) tempura in Kyoto
• Takoyaki (ball-shaped octopus dumplings) in Osaka
• Ise-ebi (spiny lobster) in Mie
• Uni (sea urchin) and other seafood rice bowls in Hokkaido
• Zuwai-gani (snow crab) in Tottori
And there’s so much more! Dive into Japan’s myriad flavors and discover your own fishy favorites.
Foods to Watch Out for as a Pescatarian in Japan
While seafood can be found in many Japanese dishes, there are some exceptions that feature meat—for example, ramen, curry, and yakiniku (grilled meat). That said, seafood versions of these meals do exist! Keep reading for a little language help in searching out pescatarian-friendly meals.
Language to Help You Navigate Pescatarian Dining in Japan
Ready to order like a local? Use these handy phrases to communicate – or just flash the images to the staff for an easy, stress-free experience.
Important vocabulary:
Sakana (fish)
Niku (meat)
Save these images to your phone so you can easily show staff:
Watashi wa sakana wa tabemasu ga, niku wa tabemasen (I eat fish, but I don’t eat meat).
Niku nashi de onegaishimasu (No meat, please).
Niku wa haitte imasu ka (Does this contain meat)?
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About the author
Author: Jessica Ujiie
Profile: Living by the sea in Kamakura with two cats and one dog, Jessica Ujiie works as a translator and writer. Her passion for language is matched by a love of salsa dancing and exploring Japan’s lesser-known corners - always on the lookout for a new story to tell.
