5 Famous Foods You’ll Find in Toyama

Toyama Prefecture is a coastal region famous for its fresh seafood and pure mountain water. Known as the “natural fish tank” of Japan, Toyama Bay yields an incredible variety of seasonal catch, while inland areas produce high-quality rice and sake. These five famous foods you’ll find in Toyama showcase the prefecture’s deep connection to the sea, mountains and craftsmanship.

1. Shiro-ebi (White Shrimp)

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Nicknamed the “jewel of Toyama Bay,” shiro-ebi are small translucent shrimp famous for their sweet flavor and melt-in-the-mouth texture. They’re unique to Toyama Bay, where the deep, cold waters provide the perfect environment for these delicate shrimp to thrive. Served as sashimi, rice bowls, or crispy tempura, shiro-ebi showcase the purity of the local sea. You can try them fresh at Uozu Port or as part of elegant sushi platters across Toyama City. Visit between spring and autumn for the freshest catch.

2. Masu-zushi (Trout Pressed Sushi)

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Masu-zushi is one of Toyama’s most recognizable dishes: a beautifully packed sushi made by layering vinegared trout over seasoned rice, then wrapping it in bamboo leaves and pressing it into a round wooden box. The bamboo adds a light, earthy aroma that complements the flavour of the fish. Created as a dish for travelers along the old Hokuriku route, it has become a popular local specialty and souvenir. Find it near Toyama station and at shops along the Jinzu River, where it’s still made the traditional way.

3. Toyama Black Ramen

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Rich, dark and unmistakable, Toyama Black Ramen is one of Japan’s most distinctive noodle dishes. The inky broth was made to help local laborers replenish salt after a hard day’s work. Served with thick noodles, slices of chashu pork, bamboo shoots and green onions, it’s perfect on a cold night in Toyama. One of the best-known places to try it is Menya Iroha, the local shop that helped bring Toyama Black Ramen to fame across Japan.

4. Hotaru-ika (Firefly Squid)

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Every spring, the shores of Toyama Bay light up as hotaru-ika (firefly squid) rise from the deep, creating one of Japan’s most magical coastal scenes. These tiny squid are prepared as sashimi, boiled with vinegar and miso, or marinated in soy sauce. The annual Hotaru-ika Festival in Namerikawa celebrates its arrival with fresh seafood dishes and early-morning boat tours.

5. Benizuwai-gai (Red Snow Crab)

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Caught in Toyama Bay, benizuwai-gani (red snow crab) is popular for its delicate sweetness and soft texture. Try red snow crab at Shinminato Fisherman’s Wharf and the nearby Kittokito Market. Restaurants around Imizu and Himi also serve crab rice bowls, miso soup and grilled crab legs. It’s the ultimate taste of Toyama’s winter bounty from the Sea of Japan.

Know about any other five famous foods you’ll find in Toyama? Explore our Famous Foods in Japan series to discover other regional specialties.