Located on the second floor of the Sakata Seafood Market in Funabacho, Sakata City, this restaurant serves the day's Sea of Japan catch as kaisendon rice bowls, sashimi teishoku set meals and grilled-fish plates, drawing directly on the market floor below for freshness. The setting reflects the working-market character of the Shonai coastal region, with a functional dining room overlooking or adjacent to the fish stalls rather than a polished restaurant interior, and diners can expect a brisk, no-reservation atmosphere geared toward quick turnover of visitors touring the market. There is no wine or sake program to speak of; drinks are limited to tea, beer and soft drinks suited to a daytime seafood meal. Because the restaurant depends on the day's market offerings, the specific fish available can vary, and the busiest periods are around midday when tour groups and day-trippers visiting Sakata's harbor area stop in.
Signature dishes
- Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl)
- Sashimi teishoku
- Grilled fish set meal
Good to know
- Known for
- Second-floor restaurant inside the Sakata Seafood Market, serving fresh Sea of Japan catch as kaisendon, sashimi and grilled-fish sets
- Hours
- 9:00AM-5:00PM daily
- Reservations
- Not accepted; walk-in
Location
2-5-10 Funabacho, Sakata, Yamagata 998-0036, Japan
38.9153, 139.8462 View on map
Highlights
- Second-floor restaurant inside the working Sakata Seafood Market
- Kaisendon built from the day's fresh Sea of Japan catch
- Sashimi teishoku and grilled-fish set meals
- Direct connection to the market's fish stalls below
Tips for visiting
- No reservations are accepted, so arriving before or after the midday tour-group rush avoids the wait
- Fish selection varies daily depending on the market's catch, so asking about the freshest option is worthwhile
- Combine a meal here with browsing the market stalls downstairs before or after eating
- Sashimi teishoku is a good way to sample several types of fish in one set
Accessibility
As part of a modern market building, the restaurant is generally step-free with an elevator or stairs to the second floor; confirming elevator access ahead of a visit is advisable for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a reservation?
No, the restaurant does not accept reservations and operates on a walk-in basis.
Is the fish sourced from the market below?
Yes, the restaurant sits on the second floor of the Sakata Seafood Market and draws on the day's fresh catch.
What are the hours?
The restaurant is open 9:00AM to 5:00PM daily.
What is kaisendon?
It is a seafood rice bowl topped with an assortment of fresh raw fish, a signature order at this market restaurant.