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From ocean-fresh sashimi to grilled Hida beef, Izakaya Dai in Toyama City offers an unforgettable taste of Japan’s regional bounty.

A wooden tray at Izakaya Dai Toyama displays pieces of seared sashimi on ice, garnished with radish slices, green leaves, and lime wedges, all arranged neatly for presentation.

A Memorable Dinner at Izakaya Dai

Toyama City is often seen as the gateway to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, but for us, it was the setting for one of our most memorable izakaya experiences. Bordered by the Sea of Japan and backed by the Japanese Alps, the region is rich in natural resources that yield some of Japan’s finest seafood and produce. Our dinner at Izakaya Dai (居酒屋だい) captured that abundance beautifully.

Elegant, Flavorful, and Local

A clear glass bowl with a swirl pattern holds a salad of red tomatoes, a green olive, and fresh herbs, set on a light wooden table at Izakaya Dai Toyama, with stacked dishes and a drinking glass nearby.

We began with a beautifully plated tomato salad in a glass bowl. Light, crisp, and refreshing, it was a perfect palate opener.

Assorted Sashimi Platter

At Izakaya Dai Toyama, a black plate with assorted sashimi—shrimp, fish, and octopus—is garnished with a green maple leaf, shiso leaf, wasabi, and salt, all artfully arranged on a wooden table.

Next came the highlight: a generous platter of locally sourced sashimi. It featured 10 kinds of seafood, all artfully arranged and served at peak freshness:

  • Himi Maguro (fatty tuna)
  • Baigai (ivory shell)
  • Aji (horse mackerel)
  • Houbo (red gurnard)
  • Shime Saba (cured mackerel)
  • Hirame Kombu-Jime (kelp-cured flounder)
  • Iwatako (octopus)
  • Gando (amberjack)
  • Shiraebi (white shrimp)
  • Uni (sea urchin)

Every bite offered a different texture and depth of flavor. The standout for us was the shiraebi—Toyama’s famous sweet white shrimp.

Hida Beef with Hoba Miso

At Izakaya Dai Toyama, savor slices of marbled raw beef topped with orange sea urchin and fresh green herbs, served on a leaf with brown sauce and presented on a stone block.

We also tried a grilled Hida beef dish cooked on a magnolia leaf, known as hoba miso style. The beef was rich and tender, balanced by the sweetness of sliced tomatoes. The leaf added a subtle smokiness that made the whole dish feel earthy and luxurious.

Nodoguro Shio Tataki

The dish we’re still talking about is the nodoguro shio tataki (salt-seared blackthroat seaperch). It came served over ice with a dollop of fresh wasabi on a sharkskin grater and a squeeze of kabosu citrus. Crisp on the outside, buttery on the inside—it was hands-down our favorite plate of the night. You can find nodoguro at some restaurants in Tokyo but the quality is not quite the same.

How to Get to Izakaya Dai

On Foot/Taxi

  • From Toyama Station, walk about 20 minutes or take a short taxi ride from the south exit.
  • A short taxi ride from Toyama Station costs around ¥800 to ¥1,000.

Pro Tip: Izakaya Dai is popular with locals, so make a reservation to dine there especially on weekends.

Our Verdict on Izakaya Dai

A white bowl filled with clear broth, clams, broad beans, and a fish piece with bone, garnished with fresh herbs—an elegant dish at Izakaya Dai Toyama, placed on a light wooden table.

If you are spending a night in Toyoma, we would highly recommend dining at Izakaya Dai. We feel it offers one of the best introductions to Toyama’s regional ingredients and culinary style. Whether you’re a sashimi fan or looking to try a rare dish like nodoguro, the flavors here feel both refined and deeply rooted in place.

More to Explore Nearby

After enjoying grilled nodoguro and white shrimp at Izakaya Dai, here are more ways to experience the flavors and sights of Toyama:

  • Toyama Castle – Explore the city’s feudal history at this reconstructed castle surrounded by a peaceful park and inner moat.
  • Kurobe Gorge – Take a scenic train ride through rugged mountain valleys, with stops for footbaths and riverside views.
  • Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route – Travel high into the Japan Alps by ropeway, tunnel bus, and cable car to see epic mountain scenery.