About Wakayama Cuisine

Wakayama Prefecture is a region blessed with rich natural beauty and traditional culture, where a unique food culture has developed, taking advantage of the changing seasonal landscapes and mild climate. Surrounded by both the sea and mountains, Wakayama benefits from the Pacific Ocean’s bounty and fertile mountainous areas, resulting in an abundance of fresh seafood and agricultural products.

Among its most famous dishes are “Wakayama Ramen,” “Mehari Sushi,” and “Whale Cuisine.” When visiting Wakayama, be sure to savor these dishes and experience the richness of the local food culture.

Top 3 Must-Try Local Dishes in Wakayama

1. Wakayama Ramen

出展：食べログ

　● The Appeal of Wakayama Ramen

Wakayama Ramen is a beloved local dish in Wakayama Prefecture, known for its rich tonkotsu soy sauce broth, medium-thick straight noodles, and unique pairing with "Hayasushi" (quick sushi). With its distinct flavor and inviting, down-to-earth atmosphere, it has become a favorite among both locals and tourists.

The defining feature of Wakayama Ramen is its broth, which falls into two main styles: soy sauce-based and tonkotsu soy sauce-based. The tonkotsu soy sauce version, in particular, is known for its creamy texture and rich taste, striking a perfect balance between the deep flavor of soy sauce and the savory richness of pork.

　● The History of Wakayama Ramen

Wakayama Ramen evolved from post-war ramen stalls and has developed a unique food culture centered around its soy sauce or tonkotsu soy sauce broth served with Hayasushi. Established by local ramen shops and stalls in the Showa era, this ramen gained national popularity in the 1990s and has since become one of Wakayama’s iconic dishes.

　● Where to Eat Wakayama Ramen: Ide Shoten

Where to Eat Wakayama Ramen: Ide Shoten
Highlights
Ide Shoten is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience authentic Wakayama Ramen. Its charm lies in its “simplicity” and “depth of flavor,” cherished by locals over the years. Since its founding in 1953, Ide Shoten initially served a clear soy sauce broth, but through years of interaction with regular customers, it evolved into a rich, tonkotsu soy sauce broth. This signature taste, known as the “Ide Style,” has made Ide Shoten synonymous with Wakayama Ramen.
Access: 7-minute walk from JR Wakayama Station (West Exit)
Address: 4-84 Tanaka-cho, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture
Google Maps：https://maps.app.goo.gl/6jBf31kqrNRn2Evc8

2. Whale Cuisine

　● The Appeal of Whale Cuisine

Whale cuisine in Wakayama Prefecture holds a special place as a dish deeply rooted in local history and culture. Known for its unique taste and texture, as well as a variety of preparation methods, whale meat is rich in nutrients and can be enjoyed in many forms. As a cultural staple of Taiji Town and the surrounding Wakayama area, whale cuisine remains a point of regional pride and is beloved by many visitors.

Red whale meat is prized for its pleasant chewiness and deep, rich flavor, while the fatty portions offer a mild sweetness and depth. Different cuts of whale yield unique tastes and textures, which can be enjoyed in diverse dishes like sashimi, bacon, Tatsuta-age (a type of deep-fried dish), and even heart and tongue dishes, allowing for a wide range of culinary experiences.

　● The History of Whale Cuisine

The history of whale cuisine stretches from ancient times, when beached whales were utilized, through the Edo period's development of whaling, to the present day. In areas such as Taiji Town in Wakayama, the culture surrounding whale cuisine has become intertwined with local identity, with a Japanese whaling culture that emphasizes using every part of the whale. Today, whale cuisine is cherished as an integral part of traditional Japanese food culture and remains a source of local pride.

　● Where to Enjoy Whale Cuisine: Kujiraya

Where to Enjoy Whale Cuisine: Kujiraya
Highlights
Located in Taiji Town, Wakayama Prefecture, a place often regarded as the home of whale cuisine, “Kujiraya” offers a variety of whale dishes. Here, diners can enjoy an extensive menu, including whale sashimi, Tatsuta-age, and steak, each showcasing the fresh, complex flavors of whale meat. The “Whale Tatsuta-age Set Meal,” in particular, is highly recommended, with the robust taste of red whale meat pairing perfectly with the crispy coating, creating a satisfying, juicy bite that offers a hearty, meat-like experience.
Address: 2902-115 Tsuneto, Taiji Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture
Access: 1,459 meters from Taiji Station
Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/PCN2bMpbqtpf9fnVA

3. Mehari Sushi

　● The Appeal of Mehari Sushi

Mehari Sushi is a beloved local dish from Wakayama Prefecture, known for its simplicity yet deep flavor. This dish features an ideal balance between pickled takana (mustard greens) leaves and vinegared rice, creating a taste that brings a sense of warmth and homestyle comfort. Rich in nutrients and easy to carry, Mehari Sushi has been enjoyed for generations as a satisfying meal—so good it could “open your eyes wide” with delight.

Though made with simple ingredients, the depth of flavor comes from the balance of saltiness in the pickled takana leaves and the seasoning of the vinegared rice. The leaves gently wrap around the rice, providing a soft texture and a delicate hint of acidity that achieves perfect harmony.。

　● The History of Mehari Sushi

Mehari Sushi has its roots as a laborer's food, originating in rural and mountainous areas during the Edo period. Its portability has made it a beloved local specialty in Wakayama ever since. Its name, meaning "sushi so large it makes you open your eyes wide," reflects its impact, and its simple, rustic flavor is part of its charm. Each region and household often adds its own touch, making Mehari Sushi a treasured and enduring part of the area’s culinary heritage.。

　● Where to Try Mehari Sushi: Sohonke Mehariya

Where to Try Mehari Sushi: Sohonke Mehariya
Highlights
Sohonke Mehariya is a specialty restaurant dedicated to Kumano region’s Mehari Sushi, serving this comforting dish that, even on a first taste, brings a nostalgic warmth. The restaurant was newly renovated and relocated in August 2018, allowing guests to enjoy the local flavors in a fresh setting.

While focused on Mehari Sushi, the restaurant also offers a variety of other dishes, including skewered fried foods, oden, and salads. In addition to classic Mehari Sushi, they offer their original creation, “Tempura Rice Ball Mehari Sushi,” a simple yet flavorful dish. Sohonke Mehariya is a place where you can enjoy regional flavors with a modern twist while still evoking a sense of nostalgia.
Address: 5-6 Yakushi-cho, Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture, 647-0006
Access: 1,000 meters from Shingu Station
Google Maps：https://maps.app.goo.gl/5zRzhZ8i3qhVrHwM6

Top 3 Must-Try Local Dishes in Wakayama: Regional Specialties