Quick Navigation
- 1 🐟 Why I Chose Tosawaya – Chasing Local Seafood in Numazu
- 2 🍽️ The Lunch – Simple, Fresh, and Seriously Good
- 3 🎥 A Little Anime Surprise – The Love Live! Connection
- 4 🧾 Final Thoughts – Good Food First, Anime Second
🍱 Intro – Real Food Meets Anime Vibes in Numazu
When you think of Japan’s best seafood, places like Hokkaido or Tsukiji might come to mind.
But down along the quiet coast of Numazu in Shizuoka Prefecture, there’s a small local restaurant called Tosawaya that’s known for both its incredible freshness and its unexpected link to Japanese pop culture.
As someone living in Japan, I visited Tosawaya for one simple reason: I heard the aji fry was amazing.
Only after arriving did I realize it’s also a real-life location featured in the anime Love Live! Sunshine!! — a detail that adds some extra local color without taking away from the food-first experience.
Whether you’re an anime fan or not, this spot offers something special:
freshly caught seafood, prepared right in front of you, served in a cozy, well-loved local shop.
🧭 Related Articles You Might Enjoy:
If you’re curious about how to better enjoy Japan’s cultural side while traveling, these local guides can help:
- 🚉 “How to Use Public Transportation in Japan: A Simple Guide for First-Time Visitors”
- 🙇♂️ Things You Shouldn’t Do in Japan: A Local’s Guide to Japanese Manners and Etiquette
- ♨️ How to Use a Japanese Onsen: Easy Etiquette Guide for First-Time Visitors
🐟 Why I Chose Tosawaya – Chasing Local Seafood in Numazu
🌊 What Brought Me Here (Hint: It Wasn’t the Anime)
I didn’t come to Tosawaya as an anime fan.
In fact, I didn’t even know it was connected to Love Live! Sunshine!! when I decided to visit.
What brought me here was something much simpler: a craving for good seafood.
The Numazu and Izu coast areas are famous for their fresh fish, and I’d heard from locals that Tosawaya serves some of the best around — especially their fried horse mackerel (aji fry).
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside — it sounded too good to pass up.
🐠 First Impressions – A Local Restaurant with Character
Tosawaya sits quietly among other restaurants near the Numazu coast, but what makes it stand out is the live fish tank right in front of the shop.
You can actually see the fish swimming — and know that what you’re about to eat is as fresh as it gets.
I had heard there were many great places to eat seafood in the area,
but several people told me, “If you’re going to pick one, make it Tosawaya.”
So I did — and I’m glad I listened.
🍽️ The Lunch – Simple, Fresh, and Seriously Good
🐟 What I Ordered and How It Tasted
I ordered two dishes: the fried horse mackerel set meal (aji fry teishoku) and a plate of aji tataki (minced raw horse mackerel).
Both were absolutely worth the hype.
The aji fry was incredibly tender — you barely needed to use your chopsticks before it fell apart in the best way.
The crust was perfectly crispy, and the freshness of the fish came through with every bite.
The aji tataki was a whole other level.
Because the fish had been prepared just minutes earlier, the texture was unbelievably fresh and springy.
You could really taste the natural sweetness and clean flavor that only comes from sashimi this fresh.
🍚 Portion Size, Price, and Satisfaction
The aji fry set came with rice, miso soup, and pickles — classic Japanese comfort food.
It was plenty filling, but if you’re extra hungry, you can upgrade your rice to a large portion for just 150 yen.
Considering the freshness, quality, and portion size, the price felt more than fair.
It’s the kind of meal that leaves you full, happy, and already thinking about your next visit.
🪑 A Place That Feels Like Home Cooking
The restaurant itself is small — just three tables and a few traditional tatami-floor seats.
But despite its size, it’s clearly a local favorite.
By the time I arrived around noon, the place was packed, and I was lucky enough to get a seat without waiting. That felt like a small miracle.
Even with the buzz and popularity, there’s something warm and personal about the space.
It felt more like being invited into someone’s home than dining out.
🎥 A Little Anime Surprise – The Love Live! Connection
🖼️ Noticing the Decor After Sitting Down
I came for the seafood — but once I sat down, I started to notice small hints that this place was more than just a local restaurant.
There were posters of Love Live! Sunshine!! on the walls, and the menu even included items that appeared in the anime.
At a nearby table, a guest ordered one of the anime-related dishes, and it felt like this was part of the experience for some fans.
It wasn’t in-your-face or overly themed — just subtle touches that added an unexpected layer of local color.
🌍 Why This Spot Is Popular Among Fans
It turns out that the restaurant is a bit of a pilgrimage spot for Love Live! fans, especially those who travel to Numazu for the anime connection.
In fact, the guesthouse next door is often used by fans who want to stay close to this real-life anime location.
And it’s not just local fans either — from what I saw, this place definitely gets international visitors too.
📖 English Menus and a Welcoming Vibe
One thing that stood out to me: Tosawaya offers English menus, which is still pretty rare in small, local restaurants.
That alone tells you they’re used to welcoming overseas guests — probably many of them anime fans looking to experience a spot from the show in real life.
Even if you’re not a fan of Love Live!, it’s fun to see a place where pop culture and everyday local life intersect so naturally.
🚶♂️ Access from Numazu Station
Tosawaya is located in Uchiura-Mito, a peaceful seaside town in Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture.
It’s not as easy to reach as places in Tokyo — so a little planning goes a long way.
You can get there by public transportation, but the most convenient option is by car or rental car.
🚗 By Car
From the Numazu IC exit on the Tomei Expressway, take Route 414 and then Route 17 toward Mito.
It takes about 40 minutes depending on traffic.
There’s a free parking lot for around 10 cars, but it’s first come, first served.
🚉 By Train & Bus (for those without a car)
You can reach Tosawaya from Mishima or Numazu Station via the local Tokai bus (西浦線).
Get off at the Mito Post Office (三津郵便局) stop — the restaurant is right nearby.
Alternatively, you can transfer via the Izu-Hakone Railway and then hop on the Izu-Hakone bus Paradise Line, also stopping at Mito Post Office.
🗺️ Address: 88-15 Uchiura-Mito, Numazu, Shizuoka
📞 Phone: 055-943-2002
🕐 What to Expect When You Go
Tosawaya is open for lunch and early dinner from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and is closed on Tuesdays.
(Note: Hours and holidays may occasionally change, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead.)
If you’re planning to go around lunchtime (12:00–1:00 PM), expect it to be busy — especially on weekends.
Going a bit earlier or later is usually the best way to avoid crowds.
The crowd is a mix of local workers from the area and anime tourists who come for the Love Live! connection.
But even if you’re not a fan of the show, it’s worth visiting for the food alone.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, making a reservation is a smart idea, especially if you’re traveling with others.
For anyone curious about real local Japanese seafood, Tosawaya is a hidden gem.
Fresh sashimi, fried fish, and a cozy, down-to-earth vibe — this place delivers it all.
🗺️ Bonus: Other Local Spots to Check Out
If you’re already in the area to visit Tosawaya, there’s plenty more to explore nearby — whether you’re into nature, sea life, shopping, or just scenic drives.
🐬 See & Explore
- Izu-Mito Sea Paradise (伊豆三津シーパラダイス) – A classic local aquarium right by the coast
- Izu Panorama Park (伊豆の国パノラマパーク) – Ride a ropeway to the top and enjoy sweeping mountain views
- Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium (沼津港深海水族館) – A quirky, surprisingly fascinating museum focused on deep-sea creatures
🛍️ Shop & Relax
- LaLaport Numazu – A modern shopping mall with food, souvenirs, and fashion stores
🚘 Drive & Discover
The surrounding Izu Peninsula is full of quiet roads, hot springs, and coastal views.
Rent a car and take a slow drive — you’ll find photo spots and hidden gems along the way.
Whether you stay local or stretch out into Izu, Tosawaya can be the perfect start to a slow, seafood-filled adventure.
🧾 Final Thoughts – Good Food First, Anime Second
🍴 Why I’d Go Back (Hint: It’s for the Fish)
I came to Tosawaya expecting a good meal — and left feeling like I’d discovered a small local gem.
The seafood was as fresh as promised, the portions generous, and the atmosphere warm and unpretentious.
If you’re in the Numazu or Izu area and want to experience Japanese seafood the local way, this place is absolutely worth the stop.
I’d happily go back — and next time, I might even try one of the Love Live! menu items for fun.
🌸 A Great Stop Whether You’re a Fan or Just Hungry
Tosawaya blends two sides of Japan you rarely see together: authentic local cooking and modern anime culture.
And it works.
Even if you’ve never watched a single episode of Love Live!, the restaurant welcomes you for what it is — a place that serves great food, with a little extra personality on the side.
It’s the kind of place that makes Slow Travel in Japan so special:
unexpected details, real flavors, and a story to tell afterward.
