7 Japanese Foods to Try in Tokoname Before Leaving Centrair!

• Table of Contents
• Tokoname is full of gourmet food that lets you experience Japanese food culture!
• 1. [Ramen] Chayatei
• 2. [Seafood/Fried Shrimp] Maruha Shokudo RinkuTokoname
• 3. [Japanese sweets, matcha, sencha] Tokonameya
• 4. [Udon and Zenzai] Udon & Sweets Wabisuke
• 5. [Soy Sauce Dumplings] Dango Teahouse
• 6. [Charcoal Grill] Sumiyaki Masa 
• 7. [Rice Ball] Inoueya
• Access to the area around Tokoname Station
• Enjoy Japanese food in Tokoname

Tokoname is full of gourmet food that lets you experience Japanese food culture!

It takes about five minutes by train from Chubu Centrair International Airport, the gateway to the central part of Japan, to Tokoname Station. Around Tokoname Station, there are many Japanese restaurants that are popular with locals.

Tokoname is home to a variety of gourmet spots that are unique to this travel destination, including restaurants where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine served on Tokoname ware, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, and restaurants where you can taste local ingredients cooked in local ways. Be sure to experience the profound charm of Japanese cuisine at the start or end of your trip!

1. [Ramen] Chayatei

Located a six-minute walk from Tokoname Station, Chayatei offers Chinese noodles made with local ingredients. Their specialty is the traditional Meichu Soba. Meichu can be translated as "hit the target" or "hit the target," and is popular as a bowl of noodles that brings good luck.

The soup is based on a refreshing chicken stock, and the Japanese-style broth made with seafood also has a fragrant aroma. It is garnished with plenty of Onizaki nori seaweed, a local specialty, and the eggs are from the neighboring town of Higashiura Town.

Furthermore, the soy sauce is from Handa City's "Kikkotomi," the tamari soy sauce from "Nakasada Shoten," the mirin from "Kokonoe Mirin," and the salt from "Nitto Brewery" - all locally produced seasonings are used. Their attention to detail in selecting ingredients shines through. They bring out the unique characteristics of each ingredient and combine them in a well-balanced way to create a bowl that you'll want to eat again and again.

The interior of the restaurant has a calming, modern Japanese style. It becomes even more charming at night, and a limited menu is also available, so we recommend visiting in the evening.

Chayatei

1-98-4 Shinkaicho, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, 479-0837

This restaurant serves delicious ramen and tsukemen. They serve carefully crafted ramen using a variety of condiments (soy sauce, tamari soy sauce, white soy sauce, mirin, salt, etc.) that are locally produced. They offer two types of soup: a combination of animal-based ingredients (pork bones and chicken bones) and Japanese dashi, and chicken bone soup. Their various mazesoba dishes are also popular.

2. [Seafood/Fried Shrimp] Maruha Shokudo RinkuTokoname

Maruha Shokudo Rinku Tokoname is a spot where you can enjoy a meal while watching planes take off from Centrair and the spectacular view of Ise Bay. Their specialty is jumbo fried shrimp that almost jumps out of the bowl. With a crispy batter and a rich, plump interior, these fried shrimp are the perfect highlight of your trip.

Picture courtesy of Maruha Syokudo Rinku Tokoname

All fish is delivered directly from the local Toyohama fishing port, ensuring exceptional freshness. Seasonal sashimi and grilled fish are also served daily.

Picture courtesy of Maruha Syokudo Rinku Tokoname

The restaurant has everything from relaxing Tatsuno rooms with sunken kotatsu tables to spacious table seats and a large banquet hall, making it an ideal place for banquets and business meetings.

Also, outside the store there is a huge monument that combines Tokoname's guardian cat "Tokonyan" and fried shrimp! Be sure to check it out as a great photo spot.

It's easily accessible from Aeon Mall Tokoname and Rinku Tokoname Station, making it a great spot to stop by while looking for souvenirs or taking a stroll along the coast.

Maruha Shokudo Rinku Tokoname

3-9-5 Rinkucho, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, 479-0882

You can enjoy fresh fish dishes delivered directly from the Toyohama main store while looking out at Ise Bay and planes taking off from Centrair. From sunken Tatsuno rooms to large banquet halls, we can accommodate a variety of banquets and dinners.

3. [Japanese sweets, matcha, sencha] Tokonameya

Tokonameya is a shop renovated from a factory that once produced Tokoname clay pipes. It serves Tokoname Tokoname, made with local fish, and a Japanese sweets set perfect for cafe time.

The limited-edition "Tokoname Chirashi" is a luxurious set that includes chirashi sushi made with local fish, soup, simmered dishes, Onizaki nori seaweed produced at Onizaki fishing port in Tokoname City, and Japanese sweets. This colorful delicacy features a mild flavor made with a mixture of white sesame seeds and sushi vinegar, topped with local fish, shiso leaves, and myoga ginger, creating a refined and gentle flavor. The shiso leaves and myoga ginger are finely chopped for a gentle texture. If you request this when ordering, you can have them served separately.

Depending on the season, the fish you can catch will change to white fish such as seigo, black porgy, and whiting, so you can enjoy seasonal flavors.

The Japanese sweets that come with lunch are from the local Japanese sweets shop, Heihachido. If you come with a group, they will provide each person with a different sweet, which is a nice touch.

During cafe time, the "Sencha Set" which is made in a Tokoname teapot and the "Ippuku Set" which comes with two seasonal desserts are popular. You can experience making tea in the teapot yourself, which will surely convey the charm of Tokoname-yaki teapots.

This is a local gourmet spot where you can enjoy a special experience in a restaurant with a historic wooden interior.

Tokonameya

479-0836 3-111 Sakaemachi , Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture Sakae Town

This cafe offers a wide selection from its menu, including lunch sets to enjoy Tokoname chirashi-zushi made with seasonal freshly-caught fish, matcha tea sets, and Japanese sweets sets all served in Tokoname ware bowls. With the Sencha set, you can enjoy seasonal desserts and tea brewed in a Tokoname-yaki teapot. All of the dishes and cafe items are served in unique Tokoname yaki pottery, which further enhances the food's deliciousness in appearance. The building is an old wooden pipe factory that has been renovated to create a relaxing space. Various Tokoname ware are lined up on the 2nd floor, with the gallery also promoting the charms of Tokoname. You can purchase popular products such as the Shiraoi sake series and plum wine made in partnership with Sawada Sake Brewery.

4. [Udon and Zenzai] Udon & Sweets Wabisuke

Wabisuke is a Japanese cafe located in a corner of a building that was renovated from a clay pipe factory built in the early Showa period.

The shop is located at the foot of the clay pipe factory chimney, while still retaining the pillars and beams that have woven its history.

Our lunch recommendation is the most popular "Clay Pot Curry Udon." Served piping hot in a clay pot, the curry udon looks great in photos. The udon noodles are made with wheat as well as rye, resulting in a transparent texture. The chewy, straight noodles cling perfectly to the curry, making it surprisingly refreshing. The medium-spicy version is popular, but the mild umami of the bonito broth makes it easy to eat even on a spicy level.

For dessert after your meal, the warming zenzai and the rich green tea float are perfect. These Japanese desserts can be enjoyed either hot or cold, so why not choose one that suits the season and your mood?

The interior of the shop is lined with Tokoname ware pieces made by the owner and his family, as well as warm accessories, making it picturesque no matter where you look. Enjoy your meal and the atmosphere of the shop while you relax.

Udon & Sweets Wabisuke

3-89 Sakae Town, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, 479-0836

This cafe is located in a corner of a renovated building that was originally a clay pipe factory built in the early Showa. The pillars and beams that have stood the test of time have been left as they are, creating a relaxing space that makes the most of the historical charm. They offer a wide variety of desserts, including the famous "Earthenware Pot Curry Udon," "Zenzai" (red bean soup), and "Shaved Ice." From meals to resting, you can spend a Tokoname time enjoying the atmosphere of Tokoname.

5. [Soy Sauce Dumplings] Dango Teahouse

Located along the Pottery Footpath, Dango Teahouse is a place where you can enjoy both eating and walking around. Run by a married couple, Dango Teahouse is a long-established shop that has been watching over the people passing by warmly and filling both their stomachs and their hearts.

The dango menu offers three types: "Soy Sauce Dango," "Isobe Dango," and "Neko Dango." All of them are made with Tokoname soy sauce, with a focus on locally produced soy sauce. They take great care in preparing the dango, baking them twice or even three times in soy sauce after receiving an order, ensuring that the dango is thoroughly infused with the flavor of soy sauce.

With one bite, the aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture of the dumplings fills your mouth. The nori dumplings in particular have a Tokoname texture from the Tokoname seaweed, followed by the rich flavor of soy sauce that fills your mouth. The cat dumplings are made with soy sauce dumplings sprinkled with bonito flakes, and are a dish that can only be found at this shop.

The rich aroma of freshly baked dumplings and the soft, fluffy texture will gently satisfy your tired body after a long day of eating. The dumplings can be easily eaten with one hand, making them perfect for eating on the go. Follow the dumpling sign and the wafting aroma.

Dango Teahouse

4-11 Sakae Town, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, 479-0836

Located within the tourist spot "Pottery Footpath," the dumplings made with local soy sauce are so delicious you won't be able to stop eating them once you start. We also recommend the local specialty "Neko Dango" topped with Katsuobushi, named after Tokoname, the city of beckoning cats, and soft serve ice cream on hot days! In a homely atmosphere, the shop's owners, a grandfather and grandmother, will kindly tell you stories of Tokoname's past and answer any questions you may have.

6. [Charcoal Grill] Sumiyaki Masa 

At Sumiyaki Masa, you can enjoy charcoal-grilled Japanese set meals at both lunch and dinner. With 16 years of experience in charcoal grilling, the restaurant opened in 2025 as a restaurant specializing in charcoal-grilled dishes.

The set meals feature a daily selection of meat and fish. Depending on the season and availability, the menu includes silver salmon, chicken thighs, silver cod, mackerel, and more. The carefully grilled charcoal-grilled fish has a strong aroma that stimulates the appetite. The meat and fish are thick and satisfying. You can also feel the warmth of the Tokoname-yaki bowls and small dishes, and one set meal will satisfy all five senses.

The large charcoal grilled dishes are made by the chef's father, which makes you feel even more attached to them.

They cook the food slowly after receiving your order, so you can enjoy the aromas and sounds coming from the kitchen as part of the meal.

In the evening, you can enjoy a set meal with local sake or beer. If you want to enjoy a Japanese set meal and local sake to your heart's content, be sure to visit.

Charcoal Grill Masa

2-128-1 Togocho, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, 479-0001

Located along the Pottery Footpath , you can enjoy authentic charcoal-grilled cuisine. The chef, who has 15 years of experience in charcoal grilling, carefully grills each dish using carefully selected ingredients such as silver cod, silver salmon, and chicken thighs over fragrant binchotan charcoal. The dishes are made of Tokoname ware by a Tokoname ceramic artist, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the dishes along with the flavor of the food.

7. [Rice Ball] Inoueya

Located a 15-minute walk from Tokoname Station, Inoueya Rice and Sake is the place to eat rice balls made with carefully selected rice and plentiful toppings. Run by a shop owner who is a certified agricultural produce inspector, Inoueya offers everything from rice milling to sales and advice, and offers rice balls for takeout or to eat in the shop.

Take-out rice balls are made right in front of you after your order is placed, giving you a real feeling of realism. The owner decides the rice to use every morning, and adjusts the amount of water used when cooking the rice depending on the day. The four best-selling flavors are "Grilled Pork with Mayonnaise," "Mentaiko Cream Cheese," "Salmon," and "Tuna with Mayonnaise." Each rice ball is topped with plenty of ingredients, and they also look cute.

At Rakuzo in the building next door, you can enjoy a set meal with your chosen rice ball as the main dish.

The most popular item is the "Omusubi Zen" set, which includes a choice of two rice balls. It's a hearty set that includes miso soup, grilled food, pickles, simmered food, salad, tofu, a drink, and dessert.

The first bite of a freshly made rice ball is the most luxurious! The toppings and rice mix together in your mouth, creating a delightful, warm texture. There are also plenty of ingredients inside the rice ball, so you won't get bored of eating it all the way to the end.

If you find rice that you like, you can purchase it on the spot. Experience the deliciousness and depth of rice for yourself.

Inoueya - Rice and Sake Shop

3-45 Nishiki-cho, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, 479-0831

Inoueya is a unique store that specializes in both sake and rice. They offer a wide selection of locally brewed sake from within the prefecture, neatly lined up in refrigerated shelves at the back of the store. You can also request rice milling services, making it easy to purchase fresh rice whenever you need.

Access to the area around Tokoname Station

From Chubu Centrair International Airport

Train: Nagoya"Central Japan International Airport" → (Airport Line) → Nagoya"Tokoname Station", approximately 5 minutes

By car: Take the Centrair Line to Centrair East IC → Get off at Rinku IC on the Centrair Line (approx. 5 minutes)

It takes about 10 minutes by train or car from Centrair to Tokoname Station. The area around Tokoname Station is easy to navigate even for first-time visitors, and is convenient for stopping by even for short stays. You can also take a stroll around the area, or take a taxi to shops a little further away from the station.

See TOKONAME SHUTTLE Details & Timetable

From Nagoya

From Nagoya Station, take the Nagoya"Meitetsu Nagoya Station" to "Meitetsu Tokoname Station" on the Tokoname Limited Express, which takes about 30 minutes. You can easily combine this visit with sightseeing in Nagoya.

By car: Chita Peninsula Road "Otaka IC" or "Obu Nishi IC" → Handa Chuo JCT → Centrair Line "Tokoname IC" or "Rinku IC", approximately 45 minutes

You can easily combine your visit with sightseeing in Nagoya.

Enjoy Japanese food in Tokoname

Tokoname, home to Centrair, is a city where you can experience local history and food culture. The charm of Tokoname lies in the opportunity to encounter restaurants that use Tokoname ware and sample local delicacies. It's a great place to stop by before or after your flight to or from Centrair, or combine it with a trip to Nagoya for a half-day to full-day stroll. You can spend a Tokoname time enjoying food and shopping. On your next trip to Japan, be sure to find a place you like in Tokoname.