What other travelers are saying about Hamaguri Plaza, Kuwana
We were unable to get a reservation for the set meal, which requires a reservation, so we gave up. When we entered the restaurant at 12 o'clock on a Sunday, there was a crowd of people in the dining room on the second floor. You tell the cashier the number of people in your group and the menu you would like to order in advance. We ordered clam udon, and were impressed by the tender clam meat and the gentle taste of the clear broth. The taste was so soft that you wouldn't feel thirsty even after drinking it all, and we were pleased that it was reasonably priced for a tourist destination.
On the first floor, there is an exhibit introducing Kuwana's clam fishing, and it is a good idea to take a look around and get a sense of history before or after your meal.
You can eat clams at a reasonable price! My husband got the second-highest order, and I got udon. You can eat three clams while they're being grilled, one fried clam, and tempura for just 2,200 yen. It's cheap! I wanted to eat udon and seasoned rice, but they didn't have the seasoned rice as a single item, just the udon. But it was delicious! I ate everything, even the soup! Three clams for 1,000 yen! I want to come here every year!
I had the Akasuka set meal and the extra-large steamed clams in sake. Both the grilled clams and the steamed clams had a rich dashi flavor and were delicious. Since it was a weekday and the weather wasn't great, the place was empty and I was able to eat right away.
I made a reservation by phone two weeks in advance for my first visit.
When I called, I was told that they only accept reservations for one person at 11:00.
But it wasn't a problem since I was planning to go at 11:00!
They opened at 10:50.
The three grilled clams were delicious.
Personally, I would have preferred around five.
The moment the clams opened was a bit of a surprise.
One small clam tempura was a bit disappointing.
The dessert jelly was quite disappointing.
Hmm, I wonder if 2,700 yen is worth it.
I took the train from the nearest station and then walked from Kuwana Station, but it was quite a distance, so it would be safer to go by car.
There is also parking near the breakwater in front of the restaurant.
The parking lot is across the road, along the river.
We arrived at around 12:00. The restaurant was full of reservations. It was immediately clear that it was a popular restaurant.
The clam set meal consisted of both fried and baked clams in foil, so it wasn't very filling, but it was delicious. The clams had been de-shelled so they weren't hard to eat.
The entrance to the restaurant is a little hard to find. Payment is cash only.
Hamaguri Plaza is primarily known for its fresh seafood market specializing in hamaguri clams, a regional delicacy from Kuwana City. The facility celebrates the area's centuries-old clam fishing heritage and offers visitors the opportunity to purchase fresh local seafood, sample traditional hamaguri dishes at on-site restaurants, and learn about the unique tidal flat ecosystems that produce these prized shellfish.
From Nagoya, take the Kintetsu Nagoya Line to Kuwana Station, which takes approximately 20-30 minutes. From Kuwana Station, Hamaguri Plaza is about 15 minutes away by local bus or taxi. Alternatively, visitors driving from Nagoya can access the plaza via major highways, with free parking available on-site.
No, admission to Hamaguri Plaza is free. Visitors can explore the facility, browse the fresh market, and view exhibits about local fishing culture without any entrance charge. However, purchases at shops and restaurants are charged at standard pricing.
The plaza's fresh market offers locally harvested hamaguri clams, various seafood from Ise Bay and nearby waters, seasonal vegetables, agricultural products from Mie Prefecture, processed seafood items, and regional crafts. Visitors can also find specialty food products and souvenirs that showcase Kuwana's culinary traditions.
Yes, Hamaguri Plaza features restaurants specializing in hamaguri cuisine. Visitors can enjoy traditional preparations including grilled hamaguri, hamaguri hot pot (nabe), clam rice, and other regional dishes that highlight the flavor and quality of Kuwana's famous clams using cooking methods passed down through generations.
