This time, we will introduce the history and appeal of "Sakura shrimp," a local B-class gourmet food from Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture, is an area located in central Shizuoka Prefecture, and is a tourist spot with many famous buildings, including fishing ports, shrines, and ruins.

The area is also famous as a producer of citrus fruits such as Oshu mikan and ponkan, and there is an abundance of delicious food to choose from.

This time, we will be giving you a thorough explanation of the charming local B-class gourmet food of Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture: sakura shrimp!

What are Sakura shrimp?

Sakura shrimp is a type of shrimp caught in Suruga Bay in Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture. Suruga Bay is the only place in Japan where Sakura shrimp can be caught, and it has become a specialty representative of Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Sakura shrimp are creatures that live in schools at depths of 400 to 600 meters. Spring fishing takes place from mid-March to early June, and autumn fishing takes place from late October to late December.

It is generally eaten fried as sakura shrimp kakiage, which is also famous as a local specialty of Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture.

History of Sakura Shrimp Fishing

Sakura shrimp fishing began in 1894 in what is now Yui Town, Shizuoka Prefecture.

At that time, fishermen Mochizuki Heishichi and Watanabe Chubei went out to fish for horse mackerel at night as they usually did, but they forgot to load the floating barrels called "kanta." So they had no choice but to lower their nets without floats and caught about 150 kg of sakura shrimp, which is said to be the beginning of sakura shrimp fishing.

Because there were no floats, the net was pulled in deeper than usual, which is said to have resulted in a large number of shrimp being caught.

Although cherry shrimp had occasionally been caught in nets in the past, it was not clear at the time why they were getting caught, and so it had not become a serious fishing activity.

However, this chance discovery led to the establishment of an efficient method for catching only sakura shrimp, and after that, sakura shrimp fishing became popular in Suruga Bay in Shizuoka Prefecture, and it became a specialty product of the prefecture.

The appeal of Sakura shrimp

The appeal of sakura shrimp is that it can be eaten in a variety of ways.

As mentioned above, there are many ways to eat it, such as deep-fried sakura shrimp, putting it directly on top of rice to make a bowl of rice, or pouring it over soba or udon noodles.

One of the charms of sakura shrimp is that you can eat it in different ways to suit your tastes, so you'll never get bored of it.

Tourist spots in Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture

From here, I will introduce the tourist spots in Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Satsuma Pass

Satsuma Pass is a tourist spot of natural beauty and historical value located in Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Located at an altitude of about 750 meters, this pass offers a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay. On clear days, it is known as a scenic spot where you can enjoy the majestic Mt. Fuji from afar.

The appeal of Satsuma Pass is not only its spectacular scenery. The surrounding area is filled with nature in all four seasons, especially in the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom and in the fall when the leaves change color. On the way up the pass, you will encounter old roads that evoke history and beautiful scenery that blends in with nature, making it the perfect place for hiking and walking.

Furthermore, at dusk, the view of the sun setting over Suruga Bay and the silhouette of Mt. Fuji is fantastic, making it a spot not to be missed by many tourists and scenery lovers.

Yui Clock Tower

The Yui Clock Tower, located in Yui Town, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a historic landmark of the town and a symbol of the region.

This clock tower was built in the 19th century and features a large clock mounted on a stately wooden tower that tells the time.

The Yui Clock Tower is loved by locals and tourists alike for its beautiful appearance and historical value.

In particular, the clock tower is beautifully lit up at dusk, blending gracefully into the townscape. There are also many shops selling local specialty products and historical buildings nearby, making it a great spot for enjoying a stroll.

Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art

The Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art is an art museum located in Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Specializing in the works of Ukiyo-e master Utagawa Hiroshige, the museum mainly exhibits landscapes and actor paintings from the Edo period, including Hiroshige's masterpiece "Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido," and plays an important role in passing on his artistic legacy to future generations.

The Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art not only displays Hiroshige's ukiyo-e prints, but also holds special exhibitions and lectures related to the art and culture of the Edo period, so you'll discover something new every time you visit. The museum also has a library stocked with specialized books and materials related to Hiroshige, which is used by researchers and students.

This is a must-visit tourist spot for ukiyo-e fans, as well as those with an interest in Japanese history and culture, where you can learn and be inspired.

Access to Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture

If you are traveling from Tokyo to Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture, we recommend taking the Shinkansen and train. You can take the Kodama Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shizuoka Station, then transfer to the JR Tokaido Main Line to Yui Station.

If you are traveling from Osaka to Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture, we recommend using the Shinkansen and train. You can take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Shizuoka Station, then transfer to the JR Tokaido Main Line to Yui Station.

Location of Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture

summary

This time, we have provided a thorough explanation of sakura shrimp, a local B-class gourmet food from Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Sakura shrimp is a local specialty that can only be found in Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture, and we have learned that sakura shrimp fishing is an essential fishery for Shizuoka Prefecture.

In addition to sakura shrimp, Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture has many other attractive tourist spots, so be sure to check them out!

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