This time, we will introduce the history and appeal of Shonan Shirasu, a local B-class gourmet food from Kanagawa Prefecture.

Kanagawa Prefecture is located in the Kanto region of Japan, adjacent to Tokyo, Shizuoka Prefecture, and Yamanashi Prefecture. There are many historical sites, theme parks, and other tourist attractions, making it a perfect area for a short trip from the city center.

In this article, we will provide a thorough explanation of Shonan Shirasu, a charming local B-class gourmet food from Kanagawa Prefecture!

What is Shonan Shirasu?

As the name suggests, Shonan Shirasu is whitebait harvested in the Shonan area of Kanagawa Prefecture.

Sagami Bay, which stretches from Jogashima on the Miura Peninsula in southern Kanagawa Prefecture to Cape Manazuru on the Izu Peninsula, is a popular spot for marine sports such as surfing and kayaking, and is also known as a good fishing spot.

This area is well suited to fishing, with about 1,300 of the 4,000 species of fish caught in Japan said to live in Sagami Bay. Fish that can be caught in each season, such as horse mackerel, barracuda, and yellowtail, are caught here, but the fish that represents this area is shirasu.

The history of Shonan Shirasu

It is said that shirasu fishing has been going on in the Shonan area since the Edo period. However, back then, it was not boiled and was mostly eaten raw.

Later, in the 1960s and 70s, as refrigerators became more widespread during the period of rapid economic growth, shirasu began to be produced by boiling or drying in the sun.

However, because boiled whitebait does not keep well, it was only eaten by fishermen and local people and was not popular among the general public.

Nowadays, boiled and raw whitebait are sold directly, making it easy for even ordinary people to enjoy whitebait.

Furthermore, in the Heisei era, the Kanagawa Prefecture Shirasu Council was established and processed shirasu products were registered as a Kanagawa brand under the name "Shonan Shirasu," making it a nationally famous Kanagawa specialty.

The appeal of Shonan whitebait

The appeal of Shonan shirasu is that it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

Typical examples include "nama shirasu", which is eaten raw, and "kamaage shirasu", which is eaten boiled.

Raw shirasu allows you to enjoy the original taste of shirasu, with a slight bitterness unique to fish. Kamaage shirasu is slowly boiled in a large amount of water, giving it a plump texture and sweetness.

Another attractive feature is the wide variety of ways to eat shirasu, such as pickled shirasu in soy sauce.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Kanagawa Prefecture

From here, we will introduce some recommended tourist spots in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Enoshima Aquarium

Enoshima Aquarium, located in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a popular aquarium for families and couples. It is loved by many tourists as a place where you can experience the diversity and beauty of marine life while overlooking the beautiful Enoshima sea.

Inside the aquarium, there's a lot to see, including the Sagami Bay Large Aquarium where colorful fish swim, the Jellyfish Fantasy Hall where fantastical jellyfish float, and the Dolphin Show where you can enjoy the performances of cute dolphins.

There are also experiential events that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, as well as educational exhibits about marine life.

If you are interested in the underwater world or would like to spend some relaxing time away from your daily routine, be sure to come and enjoy a wonderful experience at Enoshima Aquarium.

Komayama Park

Komayama Park is a park rich in nature that spreads across Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

You can enjoy beautiful scenery in every season, especially the cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves, which attract many tourists every year.

The vast grounds are equipped with walking paths, plazas, and playground equipment, making it a popular spot for families and people enjoying strolls.

You can also get a panoramic view of Sagami Bay from the top of Mount Koma, and on a clear day the scenery is stunning. This park is loved by many people as a place where you can relax and be in touch with nature.

Enoshima

Enoshima, located in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a popular tourist spot where you can experience history and nature.

The most popular attractions are the beautiful coastline and the spectacular view from Enoshima Lighthouse, the symbol of Enoshima. There are many other attractions on the island, including Enoshima Shrine, which has been an object of worship since ancient times, and the healing space of the Enoshima Aquarium.

Enoshima is also an attractive area for tourists, with Enoshima Benten Bridge, where you can stroll while feeling the sea breeze, and plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy seafood. Enoshima has many restaurants specializing in Shonan whitebait, which we have introduced in this article, where you can enjoy dishes such as raw whitebait rice bowls.

Come and enjoy a wonderful time at Enoshima, where you can enjoy nature, culture, and gourmet food all at once.

Access to Enoshima

From here, we will introduce how to access Enoshima, where there are many restaurants where you can eat raw shirasu.

If you are traveling from Tokyo to Shonan, we recommend taking the train. You can get to Katase-Enoshima Station from Shinjuku Station on the Odakyu Line without having to transfer.

If you are traveling from Osaka to the Shonan area, we recommend the Shinkansen and train. Take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo Station, then take the JR Tokaido Line to Fujisawa Station, then transfer to the Odakyu Line to Katase-Enoshima Station.

If you have time, we recommend heading to Fujisawa Station and then transferring to the Enoshima Electric Railway, which is famous for its beautiful seaside scenery, and heading to Enoshima Station.

Location of Kanagawa Prefecture

summary

This time, we explained about Shonan Shirasu, a local B-class gourmet food from Kanagawa Prefecture.

We learned that there are many delicious ways to eat Shonan Shirasu, and that it is a local specialty loved by locals and tourists alike.

Kanagawa Prefecture also has many interesting tourist spots, so if you want to get away from the crowds of Tokyo and experience nature or take a short trip, be sure to check it out!

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