Eel is one of the defining characteristics of summer in Japan.

Shizuoka Prefecture, which ranks fourth in the nation in terms of eel production (as of 2022), has a wide variety of eel types and ways to eat them, and the eels are also top-class delicious.

This time, we will explain the characteristics and history of Shizuoka Prefecture's eels, as well as how to eat them deliciously.

Characteristics of Shizuoka Prefecture eels

Shizuoka is the birthplace of eel farming in Japan.
One of the brands, "Lake Hamana eel," is a superb product that takes food safety into consideration, so much so that consumers can track each individual eel. Other brands include "Shizuoka eel (Yoshida eel)," which is raised in the underground waters of the Oi River, and "Mishima eel," which is killed in the underground waters of Mount Fuji.

The area around Hamamatsu in Shizuoka is said to be the "border between East and West" when it comes to cooking eel, and you can enjoy two ways of eating it: Kanto style and Kansai style. In the Kanto style, the grilled eel is first steamed, then grilled with sauce. By steaming the eel, you can enjoy the plump and soft texture of the meat.

On the other hand, in the Kansai style, the eel is grilled over an open flame and then simply dipped in sauce. This gives it a crispy, fragrant texture and flavor that really whets the appetite. Shizuoka is one of the few areas in the prefecture where you can eat eel in two different ways.

The history of eels in Shizuoka Prefecture

Lake Hamana in Shizuoka Prefecture is home to wild eels, which were widely known as a local specialty during the late Edo period.

Eel farming began in the Meiji era, and it is said that in 1897, a man named Hattori Sojiro began researching how to farm eels in Lake Hamana. In 1971, a farming method for raising glass eel fry was established, which led to an increase in eel production.

As this eel farming method spread throughout the country, Hamamatsu became one of the top eel producers and became known as the birthplace of eel farming.

It is said that there are three reasons why eel production has become so popular in Shizuoka.

Several reasons for this include the fact that glass eels, the young fish of eels, were caught in abundance around Lake Hamana and along the coast of Suruga Bay, that there was water and food essential for eel farming, and that the warm climate around Lake Hamana was ideal for the growth of eels.

In addition, being close to Tokyo and Osaka, which are major eel consumer areas, and convenient distribution routes, is thought to have led to the development of eel production and farming.

Types of eels in Shizuoka Prefecture

We will explain in detail about the types of eels found in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Lake Hamana eel

Lake Hamana eel is a delicacy made from glass eels (young fish) caught around Lake Hamana and the Tenryu River, and is farmed by members of the Lake Hamana Fish Farming Cooperative.

We take into consideration the traditional farming methods unique to the birthplace of eel farming, as well as "traceability" that indicates food safety. From the lot number, you can see at a glance who raised the eel, how it was raised, and how it was processed.

Shizuoka eel

Only eels that meet the strict standards of the Shizuoka Eel Fisheries Cooperative Association can be called "Shizuoka eel." In 2008, the Yaizu, Oigawa, Nakaen, and Maruharu Yoshida Eel Fisheries Cooperative Associations merged to form the Shizuoka Eel Fisheries Cooperative Association, and are still working to cultivate high-quality eels.

Mishima eel

Mishima City is not a major eel producing area, but by exposing eels to the underground water of Mt. Fuji that flows through Mishima City for 4-5 days, it is possible to eliminate the characteristic fishy and muddy smell. Even eel specialty shops in the city apparently expose the eels to water before cooking them.

How to eat eel deliciously

In Shizuoka, eel is served in a variety of ways, and knowing the different ways to eat it will add even more fun to your experience.

For unglazed grilled fish, wasabi soy sauce, salt, ponzu, yuzu pepper, ginger soy sauce, etc. go well with these. Simple seasonings that bring out the flavor of the ingredients are recommended.

It is also delicious when grilled, and the rich sauce brings out the natural flavor of the eel, making it delicious to eat with rice. Takeout is also available from the restaurant, so please try it out with your favorite seasonings.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Hamamatsu City

From here, we will introduce some tourist spots in Hamamatsu City.

"Hamanako Palpal" where both adults and children can have fun

Hamanako Palpal, a resort-style amusement park on the shores of Lake Hamana, has around 30 different attractions, from thrilling rides to fairy tale-themed rides.

The rapids slide "Don Braco" is an exhilarating attraction where you slide down the water current from a height of about 14m. The Ferris wheel, about 60m high, is a spectacular view spot where you can have the magnificent view all to yourself, even the Pacific Ocean.

The Kansanji Ropeway also departs from the park, and can be used to get to the summit of Mt. Okusa, the Okusa Observatory.

Ryugaiwa Cave, formed 250 million years ago

Ryugashido Cave, one of the largest tourist caves in the Tokai region, offers underground exploration with a total length of over 1,000 meters.

The temperature remains at 18℃ throughout the year, so it is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Don't miss the rare cave museum in Japan, the cool spot "Yokita Cave," and the popular gelato shop. Be sure to enjoy the 250 million year old limestone area.

Hamamatsu Flower Park: See around 3,000 types of plants

Hamamatsu Flower Park was created by taking advantage of the topography of the Lake Hamana shoreline, and is home to 3,000 varieties of plants planted within its 300,000 km2 garden.

You can enjoy seasonal flowers, including the popular "Cherry Blossom and Tulip Garden" in spring and a fountain show with a flower relay. In the center of the garden is the large greenhouse "Crystal Palace," which displays elaborate exhibits according to the season, and the "Flower Train" that runs through the garden is also popular.

Admission is free in July and August, so please feel free to come and visit.

Access to Hamamatsu City

Hamamatsu City, located almost in the center of Japan, is easily accessible from all over the country.

It takes about 90 minutes from Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station, or Shin-Osaka Station by taking the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Hikari. It takes about 30 minutes from Nagoya. It is possible to visit on a day trip, so why not make it a great short trip?

Location of Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture

summary

This time we introduced the local gourmet food of Shizuoka Prefecture: eel.

Shizuoka's bounty, nurtured by its rich nature, can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Shizuoka is one of the few areas where you can enjoy two different ways of eating the food, so if you visit Shizuoka, be sure to give it a try.

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