This time, we will introduce the history and characteristics of Echizen crab, a local B-class gourmet food of Fukui Prefecture.

Fukui Prefecture is located in the Hokuriku region of Japan, and is a place where you can experience nature and Japanese traditions. There are many popular tourist spots, such as historic castles and hot springs.

In this article, we will provide a thorough explanation of Echizen crab, a charming local B-class gourmet food from Fukui Prefecture.

What is Echizen crab?

Echizen crab is a brand of male snow crab caught in Fukui Prefecture, and is in season during the winter from November 6th to March 20th.

This name can only be given to snow crabs caught in the fishing ports of Fukui Prefecture in the seas of Japan, and due to their quality and flavor, Echizen crabs are also known as the "king of winter flavors."

To prove their authenticity, male Echizen crabs are fitted with a yellow tag, which confirms that they are high-quality crabs approved by the Fukui Prefectural Fisheries Association.

The history of Echizen crab

Snow crabs have been caught along the coast of the Sea of Japan and used as a food ingredient since ancient times, but it took a long time for the brand name "Echizen crab" to become established.

Snow crab has been eaten in areas along the Sea of Japan since ancient times, and has been treated as a local specialty since Fukui Prefecture was called Echizen Province.

There are records that snow crab was presented to the Imperial Court during the Heian period, and it is said that snow crab was already recognized as a luxury food ingredient at that time.

In the Middle Ages, fishing techniques improved little by little and crab fishing became more active along the coast, but crab fishing at this time was still small-scale and was mainly for local consumption.

During the Meiji period, crab fishing developed more fully, with snow crab becoming a highly valued commodity and being distributed throughout Japan.

In the Taisho era, snow crab caught in Fukui Prefecture was branded as "Echizen crab" and became widely known. Fishermen and the government of Fukui Prefecture made efforts to maintain the quality.

Currently, quality control of Echizen crabs has been further strengthened, and a "yellow tag" was introduced in 1996 to indicate that the crab is genuine. This tag guarantees the origin and quality of the crab, further increasing its value as a brand.

Characteristics of Echizen crab

Echizen crabs are characterized by their firm flesh. Because Echizen crabs grow in the cold Sea of Japan, their flesh is firm and elastic.

Another feature is its strong sweetness and umami flavor. It has a fresh, rich sweetness and the rich umami flavor that is unique to crab.

Recommended ways to eat Echizen crab

First, try eating fresh Echizen crab as sashimi. The firm texture of the meat is exquisite.

Other recommended ways to eat crab are grilled, boiled, or by putting the crab in a hot pot and breaking the meat into pieces.

There are many different ways to eat it, so it's a good idea to enjoy it in small portions using different cooking methods.

Tourist spots in Fukui Prefecture

From here, we will introduce tourist spots in Fukui Prefecture.

Mikata Five Lakes

The Mikata Five Lakes are the collective name for the five lakes located in Wakasa Town, Fukui Prefecture: Lake Kugushi, Lake Suigetsu, Lake Suga, Lake Mikata, and Lake Hinata. Each lake has a different salinity, forming a unique landscape and natural environment.

From the Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line, you can get a spectacular view of the five lakes. In addition, the sightseeing boats that take you around the lakeside are very popular with tourists.

Lake Suigetsu in particular has attracted academic attention due to the varves that accumulate on the lake bottom, which provide clues to understanding changes in the global environment over the past 70,000 years.

Echizen Ono Castle

Echizen Ono Castle is a mountain castle from the Warring States period located in Ono City, Fukui Prefecture, and is one of the most famous tourist spots in Fukui Prefecture. It was built in 1576 by the military commander Kanamori Nagachika.

Built on Kameyama at an altitude of 249 meters, it is also known as the "Castle in the Sky" because it appears to be floating in a sea of clouds.

Echizen Ono Castle is a beautiful and mysterious place, and if you're lucky, you can see it enveloped in a fantastical sea of clouds on mornings from autumn to winter.

The current castle was rebuilt in 1968, and from the castle tower you can get a panoramic view of the cityscape of Fukui Prefecture and the beautiful surrounding scenery.

Tojinbo

Tojinbo is a scenic spot facing the Sea of Japan in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, characterized by sheer cliffs stretching for about 1 km.

These columnar jointed cliffs were formed by volcanic activity approximately 13 million years ago, and are designated as a national natural monument.

The rough waves of the Sea of Japan and the magnificent natural scenery that can be seen from the 20-30 meter high cliffs are very popular with tourists. It is also known as a tourist spot where you can enjoy sightseeing boat cruises and watch beautiful sunsets, and many tourists visit every year.

Access to Fukui Prefecture

From here, we will introduce how to access Fukui Prefecture.

If you are traveling from Tokyo to Fukui Prefecture, we recommend taking the Shinkansen. The Tokaido Shinkansen takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Fukui Station.

If you are traveling from Osaka to Fukui Prefecture, we recommend taking the express bus. It takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes from Osaka Station to Fukui Station, and it is a cost-effective way to get there.

Location of Fukui Prefecture

summary

This time, we introduced Echizen crab, a local B-class gourmet food from Fukui Prefecture.

We have learned that Echizen crab has become a brand over its long history and is now gaining popularity as a luxury crab.

I also learned that apart from Echizen crab, Fukui Prefecture is an attractive prefecture rich in nature and with many beautiful tourist spots.

We hope you will all visit Fukui Prefecture at least once!

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