Oysters have a smooth texture and a rich flavor.

Oyster farming has been practiced in Hiroshima Bay, which includes the Seto Inland Sea, for a long time, and Hiroshima Bay boasts the highest production volume in the country (as of 2021). In this article, we will explain the characteristics and history of Hiroshima oysters, and why they are so famous.

We will also introduce some recommended ways to eat it, so please enjoy until the end.

What are the characteristics of Hiroshima oysters?

Oysters, also known as "milk of the sea," are rich in vitamin B12, zinc, iron, etc. and are the perfect food for nutrition. In Hiroshima, oysters are harvested from October to May, and are at their peak meat content from December to February.

In recent years, "Kaki Komachi" oysters have appeared, which can be enjoyed all year round, allowing you to enjoy fresh oysters even in the summer. Hiroshima cultivates mostly Pacific oysters, which are characterized by a large proportion of meat compared to the size of the shell. They have a smooth texture and a soft sea scent, and you can enjoy the rich sweetness of oysters along with a moderate saltiness.

Other popular oysters with a premium feel in the shell include the delicious "Kengaki" oysters from Jigozen and the "Aki no Hitotsubu," which are farmed on traditional tidal flats.

The history of oysters in Hiroshima

Hiroshima Bay is said to have an ideal natural environment for oyster growth. The waters, surrounded by the surrounding islands and capes, have calm waves and are ideal for lining up oyster farming rafts.

In addition, nutrient-rich water flows into the area from the Ota River and other rivers, creating a layer of different salinity concentrations from the rainy season through to summer. The slightly sweet salinity of the water that flows in from the rivers mixed with seawater is a favorite food for oysters, and the plankton that serves as their food also grows well there. This means that Hiroshima oysters, which grow up eating this nutritious plankton, are also delicious.

Hiroshima Bay has long been a place where wild oysters have been harvested, and oyster farming began at the end of the Muromachi period, with a history of over 450 years. Farming methods have changed over the years, and the current hanging farming method has become more productive and is so popular that it is loved overseas as well.

In addition, oysters, designated as the prefecture's fish, are cultivated in separate areas for eating raw and for cooking.

Because Hiroshima oysters are cultivated in designated sea areas, it is easy to tell which sea area the harvested oysters came from, and food safety is also taken into consideration.

How to eat oysters deliciously

When you think of oysters, many people may think of simple raw oysters or grilled oysters. The recommended way to eat oysters in Hiroshima is with a squeeze of lemon. In fact, lemons are also a specialty product of Hiroshima, and Hiroshima boasts the largest production volume in Japan. They also contain plenty of vitamin C, which helps with the absorption of iron and zinc contained in oysters, making them a perfect match.

Mild, fresh and juicy raw oysters are available from November to March. Hot, plump grilled oysters are packed with flavor and have an irresistible rich taste. They are delicious as is, but we also recommend eating them with ponzu sauce or rich butter and soy sauce.

Another Hiroshima winter staple is the oyster dotenabe. It is a local dish that originated in Hiroshima, in which miso is spread on the inside of the pot and oysters and vegetables are boiled while eating. There are also other ways to enjoy oyster dishes in Hiroshima, such as crispy fried oysters, tempura, flavorful rice dishes, and oil-marinated dishes that go well with alcohol. Please give any dish that catches your eye a try.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Hiroshima

We will introduce some recommended tourist spots in Hiroshima.

Itsukushima Shrine, the symbol of Miyajima

The symbol of Miyajima, also known as the Island of the Gods, is Itsukushima Shrine, a designated World Heritage Site. The beautiful vermilion-painted shrine building is eye-catching, as if it is floating on the sea, and you can actually walk on the floorboards of the corridor, which is a part of the national treasure. The Shinden-zukuri style of architecture, which is representative of the Heian period, has much to see, and through the national treasures and important cultural properties, it seems that you can get a glimpse of what life was like at the time. The scenery changes completely depending on the tides, so it is recommended to visit at different times.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: Wishing for lasting world peace

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which was built for the abolition of nuclear weapons and the realization of world peace, is located within Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

The main building displays photographs that show what things were like at the time and exhibits that focus on each individual, while the east building uses video to highlight the horror of nuclear weapons. The monument in the park, which was installed as a prayer for peace, is also a must-see.

Orizuru Tower: A panoramic view of Hiroshima city

Built next to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Orizuru Tower is a complex space perfect for sightseeing and strolling.

This spot is packed with all the charm of Hiroshima, with attractions such as the wooden deck "Hiroshima Hill" that offers a panoramic view of the city of Hiroshima, a products center that sells Hiroshima's famous products and souvenirs, and the "Handshake Cafe" where you can taste homemade drinks made with fruits from the Seto Inland Sea.

Tetsuya Matsuda, the architect of this building, could not forget the view of Hiroshima seen from the rooftop of the building that was the predecessor to the Orizuru Tower, and built an observation deck as "a view that people all over the world should see." With a pleasant breeze blowing through and the scent of cypress and cedar, "Hiroshima Hill" is definitely worth a visit.

Access to Hiroshima

When traveling to Hiroshima, we recommend traveling by plane or train.

By Shinkansen, it takes about four hours from Tokyo, two hours and 15 minutes from Nagoya, and one and a half hours from Shin-Osaka.

If you fly, it takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Narita Airport, and about 2 hours if you are coming from Sapporo or Okinawa, so access is easy. For transportation within the city, trams and local buses are convenient.

Location of Hiroshima Prefecture

summary

This time we introduced Hiroshima's local gourmet food, oysters.

The oysters grown in the rich natural environment of Hiroshima Bay are large and extremely fresh and delicious. You can enjoy delicious oyster dishes at oyster huts where they are grilled right in front of you and then eaten immediately, stylish oyster bars, and izakayas, so be sure to check them out.

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