"Tokoroten" has a smooth texture.

It is a familiar summer tradition and gives off a refreshing impression. In fact, the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka is an area where agarwood, the raw material for tokoroten, is abundantly grown. It can be casually eaten as a light meal or snack, and the dish made using traditional methods has a unique taste.

This time, we will introduce you to Shizuoka's tokoroten, its characteristics, history, and deliciousness.

What is Shizuoka Tokoroten?

Tokoroten, written in kanji as "Konta," is made by boiling the seaweed Tengusa in water and vinegar, straining the broth, and solidifying it. Tengusa fishing has been popular in the Izu Peninsula since ancient times, and the "torigusa" (harvested seaweed) that is hand-picked by female divers who dive into the sea is considered the highest quality product in the market.

The area where Amakusa is harvested most abundantly is the Nishiizu area.
The rich nature and unique topography of Izu, which are suitable for the growth of Amakusa, are a major factor. The underground water from Mt. Fuji flows into the sea and mixes with the Kuroshio Current coming from the south, creating a good fishing ground for Amakusa. Another reason for its high quality is that the process from harvesting to shipping is carried out carefully by hand.

This is a region where the tradition of making delicious tokoroten is still carried on today.

The origin and history of tokoroten

Amakusa fishing has been practiced on the Izu Peninsula for about 1,600 years.

There are records from 1598 that Amakusa fishing was carried out in the Shirahama area, and tokoroten was a common food in the late 1600s.

During the Showa era, they began to be sold at sweet shops, and were loved as a soul food and an indispensable snack for children.

How to make tokoroten

Tokoroten is made by washing the harvested amagusa repeatedly in fresh water, drying it thoroughly in the sun, and then boiling it to create a shiny, chewy dish. At the shop, they blend several amagusa varieties to create tokoroten that brings out the best in each one.

Also, the type of amagusa that is harvested varies depending on the region of the Izu Peninsula. In Nishiizu, a type of amagus called Makusa is harvested, which is characterized by a soft and sticky texture. On the other hand, in Higashiizu, a type of amagus called Oobusa is often harvested, which is said to produce thick, firm tokoroten.

As you can see, making tokoroten requires many steps and time, from harvesting the amagusa to drying it in the sun, and straining and solidifying the broth that has been simmered for a long time, and it has become a valuable product today. Therefore, if you come to the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka, be sure to try some authentic tokoroten there.

How to eat tokoroten deliciously

Tokoroten is cut into sticks, pushed out with a poker, and served with sanbai-zu or vinegared soy sauce. It can also be served with mustard or sprinkled with green laver to taste. It can also be cut into cubes and topped with brown sugar syrup or soybean flour. Cubed tokoroten has a crunchy texture and goes perfectly with rich brown sugar syrup and soybean flour.

Shizuoka tokoroten has a strong texture, and with one bite, the scent of the sea and the natural sweetness of Amakusa spreads throughout your mouth, making it a deeply flavorful dish. Its texture and smooth taste are its specialties, and adding vinegar and soy sauce gives it a refreshing aftertaste. Be sure to try these two ways of eating that are unique to tokoroten producing areas.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Shizuoka

From here, we will introduce some recommended spots around Izu in Shizuoka.

The Izu region is blessed with many hot spring towns and abundant nature. It is also a place where you can see rare geology that has been certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark, making it a great place to visit. This time, we have picked out some fun sightseeing spots that are perfect for families, so be sure to check them out.

Mysterious scenic spot "Tenmado Cave"

Tenso-do Cave, located in the Dogashima Onsen hot spring area in Nishiizu Town, is a scenic spot where you can see a mysterious sight of a band of light shining into the ceiling of a dark cave.

Also known as the Blue Cave, sightseeing boat cruises are popular with people of all ages. Beautiful underwater volcanic strata and strangely shaped rocks can be seen only here, and together with the coastal scenery formed by the accumulation of history, you can experience the mysteries of nature up close.

Even while walking along the promenade, you can see many undersea volcanic strata and interestingly shaped rocks, so be sure to enjoy a stroll.

Full of attractions! "Izu Granpal Park"

Izu Granpal Park, which ranked first in Shizuoka Prefecture's outing rankings, is a leisure park where both children and adults can enjoy active activities.

There are zip lines that give you a sense of freedom, playground equipment that children can enjoy, and the Izu Kogen illuminations at night are very beautiful. There are many types of attractions, and you can't miss the popular water balloons and the exciting three-dimensional maze with puzzle-solving elements.

The park is also home to a variety of Japanese and Korean restaurants, as well as a take-out corner, so you're sure to have a great time and great food that will leave you with wonderful memories.

Atagawa Onsen: Beautiful ocean views

If you want to enjoy a relaxing hot spring in Izu, why not try Atagawa Onsen instead of Atami?

Blessed with an abundant supply of hot spring water, Atagawa Onsen is said to have the most hot spring towers per area in Japan, and with billowing steam rising from various points, it is an atmospheric hot spring town spot.
It is rich in metasilicic acid, which is said to be the source of beauty baths, and it is said that after bathing in the water your skin will be silky smooth.

At Atagawa Onsen, located by the sea, you can enjoy a bath while admiring the beautiful scenery. Enjoy your trip to Izu with some fresh seafood.

Access to the Izu Peninsula

From here, I will introduce how to access the Izu Peninsula. If you are heading towards East Izu from Tokyo, you can take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami, and then take the Ito Line or Izukyu Line to Izukyu-Shimoda Station.

Alternatively, you can take the "Odoriko" Limited Express to major tourist destinations such as Ito, Inatori, and Izukyu-Shimoda. You can enjoy the beautiful seaside scenery from a spacious seat.

For express trains, you must reserve a seat on the express ticket in addition to the boarding ticket. Make your reservation at the Midori counter or online.

If you are going to Nishiizu, it is convenient to go to Mishima Station and then travel by car or bus from there. In the area around Nishiizu Town, you can find Ugusu Onsen and the Tenmado Cave mentioned earlier, so it is also a good idea to go to those. If you are coming from far away, it is easier to travel if you head for Atami Station or Mishima Station. Please try it out.

Location of Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture

summary

This time we introduced the local gourmet food of Shizuoka Prefecture, "Tokoroten."

Tokoroten grown in the Izu Peninsula is said to be the finest quality, and can be enjoyed in a wide variety of ways. Be sure to try this traditional taste that has been passed down through the generations.

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