Matsuba crab is one of the winter delicacies of the San'in region.

Around the Oki Islands in Shimane Prefecture, high-quality Matsuba crabs are caught due to the ocean currents that mix with the abundant plankton. The Matsuba crabs caught in this area are rich in nutrients and have excellent taste and freshness.

This time, we will explain the characteristics of Matsuba crab caught in Shimane and how to eat it deliciously.

What is Shimane's Matsuba crab? Explaining the difference between it and snow crab

Matsuba crab is a male snow crab caught in the San'in region.

It has a concentrated flavor and a refined sweetness, and is treated as a high-end brand among Matsuba crabs. Fishing takes place from early November to March, and because it is close to the fishing port, Shimane Prefecture residents can bring home fresh crabs alive.

Another characteristic of this area is the fishing method used, known as "crab cage fishing," which allows crabs to be shipped that are clean and have few blemishes.
Matsuba crabs that meet stricter conditions are called "Oki Matsuba crabs" and are said to be the highest quality crabs caught in Shimane.

Types of Matsuba crab

Matsuba crabs are divided into several types depending on where they are caught and their condition. What other types of crabs are there?

Oki Matsuba Crab

The "Oki Matsuba Crab" mentioned earlier refers to the highest quality Matsuba crab caught around the Oki Islands.

It is characterized by its freshness, few blemishes, and good shape, and is marked with a blue brand tag to prove its quality. It has a moderate elasticity and a refined sweetness, and can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. Fishing takes place from December to February.

Young Matsuba Crab

Wakamatsuha crab, also known as "water crab," is a crab that has just molted.

Although the amount of meat and miso is not that much, it is easy to separate and can be purchased at a reasonable price. It is characterized by its high water content, so you can enjoy its juicy taste. It is a rare crab that is rarely sold in the market and is consumed locally.

Parent Crab

This is a female Matsuba crab, also known as "Seko crab."

Although they are smaller than males, their meat is sweet and rich in crab paste. The "uchiko" (ovaries) and "sotoko" (mature eggs) are popular delicacies, with their unique flavor, rich taste, and crunchy texture that is addictively delicious. Fishing is carried out from November to December to protect the resource.

Origin and history of Matsuba crab

There are several theories about the origin of the name Matsuba crab.

There are several theories about its name, including that its long, slender legs and flesh resemble pine needles, that the flesh spreads out like pine needles when cooked, and that it is because fishermen would use pine needles when cooking on the shore.

How to eat Matsuba crab deliciously

The delicious Matsuba crab is enjoyed locally in a variety of ways.

This time, we will introduce some common ways to eat it, both for special occasions and for everyday meals, so be sure to check it out.

Boiled crab

Boiled crab, which allows you to taste the deliciousness of crab directly, is a popular way to eat that is easy for everyone from adults to children to eat. The standard way to eat it is to dip it in crab vinegar, which can be chosen to your liking.

Shabu-shabu

This is a way to enjoy the delicate flavor of crab. Depending on how well it is cooked, the meat will spread out like pine needles, giving it a soft texture and a powerful flavor that fills your mouth.

sashimi

You can taste the firm texture and rich sweetness. When soaked in ice water, the crab meat opens up like a flower, creating a beautiful appearance. We recommend dipping it in raw soy sauce.

Grilled crab

The concentrated flavor and aroma will whet your appetite. The meat will plump up while it is being grilled, so it is recommended not to overcook it and eat it while it is still slightly moist.

Crab hotpot

This dish allows you to enjoy the flavorful broth along with seasonal vegetables. It looks colorful and the flavor is further enhanced by adding kelp stock. It is a cooking method that will keep you tasting delicious right up to the very end.

miso soup

Miso soup, with its rich flavor and umami, is so delicious that you will want to drink it all up. It often uses reasonably priced parent crab, and is often eaten as part of everyday meals. The deep soup, which contains ingredients such as uchiko, sotoko, and crab miso, is exquisite.

Matsuba crab from the San'in region is one of the indispensable winter foods in Shimane. Be sure to try this exquisite delicacy at a restaurant.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Shimane

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

Inasa Beach

This coast is located west of Izumo Taisha Shrine and is said to be the setting for the myths of the transfer of the country and the pulling of the country.

The small, round island is called Benten Island, and is where the god of the sea is enshrined. The sunsets with the island as a backdrop are beautiful, and the island has been registered as a Japanese Heritage site for its beauty.

Shimane Prefectural Lake Shinji Nature Museum Gobius

This is an experiential learning facility with the theme of "coexistence and interaction with the natural environment," where you can learn about the ecology of Shimane's creatures in a fun way.

The museum exhibits 10,000 creatures of about 200 species that live in the rivers, Lake Shinjiko, and Lake Nakaumi. You can also see the "river diorama tank," which recreates the lively fish swimming in the rivers and sea, and the rare Japanese stickleback and Oyanirami fish.

On weekends and holidays, there are also events and talks about the ecology of Shimane Prefecture's fish, making it a fun spot to visit with the family during summer vacation.

Yushien Garden

This is a Japanese garden located on Daikonjima Island in Lake Nakaumi, which is famous for its peonies and ginseng.

The "Pond Peony" is a carpet of red and pink peony flowers that captivates many people with its beauty.
At the restaurants, teahouses, and cafes within the park, you can enjoy local cuisine made with seasonal ingredients, home-roasted coffee, and rare soft serve ice cream made with ginseng.

It's a popular spot to visit all year round, with summer illuminations in the summer and autumn leaves from fall to winter.

Access to Shimane

Shimane Prefecture has three airports: Izumo Enmusubi Airport, Hagi Iwami Airport, and Oki World Geopark Airport, so traveling by plane is convenient.

<Travel time from each region to Izumo Enmusubi Airport>

• Approximately 2 hours from Sapporo

• Approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes from Tokyo (approximately 1.5 hours to Hagi and Iwami)

• About 1 hour and 20 minutes from Shizuoka

• About 1 hour from Nagoya

• About 55 minutes from Osaka

• About 1 hour and 5 minutes from Fukuoka

If you are heading to Shimane Prefecture from the Kansai area, it takes about 55 minutes from Osaka Itami Airport to Izumo Enmusubi Airport. If you are traveling by train, it takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station to Matsue Station. If you are traveling by express bus, it takes about 4 hours and 40 minutes from Osaka Umeda to JR Matsue Station.

If you want to go to Oki from the mainland, it takes about an hour by high-speed boat or about two and a half hours by ferry. Enjoy your trip to Shimane, including the Oki UNESCO World Geopark and the national treasure Izumo Taisha Shrine.

Location of Shimane Prefecture

summary

This time we introduced the local delicacy of Shimane Prefecture, Matsuba crab.

Shimane's Matsuba crab is sweet, elegant, and rich in flavor, making it an exquisite ingredient that brightens up the local winter. Try eating it in a way that makes the most of the ingredients' flavor!

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