Introduction

The Seto Inland Sea stretches between Honshu and Shikoku in Japan. Its mild climate and beautiful scenery, interwoven with islands of various sizes, attract many people. The Seto Inland Sea is also a treasure trove of delicious seafood. In particular, Hinase Town in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, is known as a producer of high-quality oysters, and is bustling with tourists during the peak season. In this article, we will introduce the exquisite oyster cuisine you can sample in Hinase, as well as the local sake that pairs perfectly with them. Embark on a special journey to savor fresh oysters and local sake, nurtured by the calm sea.

1. Hinase, Okayama Prefecture, is the "town of oysters"

Hinase, blessed with a favorable environment on the Seto Inland Sea, has long been a region where oyster farming has thrived. Hinase Bay has the perfect environment for oyster growth, thanks to the nutrient-rich water flowing in from the Chikusa River and the gentle tidal currents.

When is oyster season?

Hinase's oyster season is generally from November to March, during the cold season. Oysters at this time are large and packed with nutrients, so you can enjoy their rich flavor and plump texture.

2. Hinase offers a variety of oyster delicacies

In Hinase, you can enjoy fresh oysters in a variety of dishes.

Oyster barbecue (BBQ)

The most popular way to enjoy oysters in Hinase is to barbecue them. At specialized oyster shops called oyster huts, you can grill and eat fresh oysters yourself. Oysters are slowly grilled over the fire, and when the shells open, the hot steam and rich flavor emerge. Eating them with a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of soy sauce allows you to fully enjoy the natural flavor of the oysters.

Kakioko (okonomiyaki with oysters)

Kakioko can be considered Hinase's soul food. It is an okonomiyaki filled with an incredible amount of oysters. By grilling the oysters, their umami flavor spreads throughout the batter, creating an exquisite match with the sauce and mayonnaise. It is a gourmet dish unique to Hinase that is loved by locals.

Fried oysters

The combination of crispy batter and juicy oysters makes these fried oysters irresistible. Fresh oysters from Hinase are used, so the rich flavor oozes out from inside. The flavor of the oysters is further enhanced when eaten with tartar sauce and lemon.

raw oysters

We also recommend the "raw oysters," which are fresh oysters served as they are. The smooth texture and the scent of the sea fill your mouth, making them irresistible for oyster lovers. Simply adding a little lemon or ponzu sauce brings out the rich flavor.

3. Enjoy Okayama's proud local sake with oysters

Fresh oysters are best enjoyed with sake. Okayama Prefecture is blessed with high-quality rice and pure water, and has long been a region where sake brewing has flourished. We will introduce some local sake from Okayama that goes well with Hinase oysters.

Characteristics of Okayama's local sake

Okayama's local sake is generally characterized by its mellow and gentle taste. The mild climate and the sake rice variety Omachi create sake with a full, mellow aroma. This mellowness does not clash with the rich flavor of the oysters, but rather brings out the best in each other.

How to choose the perfect sake to go with oysters

Raw oysters pair well with dry Junmai sake : To complement the rich aroma of the seashore that comes with raw oysters, we recommend a clean, crisp, dry Junmai sake. It refreshes your palate and makes your next bite even more delicious.

• Grilled oysters and kakioko go well with delicious local sake : The concentrated umami flavor of cooked oysters goes well with delicious local sake that brings out the umami of the rice.

• Ginjo sake goes well with fried oysters : Ginjo sake with its fruity aroma is recommended for light fried oysters.

Oni no Kuriya Shinsuke Setouchi seafood sake

https://tenposstar.com/ja/merchant/65fbc80ca8410

4. Hinase Travel Tips

Hinase is not only an oyster town, but also a place where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea.

Oyster direct sales store

During oyster season, there are many oyster shops selling oysters around Hinase Port. You can buy fresh oysters at low prices, making them perfect as souvenirs.

Beautiful sea views

Hinase is a place where you can enjoy the tranquil scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. The sight of floating oyster farming rafts is a unique sight in Hinase.

Access by train

It takes about an hour from Okayama Station on the JR Ako Line, where you can enjoy the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea while being rocked by train.

*This information is based on the information at the time of publication and may differ from the latest information. Please check the latest information yourself when traveling.

Location of Okayama Prefecture

summary

Oysters from Hinase Town, Okayama Prefecture, are grown in the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Once you've tried them, you'll never forget their rich flavor and plump texture. What further enhances their deliciousness is Okayama's proud local sake.

As we've introduced in this article, there are many ways to enjoy oysters, such as barbecuing them or making kakioko (oyster pancakes). Another great attraction of this trip is the beautiful ocean views.

On your next trip, why not visit Hinase in search of Japanese seafood and local sake?

Please also check out “10 Things to Do in Okayama (Bicchu Area)”