If you think Japanese cuisine is all about sushi and elaborate kaiseki dining think again, all over Japan you can find local cuisine based on regional produce. Hamamatsu is blessed with some of Japan's most highly considered edible delicacies from the land, the lake, and the sea. Mouth-watering indulgences such as the lauded blowfish and the legendary green mud crab are exorbitantly expensive in other parts of Japan, but in Hamamatsu they can be enjoyed at their freshest and most reasonable prices and why not wash them down with some fine local craft beer? Here we introduce 5 foodie experiences worth travelling for.

Oyster Shacks  – a winter treat

The atmospheric local Oyster shacks on the egde of Lake Hamana operate seasonally from January to March. The lake has a long history of oyster cultivation, and locals are proud of the high quality, flavour and texture of their oysters.  Oyster shacks are simply made huts or tents where you can eat oysters that you grill right before your eyes. Lake Hamana oysters are enjoyed cooked and there are plenty of other oyster dishes to choose from in local restaurants from November to March. Make sure you try the local favourite Kaki Kabadon (oysters on rice) boiled oysters are grilled with unagi sauce and topped off with slices of locally cultivated onions, seaweed, and orange peel, served on a bed of steaming hot rice. Simply delicious. 

Hamanako Unagi- Lake Hamana Grilled Eel – a renowned delicacy

Lake Hamana is said to be the birthplace of eel farming in Japan and the Hamamatsu unagi has been a highly regarded brand for over 100 years and is the number one producer in Japan. It is in Hamamatsu where you can taste the ultimate in high-end eel cuisine. Restaurant list LINK

But if you are not keen on the restaurant scene and want a more hands on approach, why not experience trying to catch an eel with your bare hands? From May to late October, you can learn how to catch, cut, barbeque, and skewer an eel yourself. Barbequing it again after a coating of sauce, the taste of an eel dish made with your own catch is sure to be an unforgettable treat. Learn more

Fugu- Blowfish- a highly prized speciality

Fugu has a bit of a reputation as a highly prized speciality in Japan. There are many varieties and almost all of them are poisonous, so make sure you try it at a specialist restaurant. Many fugu are caught naturally in the Enshu Sea area near Hamamatsu and the area has some of the best specialist Fugu cuisine restaurants. Make sure you try Tessa fugu sashimi, one of the most refined and iconic ways to enjoy the fish. Follow up with a fugu hotpot, known as Tecchiri, with chunks of fugu meat and a distinctive taste. Again, this prized dish is much more affordable here in Hamamatsu thanks to being prepared and processed locally without any distribution costs.

Green Mud Crab- a local legend

Known as Douman Crab by locals this crab is quite rich, with a unique sea aroma and the sweet smell that spreads throughout the mouth. Due to unpredictable weather and fishing conditions, a regular supply of these crabs is not a given, making them a highly prized specialty and a super expensive treat in the capital, it can cost hundreds of dollars for just one crab. Luckily you can try it at a much more affordable rate here in the Hamamatsu/Lake Hamana area.

Hamamatsu Gyoza- Fried Dumplings -a delicious healthy local snack

Gyoza is known around the world as a traditional Chinese food, made by adding water to flour and wrapping ingredients (meat, prawns, vegetables etc). The Hamamatsu gyoza has evolved into a local favourite and is unique for its ingredients and preparation. The Hamamatsu gyoza uses local pork, cabbage and onions and is known to have a healthy taste. Also unique is the preparation and presentation, fried in a flat pan in a circular pattern and served with a generous topping of fresh boiled bean sprouts.

Please note that some activities, venues and experiences will have changes in their capacities and hours of operation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check in advance to avoid disappointment.

For more information see official website: https://www.hamamatsu-japan.com/en/