Japan's Most Expensive Tuna | $3.1Million Catch

@Abroad in Japan

Abroad in Japanyoutubethe post

Journey to Japan's Shimokita Peninsula to witness the pole-fishing of Oma tuna, explore a unique geological site, enjoy geo-dining, and even race squid.

1 plan · 4 places · 4 experiences

Plan · 4 places · Shimokita Peninsula, Japan

Shimokita Peninsula Adventure Day

“We traveled to Honshu's northern edge to see the fish being caught, but our first stop in this mysterious land was an otherworldly rugged looking landscape, then geo-dining, then the tuna fishing, and finally squid racing.”

Experience · 1 place
Explore the otherworldly Hotokegaura coast
Walk along the rugged, otherworldly landscape of Hotokegaura, which feels like it belongs on another planet. I first saw this place in a book called '40 Greatest Views of the World,' and it's the only one from Japan. You'll notice giant rock formations that uncannily resemble an owl and an eagle, which I initially thought were carved for tourism, but my companion Ryotaro insists are natural. It definitely has an 'edge of the world' vibe, and you can even see Hokkaido in the distance across the sea.
1
Hotokegaura
Scenic spot · Sai
4.5Closed
Striking & atmospheric natural formations in volcanic rock along the Hotokegaura coast.
Hotoke-ga-ura Rock Formations, 石国有林地内縫道 Chogo, Sai, Shimokita District, Aomori 039-4712, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Experience Geo-Dining at Pas a Pas
Try 'geo-dining' at Pas a Pas, where the food is influenced by the local area. I was slightly relieved it wasn't literally sticking food in a volcano, but far tastier! I tried the shiitake mushroom gnocchi with sea urchin sauce, topped with shiitake. The main local ingredients here are mushrooms and sea urchin, and this dish is incredibly rich. Then, I had the uni croquette with uni, yogurt, and seaweed around it. It tasted like cheese, with the sea urchin and yogurt creating a cheesy flavor. This dish made me regret stopping eating uni three years ago after a bad experience; this one was incredible.
2
Geo-Dining Restaurant Pas a Pas
Peninsula · Mutsu
4.2
Rugged peninsula features hot springs, ocean views & a sacred mountain with a temple & festivals.
Shimokita Peninsula, Ohata, Mutsu, Aomori 039-4401, Japan
Shiitake mushroom gnocchi with sea urchin sauce — A rich dish featuring local shiitake mushrooms and sea urchin, served as gnocchi with a creamy sea urchin sauce. It's a unique and flavorful way to experience the region's ingredients.
Uni croquette — A croquette made with sea urchin (uni), yogurt, and seaweed, which surprisingly tastes like cheese. It's a unique and delicious way to enjoy uni, even for those who might be hesitant about it.
Experience · 1 place
Witness Oma tuna pole-fishing in the Tsugaru Strait
Pop on a small fishing boat and head out into the Tsugaru Strait with the hope of finding tuna fishermen. This is the best place to get tuna in Japan due to numerous currents from the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan mixing, creating fertile fishing grounds. They call Oma tuna 'black diamonds' because they're so expensive. We were incredibly lucky to witness two boats successfully catching gigantic Pacific bluefin tuna using the one-rod fishing method. It was intense, watching them reel it in, use an electric shocker, and a spear. It was the debut catch for one team, and the captain of our ship was related to both successful fishermen!
3
Tsugaru Strait
Strait · Tsugaru Straits
4.1
Narrow waterway separating Hokkaido & Honshu islands, traversed by the Seikan rail tunnel & ferries.
Tsugaru Straits, Japan
Oma tuna — Pacific bluefin tuna branded as 'Oma tuna' due to its exceptional quality and reputation. These are the 'black diamonds' of the sea, known for their high value and incredible taste. I saw two gigantic ones caught firsthand.
Experience · 1 place
Race squid at Kazama-mura Squid Center
Wrap up the day with squid racing, which is an actual thing! You use a small brush to prod the water a few inches behind the squid, and they launch forward like a torpedo around the track. I somehow won with my squid, Sammy! It's a really fast and fun experience. Just don't ask what happens to the winning squid afterwards…
4
Kazama-mura Squid Center
Peninsula · Mutsu
4.2
Rugged peninsula features hot springs, ocean views & a sacred mountain with a temple & festivals.
Shimokita Peninsula, Ohata, Mutsu, Aomori 039-4401, Japan

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