Usuki Fugu

Usuki City, a historic castle town in the southeast of Oita Prefecture, is a pufferfish town known to those in the know. Many restaurants handling top-quality fugu gather here, and Usuki fugu, prepared by skilled artisans, has captivated gourmets from near and far. From thin-sliced sashimi drawn so fine it is nearly translucent to a hot pot brimming with flavor, you can savor a variety of fugu dishes in one of winter's finest culinary experiences.

Highlights

The appeal of Usuki fugu lies in the delicate work of skilled artisans and the fine quality of the fish itself. The thin-sliced sashimi, drawn so fine that the plate's pattern shows through, has a firm bite and a refined savoriness that grows with every chew. The Usuki way is to enjoy it with ponzu brightened by a squeeze of kabosu and grated daikon with chili. The hot pot lets the fugu's stock melt into a broth with vegetables and tofu, enjoyed right down to the finishing rice porridge. Deep-fried pieces and milt let you savor the flavors of different parts, a treat only specialists can offer.

Enjoying the Seasons

Fugu is at its best in cold winter. This is the ideal season to enjoy Usuki fugu, when the flesh firms up and the flavor deepens. Warming yourself to the core with a hot fugu pot, then savoring the flavor to the last with the finishing porridge, is a blissful luxury unique to winter. Since Usuki is a castle town also known for old streets and stone Buddhas, pairing fugu with a winter stroll deepens the memories of your trip.

Access and Basic Information

Usuki fugu is served at fugu specialty shops and restaurants in Usuki City. Renowned shops dot the area around JR Usuki Station and the atmospheric streets of the castle town, making them easy to visit alongside sightseeing. It is often offered as a course meal, and reservations are advisable in the winter peak. It helps to check each shop's preparations and offerings, such as thin-sliced sashimi, hot pot, and deep-fried pieces, before you visit.

A Quick Tip

To fully enjoy Usuki fugu, a course that runs from thin-sliced sashimi through the hot pot to the finishing porridge is recommended. Because preparing fugu requires a license, always eat it at a specialty shop. The winter peak is very popular, so booking early is reassuring. Combined with a stroll through the castle town, it makes for a luxurious day.