Shimane Food Guide: Izumo Soba, Nodoguro & Shinji Lake Shijimi

Izumo Soba

One of Japan's three great soba styles — buckwheat including the husk is ground dark and earthy, then served in lacquered round boxes.

Nodoguro (Blackthroat Seaperch)

Called the "toro of white fish" for its extraordinary fat content — a premium fish from the Sea of Japan.

Shinji Lake Shijimi Clams

Shinji Lake's shijimi clams are famous for their size and flavour. Shijimi soup, shijimi rice and shijimi tsukudani are sold throughout the region.

Oki Island Seafood

The remote Oki Islands produce outstanding abalone, turban shell, sea urchin and rock oyster.

Zenzai (Sweet Azuki Soup)

Shimane claims to be the birthplace of zenzai. The warm sweet red bean soup with mochi is served at Izumo Taisha shrine precincts.

Access

Matsue City has many excellent soba and seafood restaurants. Izumo Taisha's approach road has traditional soba shops.