Yui Sakura-Ebi, Spring Jewels of Suruga Bay

Sakura-ebi are rare tiny shrimp landed only in Suruga Bay, and Yui is known as one of the main landing ports. Their translucent pink bodies carry a refined sweetness and toasty aroma, superb whether raw or as fritters. When the fishing season opens, the port town comes alive with people seeking fresh sakura-ebi dishes.

Highlights

A bowl of fresh raw sakura-ebi over rice offers a melting sweetness that is hard to forget. Crisp kakiage fritters are fragrant and go well with both rice and soba. Boiled, marinated, and other styles each bring a different texture and flavor to enjoy. All of Japan's sakura-ebi landings come from Suruga Bay, and in the Yui and Kanbara area the sun-drying of sakura-ebi in spring is known as a seasonal sight.

Enjoying the Seasons

Sakura-ebi fishing takes place twice a year, in spring (late March to early June) and autumn (November to December), and these are precious chances to taste the raw shrimp. The spring catch grows on the snowmelt of Mount Fuji and is said to be larger and sweeter. Outside the season you can still enjoy boiled and dried forms all year. Spring overlaps with cherry blossom time, making it special to savor alongside the scenery of Yui.

Access and Basic Information

Specialty shops cluster around JR Yui Station, reachable on the Tokaido Main Line. A short walk from the station brings you to the fishing harbor and eateries where you can dine with a sea view. Many shops serve bowls and fritter set meals from around a thousand yen, an easy price to drop in for. The fishing season gets crowded, so arriving early is wise.

Practical Travel Notes

Raw sakura-ebi can only be tasted when there is a catch, and on some days it is not served depending on the weather and fishing conditions. If you are after a bowl of raw sakura-ebi in season, it is reassuring to visit during the fishing seasons (spring and autumn) and, if possible, confirm availability in advance. Even on days with no catch, boiled shrimp and fritters can be enjoyed all year, so if you are not set on the raw form you can meet the flavor of sakura-ebi whenever you visit. There is a short walk from Yui Station to the harbor area, so heading there while enjoying the coastal scenery is recommended. Yui is also a post town of the old Tokaido, with views of Mount Fuji across Suruga Bay, so it is worth strolling the surroundings along with a meal. It is close to Yaizu bonito and Numazu shirasu, other gifts of the same Suruga Bay, so it is easy to work into a day of eating around the bounty of the sea.

A Quick Tip

If you visit in season, be sure to order a bowl of raw sakura-ebi. The raw form may not be served on some days depending on the catch, so if you want to be sure of tasting it, choosing a comparison set with boiled shrimp or fritters lets you enjoy the many charms of the shrimp at once. The spring catch is said to be larger and sweeter, so if you can choose a season, spring is also recommended.