Kumihama Bay is by natural design an excellent place for farming oysters. With forested hills along parts of the bay the run-off is filled with lots of nutrients which feed hte local plankton supply, just what the oysters need to grow big and juicy.

To top it off, the sandbar “Shotenkyo” keeps the bay mostly cut off from the sea of Japan by protecting it from the rough winter waves. Thus ensuring the oysters have an undisturbed supply of plankton and can grow in a relatively calm environment.

In early spring, usually about March or April, the young oysters are suspended from rafts on long ropes into the water. From there they can eat the abundantly available natural plankton in the area.

The oyster farmers have a challenging job. They need to maximise the quality and freshness of the oysters. To do this they match the growth of the young oysters with the temperature of the water. They can do this by adjusting how deep the oysters are in the water.

November is the start of the harvest season and there are a number of restaurants we recommend trying.

Mujinto – Oyster Cruise

Sure to be an unforgettable experience, the only way to access this “deserted island” is by boat. Once there you’ll have full access to the facilities and can enjoy your fill of oysters.

The prices for the Oyster cruise are below and include the boat fee, but drinks are separate. Accommodations is also available see webpage below for pricing.

• Adult 3600 yen (plus tax)
• Child 2300 yen (plus tax)

Click here for the Mujinto homepage: http://mujinto.net/yuran (Japanese Language)

Funaya Ukishima – Full Oyster Course

The master chef can prepared the full oyster course for you. The chef will get the most out of the oysters and show you how delicious this mollusk can be. It runs from February to the end of March. Prior booking is essential. There is a crab course available too.

• One person 7000 yen (plus tax)

Click here for the Funaya Ukishima homepage: http://www.kyoto-tango.net/ukishima.htm (Japanese Language)

Furan no Yakata – All You Can Eat Oysters

• 

• 

The specialty here is all you can eat steamed oysters. For 60 minutes the staff will bring you buckets of oysters to be steamed at your table. Just set the timer and they’ll be ready shortly. There is also an a la carte menu if you want to try something different such as fried, in gratin or on rice. It runs from November to May.

• One person 2500 yen (plus tax)

Click here for the Furan no Yakata homepage: http://www17.plala.or.jp/huuran/ (Japanese Language)