Let's go eat the bounty of Wakasa Bay [Oysters in Fukui]! Introducing recommended restaurants in Tsuruga and Wakasa
In the Tsuruga/Wakasa area of Fukui Prefecture, facing Wakasa Bay, delicious oysters can be enjoyed both in summer and winter. Compared to the true oyster, which is in season in winter, the rock oyster is larger and comes into season in summer. Fukui iwagaki" is a new brand of farmed rock oysters in Fukui Prefecture, created in 2024. This article describes the characteristics of the "Fukui Iwagaki" rock oyster and the "Wakasa Oyster," a true oyster branded in Fukui Prefecture. It also introduces recommended restaurants in the Tsuruga and Wakasa areas, so please refer to it when you go out to eat oysters.
Two types of brand-name oysters from Wakasa Bay: "iwa-oki" and "shin-oki
Two types of oysters are caught in Wakasa Bay: iwagaki (rock oysters) and shin oysters. The rock oyster "Fukui iwagaki" is in season in summer, and the true oyster "Wakasa oyster" is in season in winter.
Below are descriptions of Fukui iwagaki oysters and Wakasa oysters, and their respective characteristics and delicious ways of eating them.
Fukui iwagaki" rock oysters are in season in summer
Fukui iwagaki is a new brand of rock oysters grown in Wakasa Bay. Fukui Prefecture, Obama City, and others have been working toward cultivating iwagaki oysters since fiscal 2019, and after a stable production system was established, they were announced as "Fukui iwagaki" in June 2024. Fukui iwagaki oysters, which are high in taurine, are expected to increase stamina and relieve fatigue.
Fukui iwagaki is produced using two methods of cultivation: the "hanging method," in which young oysters are attached to shells and hung from ropes, and the "single-seed method," in which each oyster is placed in a basket in a separate piece. Fukui iwagaki oysters grown in their natural environment have thick meat and a rich, creamy flavor with a clean aftertaste. The best time to eat it is from late June to early August.
To enjoy the taste of Fukui iwagaki, we recommend the following ways of eating it.
- Eat raw with a squeeze of lemon juice
- Grilled oysters
- Steamed oysters
- Lightly boiled and eaten with wasabi and soy sauce
- Lightly fried oysters and soaked in sake
The true oyster "Wakasa Oyster" is in season in winter
Wakasa oysters, a delicacy of winter, are cultured oysters from Obama Bay. Wakasa oyster cultivation began in 1930. The oysters are cultivated in Kohama Bay, where the waves are calmer than in other parts of Wakasa Bay, by hanging them from rafts. The difference in water temperature between summer and winter results in good quality, delicious oysters.
The meat is small in size, but it is characterized by its plump texture and concentrated flavor. It is shipped every year from November to January, when it is at its best.
To enjoy Wakasa oysters, the following eating methods are recommended.
- Hotpot
- Steamed in sake
- Fried
- Grilled oysters
- Steamed oysters
Recommended restaurants in Tsuruga and Wakasa where you can eat Fukui oysters.
Here are some restaurants in the Tsuruga and Wakasa areas where you can enjoy rock oysters and oysters from Fukui Prefecture. Enjoy them with local ingredients and locally brewed sake.
Tsuruga City] Shunsai Dining Taku
Seasonal dishes using fresh fish and seasonal vegetables purchased the same day can be enjoyed at Shunsai Dining Taku. Fukui iwagaki oysters are served in summer, and Wakasa oysters in winter*. You can enjoy oyster dishes such as fried oysters and oyster ponzu.
*Oysters from other regions may be used depending on availability.
*Oysters from other regions may be used depending on availability.
In addition to food, the restaurant offers 300 items of 100 different kinds of beverages. We always have 16 kinds of sake, which we put special emphasis on. Please choose the one that best suits your dish.
| Address | 3-2-11, Kumomuna, Tsuruga City, Fukui 919-2215, Japan |
|---|---|
| Telephone number | 0770-24-3288 |
| Business hours | 17:30-23:00 (L.O. for meals 22:00 / for beverages 22:30) |
| Closed | No regular holidays Please confirm details in advance. |
| Reference site | Shunsai Dining Taku |
Tsuruga City] Marusan-ya
Located near JR Tsuruga Station, Marusan-ya is a restaurant where you can enjoy fresh seafood such as Echizen crab, Wakasa puffer fish, and rock oysters. The rock oysters are from Fukui Prefecture or the Sea of Japan, and the restaurant uses the largest oysters of the season in its dishes. Please try the sashimi of the rock oysters, which are firm and plump.
Other recommended dishes include homemade "homemade tofu". Served with salt, Tosa soy sauce, or olive oil, you can enjoy a variety of flavors. The restaurant can accommodate a wide range of parties, from small groups to large parties.
| Address | 6-41 Shiraiginmachi, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, 914-0054, Japan |
|---|---|
| Telephone number | 0770-22-4528 |
| Business hours | 11:00-22:30 |
| Closed | No holidays Please confirm details in advance. |
| Reference site | Marusan-ya Tsuruga Ekimae |
Tsuruga City] Restaurant Tate
Dining at Takeshi Restaurant, you can enjoy dishes using locally farmed pufferfish and other local fish. The restaurant also offers seasonal dishes such as rock oysters (available only in summer) and grilled crabs (available only in winter). Oysters from Obama, Maizuru, Hiroshima, etc. are used*. In winter, we serve oysters from Obama on days when we have a supply* and sometimes include them in nabe dishes.
*Oysters from other regions may be used depending on the stocking.
*Oysters from other regions may be used depending on the stocking.
This restaurant offers the fresh taste of Fukui, including sea bream, amberjack, horse mackerel, and sunfish caught by the master on his own boat. Crab and pufferfish are offered as a course meal in addition to the set menu.
| Address | 4-9 Shiragin, Tsuruga City, Fukui 914-0054, Japan |
|---|---|
| Telephone number | 0770-25-2276 |
| Business hours | 11:00 - 14:00 / 17:00 - 22:00 |
| Closed | Tuesdays / Wednesdays at noon *Please confirm details in advance. |
| Reference site | Dining Place Tate |
Obama City】Ikesu Kappo Masashi
Masashi offers fresh seafood in a tasteful restaurant with a large fish tank. A la carte dishes, set menus, and course meals can be enjoyed at reasonable prices.
It is the perfect place to enjoy the seasonal delicacies of the season, such as rock oysters* in summer, Wakasa clams in winter, Wakasa guji and Echizen crabs. The restaurant can be used for a wide range of occasions, with counter seating for one person and a hall that can accommodate up to 60 people.
*Place of origin varies depending on the procurement.
It is the perfect place to enjoy the seasonal delicacies of the season, such as rock oysters* in summer, Wakasa clams in winter, Wakasa guji and Echizen crabs. The restaurant can be used for a wide range of occasions, with counter seating for one person and a hall that can accommodate up to 60 people.
*Place of origin varies depending on the procurement.
| Address | 107 Katori, Obama City, Fukui 917-0058 |
|---|---|
| Telephone number | 0770-53-1678／0120-63-1678 |
| Business hours | Weekdays 11:30-15:00/17:30-22:00 (L.O. 21:00) Weekends and holidays: 11:30-22:00 (L.O. 21:00) |
| Closed | Tuesdays (open if Tuesday is a national holiday) *Please confirm details in advance. |
| Reference site | Ikebushi Kappou Masashi |
Obama City] Gastronomy Restaurant Hamagawa
Located in front of JR Obama Station, Hamagawa Restaurant boasts seafood directly from Obama Port. Sashimi and bowls of rice topped with rice and other dishes using seasonal local fish from Obama, Miketsukuni, are very popular, and the restaurant is crowded with locals and tourists alike.
Oysters from Fukui Prefecture can be enjoyed, with Fukui iwagaki oysters in the summer and Wakasa oysters in the winter. Other popular dishes include bowls of rice topped with a variety of six different kinds of seafood, mainly fish landed at Obama Port.
*Oysters from other regions may be used depending on availability.
*Oysters from other regions may be used depending on availability.
| Address | 7-3 Ekimae, Obama City, Fukui 917-0077, Japan |
|---|---|
| Telephone number | 0770-52-0074 |
| Business hours | 11:00 - 15:00 (L.O. 15:00) / 17:30 - 20:30 (L.O. 20:30) |
| Closed | Wednesdays *Please confirm details in advance. |
| Reference sites | Eating log HAMAGAWA |
Obama City】Sushi Kappo Ohana
Sushi Kappou Ohana is a restaurant where you can enjoy Japanese sake and dishes using local Echizen crab and Wakasa pufferfish. Focusing on local ingredients, sushi, sashimi, chawanmushi, and tempura are popular. In summer, Fukui iwagaki* is also offered.
The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere with a counter and private rooms. Reservations are recommended.
* Oysters from other regions may be used depending on availability.
The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere with a counter and private rooms. Reservations are recommended.
* Oysters from other regions may be used depending on availability.
| Address | Koyoken Bldg. 1F, 7-36 Otemachi, Obama City, Fukui 917-0078, Japan |
|---|---|
| Telephone number | 0770-52-5056 |
| Business hours | 18:00 - 24:00 |
| Closed | No regular holidays Please confirm details in advance. |
| Reference sites | Eating log Sushi kappou Ohana |
Mikata, Wakasa Town, Mikata-Kaminaka County] Mikata, Yodamari
Japanese Izakaya Mikata Yodamari, where you can taste local Wakasa seafood, offers a wide variety of fresh ingredients of the moment, such as rock oysters, blue-ringed squid, and horse mackerels, prepared in a variety of ways. For oysters, Fukui rock oysters are available in summer and Wakasa oysters in winter.
*Oysters from other regions may be used depending on availability.
*Oysters from other regions may be used depending on availability.
A wide selection of sake from various regions is available to enjoy with your meal. Located in a residential area one step back from the national highway, you can enjoy your meal in a relaxed atmosphere.
| Address | 44-6 Torihama, Wakasa-cho, Mikata-Kaminaka-gun, Fukui 919-1331 |
|---|---|
| Telephone number | 0770-45-0058 |
| Business hours | 18:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:30) |
| Closed | Wednesdays *Please confirm details in advance. |
| Reference site | Mikata Yodamari |
Ooi-machi, Oi-gun] Izakaya Tsuki
Izakaya Tsuki is located in Ooi Town, right in front of the sea, where you can enjoy fresh sashimi. It is only a 5-minute walk from Wakasa Hongo Station. Our sashimi recommendations change depending on our stock. In addition to sashimi, there is a full izakaya menu featuring seafood, and in summer you can enjoy dishes using Fukui iwagaki oysters and rock oysters from other regions. Enjoy your meal with Fukui's local sake.
| Address | 159-4-1 Hongo, Ooi-machi, Oi-gun, Fukui 919-2111 |
|---|---|
| Phone number | 0770-77-4115 |
| Business hours | 18:00 - 0:00 (L.O. 23:00) [Take-out service is available from 15:00 on the day before to 15:00 on the day of purchase. [Take-out pick-up] 18:00 |
| Closed | Sunday Please confirm details in advance. |
| Reference site | Castanet Fukui Izakaya Tsuki |
Learn about the charm of Fukui's oysters and go eat them at delicious restaurants!
Fukui Iwagaki, a new brand of oysters farmed in Wakasa Bay, is delicious both raw and grilled, so find your favorite way to eat it. In winter, Wakasa oysters are recommended to be served in a pot or steamed with sake. In the Tsuruga/Wakasa area, there are restaurants where you can easily eat Fukui oysters, so be sure to visit in summer and winter to taste the delicious oysters.
Selected as the nation's first "Premium" Japanese Heritage Site! Enjoy a variety of cultures
In July 2024, Obama City and Wakasa Town, centered on the Saba Road, were selected by the Agency for Cultural Affairs as the first Japanese Heritage site in Japan to be designated as a Special Priority Support Area (Japanese Heritage Premium).
Blessed with a rich harvest from the sea and mountains, Wakasa has supported the food culture of the Imperial Court since ancient times, and for more than 1,500 years, the road that brought seafood from Wakasa to Kyoto has been known as the "Saba Kaido," or mackerel road, and has a history of various cultural comings and goings. Along the Saba Kaido, which connects Wakasa and Kyoto, there are Kumagawa-juku, shrines, temples, buildings, festivals, and other cultural assets, so be sure to take the time to visit Tsuruga and Wakasa.
The information is current as of October 2024. Information is subject to change without notice.