Lobsters and Abalone! Savor Great Seafood in Chikura, Chiba

Chikura - A Resort Town Just 3 Hours From Tokyo

A flower garden in Chikura. Photo by Pixta

Did you know that there's a seaside resort just outside Tokyo? The town of Chikura in Chiba Prefecture is just three hours from Tokyo, and is popular with first time and repeat visitors alike. With a mild climate and fresh sea breeze, Chikura is the ideal place for a relaxing vacation.

Chikura is well-known for its delicious seafood, particularly Ise lobsters and abalone. The town is home to great onsen hotels. Savor tasty food and relax in hot springs for a true resort experience!

Chikura is part of the greater city of Minamiboso, famous for local art and artists. Since December 2020, the city's executive committee includes Chikura illustrator Mao Yamaguchi, who is involved in a project to paint murals along the seaside retaining wall. The artwork will add another landmark to this beautiful seaside resort!

Suzuichi Fisheries - From Fishing to Fish Products

The warm current flowing into the waters of Minamiboso allows for diverse marine life to thrive year-round.

In spring, skipjack tuna swim into the coastal waters. Summer features Ise lobsters and abalone, for which the town is most famous. Red bream is a fall specialty, while yellowtail and mackerel are the highlights of winter. All this abundant seafood is caught in a town just a few hours from the heart of Tokyo.

In Chikura, Suzuichi Fisheries is involved in seafood processing and wholesale. We talked with their representative director, Mr. Motonobu Suzuki, about their approach to selling seafood products.

Mr. Suzuki was a fourth-generation fisherman in Chikura. Although he took over the family trade at a young age, he eventually moved on to processing after witnessing a decline in fishing.

"I feel my experience in fishing continues to help me when purchasing fresh seafood," Mr. Suzuki told us.

Using his experienced judgment, Mr. Suzuki conducts business with a swathe of clients from supermarkets to high-class restaurants. In collaboration with various chefs, his company makes high-class products such as Ise lobster thermidor and stewed black abalone.

"The Ise lobsters and abalone caught in Chikura are blessed by the features of our warm ocean waters. We have continued to innovate so we can deliver our town's delicious seafood to as many people as possible."

Suzuichi Fisheries - The Best of Chikura Seafood

Savor the Flavors of a Whole Ise Lobster

Ise Lobster Thermidor, half body

Ise lobsters are often associated with Mie Prefecture, home to Ise City. But in fact, Chiba is a major competitor when it comes to the actual number of lobsters caught.

"For those like myself who grew up in Chikura, Ise lobsters were a regular part of our lives. If they are properly cooked, you can enjoy them down to their claws." (Mr. Suzuki)

According to Mr. Suzuki, the best way to savor this delicacy is in the form of an Ise lobster thermidor. A creamy sauce made using local sazae sea snails is poured onto a half cut of lobster.

We asked Mr. Suzuki what makes this product special.

"Our location near the harbor allows us to obtain fresh ingredients. We also collaborated with top chefs to develop our recipe. To bring out the natural flavors of the lobster, we remove the lobster meat from the shell before pouring in the sauce, which is made with sazae shells."

When we tried the lobster thermidor, we were amazed by how dense the lobster meat was. Such a delicacy is not something that we can enjoy very often!

The creamy sauce was rich and full of flavor. This high-quality dish does a great job of showcasing the delicious seafood of Chikura.

Ise Lobster Thermidor: 10,500 yen after tax (1.5 lobsters)

Taste the Ocean with Black Abalone

Chiba is also famous for abalone. In particular, the abalone in Chikura is of top quality and a certified Chiba brand. The waters allow abalone to grow large and dense, making it a staple of Minamiboso.

"To best preserve the natural flavors of Chikura abalone, we tested many different processing methods. Our Stewed Black Abalone has received especially high praise and is sold at major department stores as a seasonal gift (*1)." (Mr. Suzuki)

*1 Ochugen (seasonal gift): a tradition during the months of July and August in which gifts are sent to express gratitude.

Top: Stewed Black Abalone. Bottom: Miso Grilled Abalone

Mr. Suzuki recommends the Stewed Black Abalone and Miso Grilled Abalone. The first thing that strikes you is their sheer size!

The moment you take your first bite, it feels like you're tasting the ocean. Meanwhile, their unique meaty texture is a testament to the abalone's thickness.

The stewed abalone is a great way to enjoy its natural flavors, while the miso grill adds a fragrant accent. Both products are fantastic ways to savor abalone. You can only find delicacies like these in a seaside town like Chikura!

Stewed Black Abalone: 10,500 yen after tax
Miso Grilled Abalone: 10,500 yen after tax (2 abalone)

Sanga-yaki - A Local Fisher's Dish

Picture courtesy of Suzuichi Fisheries

Namero is a local fisher's dish in Minamiboso made with minced, fresh caught raw fish and miso.

Sanga-yaki is a type of namero steamed or grilled in an abalone shell. Suzuichi Fisheries works with local fishers to process and sell sanga-yaki. This dish is a perfect way to enjoy local fish.

Sanga-yaki captures the natural flavors of the fish, its fragrance filling your mouth with each bite. The soft texture makes it easy to eat, too.

Horse Mackerel Sanga-yaki: 385 yen after tax (1 case)

Find Local Goods and Food at Chikura Shiokaze Kingdom

If you want to try the local seafood in Chikura, we recommend stopping by Michi-no-Eki Chikura Shiokaze Kingdom. Located near Chikura Harbor, this shopping facility has a number of gift shops, cafes and restaurants, and a host of seafood options!

Deep-fried horse mackerel set meal (850 yen after tax)

At Senmasa Suisan, you can enjoy a set meal featuring a deep-fried cut of horse mackerel as large as your hand! Even if it's one of your favorites, this delicious cut of horse mackerel will surprise you! The substantial portions are proof of Chikura's quality seafood.

King Donburi (5,800 yen before tax) *A limited numebr of 10 dishes only are available each day. Picture courtesy of Hanabo

We also recommend the restaurant Hanabo. If you're looking to try Ise lobster, order their King Donburi. This sashimi bowl uses a whole Ise lobster, along with ten different types of fish!

Chikura Shiozake Kingdom also features specialty shops such as Uminekodo, a gallery and variety store founded by illustrator Mao Yamaguchi.

Road Station Chikura Sea Breeze Kingdom

1051 Senda, Chikura-cho, Minamiboso-shi, Chiba 295-0025

Enjoy Chikura Seafood at Home

A mild climate, cool sea breeze, and delicious seafood--no wonder Chikura is loved by so many visitors.

But if you aren't able to visit Chikura, you can still enjoy its seafood by ordering online. You can savor local staples in the comfort of your own home. We recommend trying some high-quality seafood from Chikura as you make plans for your future travels!

Written by Yuriko Kikuchi
In cooperation with Suzuichi Fisheries, Michi-no-Eki Chikura Shiokazeoukoku, Ichibashokudo Senmasa Suisan
Sponsored by Reconstruction fishery processing industry market recovery promotion center