Hokkaido, Japan's Top Sea Urchin Harvest! Summer Shakotan "Uni Trip"

Hokkaido is known for its fresh seafood such as crab and salmon roe, but it also boasts the highest sea urchin harvest in Japan. And now it's summer! On the Sea of Japan side, sea urchin is in season. Head to Shakotan for a Uni Trip to enjoy fresh and delicious sea urchin.
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The crystal-clear "Shakotan Blue"! Shakotan Peninsula
Located on the Sea of Japan, the Shakotan Peninsula is renowned for its stunningly transparent blue seas, often referred to as "Shakotan Blue." It is also designated as Hokkaido's only marine national park. The shallow rocks visible through the clear water shimmer with emerald-like hues, reminiscent of the sea colors found in tropical regions. It’s a photogenic spot that visitors can’t help but photograph when they see its breathtaking beauty.
A popular spot where you can enjoy fresh sea urchin bowls!
Near the breathtaking "Shakotan Blue" scenic spots like Cape Kamui and Shimamui Coast, there are many restaurants offering sea urchin bowls, including ones run by fishermen. Some even have a menu featuring only raw sea urchin bowls!
During the open sea urchin fishing season from June to August, many people visit with the specific goal of savoring fresh sea urchin they’ve been eagerly waiting for all year.
The taste of fresh sea urchin from Shakotan is characterized by its rich sweetness and deep flavor, thanks to the fine kelp it feeds on.
However, since almost all of the sea urchin caught in Shakotan is consumed locally, it is said that very little is distributed outside the town. This makes it truly a "sea urchin that can only be tasted at the place of origin."
That's why it's understandable that some restaurants offer only raw sea urchin bowls on their menu!
Additionally, for those who want to enjoy not only sea urchin but also crab and salmon roe, there are many restaurants that offer seafood bowls other than sea urchin bowls, so you can rest assured.
Restaurants in Shakotan where you can enjoy sea urchin bowls
Restaurant Misaki
The owner is a sea urchin fisherman who provides the finest natural sea urchin without any additives.
The limited 20 servings per day of the "Red Bafun Raw Sea Urchin Bowl," available only from June to August, is exceptionally delicious. The sea urchin bowl set in the photo is freshly caught from the local coast. Excellent freshness! The ultimate taste.
- Address: 北海道積丹郡積丹町日司町236
- Nearest Station: 80 minutes by car from JR Otaru Station on the Hakodate Main Line, 50 minutes by car from JR Yoichi Station on the Hakodate Main Line
- Phone Number: 0135-45-6547
- Business Hours: 9:00-15:30 (Last Order 15:00)
- Closed: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, closed from early November to late April each year
- Parking: 20 spaces
Rinkoso Restaurant Uroko
For three months from June to August, during the sea urchin fishing season, this dining establishment caters exclusively to individual customers on days when the owner of the lodging, Rinkoso, goes out to sea to fish for sea urchins. Since the restaurant only uses freshly caught Shakotan sea urchins, it does not operate daily. Visitors are recommended to check its operational status via social media or phone before visiting.
You can enjoy authentic Shakotan sea urchins, freshly caught in the morning by a seasoned fisherman with over 30 years of experience. These sea urchins are completely additive-free, delivering a rich sweetness without any bitterness—a true taste of quality.
The balance with white rice is exceptional, allowing diners to fully appreciate the natural sweetness of the sea urchin and enjoy every bite effortlessly.
The photo depicts a fresh sea urchin bowl served with miso soup, a small side dish, and pickles.
Address: 北海道積丹郡積丹町大字入舸町字沢57-1
Phone Number: 0135-45-6030
Business Hours: Announced on the website’s news section
Closed: Irregular holidays; typically closed from September to May
Parking: 15 spaces (free), parking for large buses available
Must-Visit Scenic Spots to Enjoy Alongside a Sea Urchin Bowl
When visiting the Shakotan Peninsula, be sure to explore Cape Kamui and Shimamui Coast, where you can witness the breathtakingly clear blue waters known as "Shakotan Blue."
Cape Kamui, which juts out from the tip of the Shakotan Peninsula, is the most famous of the three major capes in the region.
This cape, extending into the vast ocean, offers a nearly 360-degree panoramic view from its steep cliffs, which have been shaped over the years by sea winds from the Sea of Japan.
From the tip of Cape Kamui, you can gaze down upon Kamui Rock, which is said to represent the figure of a maiden standing in the crystal-clear sea.
While the daytime view of Shakotan Blue is highly recommended, the time of sunset offers another breathtaking spectacle.
To reach the tip of the cape where you can see Kamui Rock, it’s about a 20-minute walk, so comfortable shoes or sneakers are handy.
The Shakotan Peninsula is also known as the birthplace of the "Soran Bushi" folk song and was a thriving center of herring fishing from the late Edo period to the early Showa era.
The Trending Spot “Takara-jima” (Treasure Island)
Located beyond Cape Ogon in Shakotan, Bikuini.
It is said that Treasure Island got its name from the large herring herds that came to the island, which brought a lot of wealth to the island.
The reason for its popularity is that, when viewed from above, it is heart-shaped and has become a popular destination for good fortune.
From the observation deck, which is about a 500-meter walk along the promenade, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Shakotan Blue sea, steep cliffs, rocks, and the heart-shaped Treasure Island.
This summer, it's in season! Head to Shakotan for a Uni Trip where you can enjoy sea urchin bowls and stunning scenery together!
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