Sustainable Japan: Oyster Paradise Matsushima Bay
The world's your oyster in the world's oyster nursery!
Tour Duration
Over 6 hours on the day
Starting From
27500JPY～ (per guest)
Tour Availability
October ~ March
Size
2～8
Highlights
- Discover the region where many of Japan's (and the world's) oysters are born
- Take a local boat out to the oyster farms with an oyster farmer
- Learn about the unique environment and sustainable practices that makes Miyagi Prefecture the ideal oyster nursery
The Tohoku region is a foodie’s paradise – especially if you love fresh, delicious seafood! The entire coastline of Miyagi Prefecture is famous for its giant, milky, juicy oysters, but the pearly heart of the action lies in Matsushima Bay (also famous as one of Japan’s top three scenic views). The incredible oysters of Matsushima are not only loved throughout Japan, but they hold strong ties with oyster cuisine around the world, with locally produced oyster ‘babies’ being exported to other oyster-obsessed countries like France for overseas cultivation.
This guided tour will introduce you to both the culture and flavours of Tohoku experienced through local oyster farming, alongside a local fisherman! Enjoy these tasty treasures of the sea as the locals do – fresh off a fishing boat in Matsushima Bay.
The tour will stats at Sendai Station, include a trip out to the oyster farms on a local boat with a local fisherman who will show you around the bay and tell you more about what makes Miyagi Prefecture the perfect environment for cultivating oysters.
Once back on shore, head to a local restaurant and enjoy a delicious fresh seafood lunch with a wealth of local ingredients from Tohoku!
OUTLINE
What’s Included
- Oyster harvesting experience from fishing boat- Cruise of Matsushima Bay- Seafood lunch- Private English speaking Guide- InsuranceNot included
-Train ticket from Sendai Station to Nobiru Station-Taxi fare from Nobiru Station to boat pier-Transport to/from meeting point, anything not listed as included- Any additional meals and drinksMEETING PLACE
TOUR COURSE
- 09:50
Meet your guide in front of the stained glass windows at JR Sendai Station (2F).
Board local train at 10:18.
- 10：53
Arrive at JR Nobiru Station.
Take a private taxi to the boat pier.
- 11:30
Learn about how the oyster babies are first cultivated in a ‘nursery’ on the surface of scallop shells. The method and materials used today follow the same traditions of centuries ago, and ensure no harm upon the precious local environment. Sussu-san will teach you what makes Miyagi Prefecture so special as the ideal environment to grow oysters, and why oyster farmers from all over Japan (and over seas) make their way to Miyagi to purchase these beautiful oyster babies for cultivation across the globe.
- 11:40
Having met the babies, it’s time to meet the parents!
- 12:00
Say hi to the origin of the whole process as Sussu-san explains why the surrounding mountains and forests are equally important to local fishermen as the sea.
Time for the highlight! Your next stop is to the oyster farms themselves to try some fresh, juicy gems straight from the water!
- 12：30
Once back on shore, head to a local restaurant and enjoy a delicious fresh seafood lunch with a wealth of local ingredients from Tohoku!
Optional Lunch **Weekdays in December -February**
All-you-can-eat oyster lunch option also available. (with additional price JPY 1,500 per person)
- 13:30
If you’re still feeling energetic, light hike up the forest stairs to ‘Otakamori’ observatory point from which you can enjoy panoramic views over Matsushima Bay.
Understand why Matsushima Bay is considered one of Japans three great scenic views, as well as an oyster paradise!
- 14:30
Tour ends at Aomina.
**This tour is also available to smaller/larger groups upon request. Please inquire for availability/pricing.
tours@inoutbound.co.jp**
TOUR DETAILS
- Where
- JR Sendai Station
- Time
- Over 6 hours on the day
- Size
- 2～8
- Price
- 27500JPY～ (per guest) (※approx. $200USD)
- Sign-up Deadline
- Bookings accepted up to 1 week prior to date of tour.
**Smaller groups available at higher rate. Larger groups available on request**
- Cancellation Policy
- The cancellation fee will be required in accordance with the policy below.Up to three days prior, no cancellation fee.Two days prior: 20% Day before: 30% On the day: 100%
