The blessings of the Ariake Sea

Yanagawa was once located in the Ariake Sea, and was built over a long period of time by our ancestors.
The Ariake Sea has the largest daily tidal range in Japan.

On its highest days, the tides reach up to 6 meters, and the agricultural and marine products nurtured by its breath add color to the lives of the people of Yanagawa and have fostered a deeply rooted food culture.

Steamed eel

The breeze blowing through the city of Yanagawa gently carries the sweet aroma of savory eel.

Steamed eel is one of Yanagawa’s traditional local dishes that has been around since the Edo period.
It is cooked in a “seiro,” a type of steamer, and the charcoal-grilled eel is steamed together with rice soaked in sauce, allowing you to enjoy the flavorful, moist texture while it’s still hot.

Yanagawa Nori Seaweed

The tidal range of the Ariake Sea is 6 meters, which allows it to produce high-quality seaweed that is rich in nutrients. It melts smoothly in your mouth and the more you chew it, the more delicious the flavor spreads. Its characteristic glossy, deep black color makes it even more delicious when used in cooking.
Tasting nori grown here is also a way to experience the nature and history of Yanagawa, a city that has long coexisted with the Ariake Sea.

Fish caught in the Ariake Sea

The Ariake Sea is known as a “treasure trove of rare fish.” The tidal range is particularly large in Japan, and the sea is rich in nutrients, so it is home to a diverse range of creatures not found anywhere else. These rare fish are loved by local fishermen and have become part of the food culture.

Mudskippers are unique fish that live in tidal flats and are characterized by their blue-green body and jumping movements. Locals call them the “tidal flats dancers” and they are enjoyed grilled with salt, deep-fried, or simmered. The plump flesh and unique flavor spreads in your mouth, making them a popular delicacy.

Rice, vegetables, and fruits

Yanagawa is known as a water town, but it is also known as one of Kyushu’s leading grain-producing areas. Grains such as rice, wheat, and soybeans have been cultivated since ancient times, and in recent years, vegetables such as eggplant, lettuce, strawberries, and asparagus, as well as fruit cultivation such as grapes and figs, have also become popular. Agricultural products grown in fertile soil rich in minerals add color to local dining tables and support the rich food culture unique to Yanagawa.