HIMESHIMA KURUMA-EBI – TIGER PRAWNS / Himeshima Village

Himeshima, a small island in the Seto Inland Sea in Northern Oita Prefecture, is known as a remote island with a single village whose population is approximately 1,700 people. The entire island is recognised as a Japan Geopark, and the area, blessed with rich nature, has a long venerable history, including appearances in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and Nihon–shoki (The Chronicles of Japan).

Himeshima began cultivating kuruma–ebi (tiger prawns), which are known as a luxury marine product, in the 1960s on a former salt field, transforming it into a key industry that now supports the local economy.

Farmed kuruma–ebi are available from autumn to winter. In–line with this, the ‘Himeshima Kuruma–ebi Festival’ takes place in late October each year, drawing numerous tourists, from within and outside the prefecture, eager to enjoy the flavour of kuruma–ebi. At ryokan inns and eateries on the island, you can savour the sweetness and texture of the prawns in various dishes, such as the irresistible kuruma–ebi shabu–shabu (tiger prawn hot pot) as well as grilled prawns with a delicious salty crust.