Flowing through western Shimane Prefecture, the Takatsu River is a Class A river and the only one in Japan with no dams—a miraculous pristine stream. From this river, which has repeatedly ranked first in water quality assessments by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, comes a luxurious culinary experience that delivers nature’s ultimate gifts directly to your body.

Wild Ayu from the Takatsu River (Season: June–September) | Rod Fishing Season Opens: May 27, Reiwa 8

A masterpiece born of pure waters

● Raised on high-quality moss growing on the undammed riverbed, one bite releases a refreshing, noble sweetness reminiscent of watermelon or cucumber. Beyond its fragrance, it boasts exceptional umami and texture (flesh quality).

● Local restaurants serve elegant sashimi called "se-goshi," where the refreshing aroma and subtle bitterness bloom, as well as the classic "salt-grilled" version, enjoyed whole from head to tail. Crispy on the outside, tender and flaky within. The simplicity of preparation highlights the superior quality of Takatsu River ayu, transforming even the concept of grilled fish.

Wild River Crab (Mokuzu-gani) (Season: Early summer to autumn) | Fishing Period: August 1 – October 10

The hidden delicacy known only to connoisseurs—"the river’s Shanghai crab"

● A relative of the premium Shanghai hairy crab, this luxurious local specialty has long been cherished in the region. Raised in Japan’s cleanest river environment, it lacks the muddy taste typical of river crabs. The richness and depth of its crab miso are said to surpass even the original Shanghai crab.

● As a reward for your hard work, enjoy spoonfuls of exquisite crab miso with a glass of local sake. The regional specialty dish "kani-jiru," made by mashing the crab to extract its broth, is an inner-beauty soup that warms and nourishes your entire being.

<For inquiries about Takatsu River wild ayu and wild river crab>

Takatsu River Fisheries Cooperative

TEL: 0856-25-2911

https://www.takatugawa.or.jp/

Kamoshima Clam (Season: Spring to around October)

A miracle in just 1.5km—the Venus of the sea

● The native Japanese clam found only in a 1.5km estuary where the pure freshwater of the Takatsu River meets the rough waves of the Sea of Japan. Under strict resource management, only a limited number of fishermen can harvest it, making it an ultra-rare brand consumed almost entirely locally.

● Plump, thick flesh and an intense, overflowing essence. Packed with zinc and taurine—nutrients beloved by women—this is truly a "mythical gift from the sea" that delights the body.

<For inquiries about Kamoshima Clams>

Masuda City Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Promotion Council (within Masuda City Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Division)

TEL: 0856-31-0313

◯ Takatsu River-Related Websites

Sharing life in Japan’s cleanest river region

Regional Revitalization Project "Tonari no Takatsugawa-san"

"Tonari no Takatsugawa-san" is a community website and regional revitalization project connecting people living in the Takatsu River basin (Masuda City, Tsuwano Town, Yoshigo Town) and fans supporting the region.

● Promoting the charm of the clear stream

Focusing on the appeal of the Takatsu River—one of Japan’s clearest streams, repeatedly ranked #1 in national water quality surveys—sharing local daily life and event information.

● Fan community

Local residents and fans from the capital region and beyond collaborate on various projects and exchanges (events, etc.).

● Official platform

Residents and supporters can register as members to access the latest regional news and participate in initiatives.

Tonari no Takatsugawa-san

https://tonarinotakatsugawasan.jp/

Shimane Topics

"Restaurant Map & Campaign: Enjoy Wild Ayu from the Clear Takatsu River" Now in Progress!

From June to September, wild ayu raised in Japan’s cleanest river, the Takatsu River, reach their peak season. Restaurants in Masuda, Tsuwano, and Yoshigo are running special campaigns to celebrate the fishing season. Don’t miss this ephemeral delicacy—savor it on-site while you can. Experience the wild ayu of the Takatsu River, Japan’s cleanest stream, this summer.

Eat wild ayu from Japan’s cleanest river and win prizes!

Win an airplane ticket! Dine on wild ayu and enter!

Enjoy "Takatsu River ayu dishes" and win luxurious prizes!!

[Prizes]

• Round-trip air ticket: Hagi-Shimane Airport ⇔ Haneda (for one person)

• Local ayu specialty products

[Period & How to Enter]

Period: June 8 (Mon), Reiwa 8 – August 31 (Mon)

Requirement: Dine on ayu dishes at restaurants listed on the "Ayu Dining Map" and submit your entry

[Inquiries]

Masuda Regional Municipal Consortium

TEL: 0856-31-0226

https://tonarinotakatsugawasan.jp/area/masuda-city/2438/

Hibiya Shimane-kan Information

An information hub packed with Shimane Prefecture’s local products, tourism, and relocation information. Serving as Shimane’s outreach and activity base in the capital region. Come and experience the charm of Shimane Prefecture.

〒100-0006

B1F, Hibiya Shanté, 1-2-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Business Hours: 11:00–20:00 (Closed on days when Hibiya Shanté is closed)

Official Website: https://www.shimanekan.jp/

[July 25 (Sat), 26 (Sun)] Original Washi Paper Panel Making Experience — Decorate Your Room with Japanese Paper

https://www.shimanekan.jp/events/event/9367

Introduction to Shimane Prefecture Media Support Grant Program

We partially support travel expenses for media from outside the prefecture visiting Shimane for reporting. For details, please visit the URL below.

https://www.kankou-shimane.com/renmei/announcement/43

Tourism Promotion Division, Tourism, Commerce, Industry, and Labor Department, Shimane Prefecture

Shimane Tourism Navigator

https://www.kankou-shimane.com/

Shimane Film Commission Network

https://www.kankou-shimane.com/loca/

Shimane Prefecture Tourism Photo Gallery

https://www.kankou-shimane.com/gallery

Shimane Prefecture PR Videos Now Available!

• PR Video: https:/youtu.be/BjryOG0jTGk

• Footage Collection: https:/youtu.be/VWPdhaAeHdU

• Shimane Tourism Promotion Office Official Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ShimaneGoen

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: キャンペーン