The Jewel of Toyama Bay: Sustainable Glass Shrimp Fishing Tour
Overview
Toyama Bay is the only place on Earth where deep-sea glass shrimp fishing happens, around 200 meters below the surface. To keep this precious resource safe for the future, a group of fishermen in Imizu city splits their boats into two teams. They take turns fishing every other day and share the profits among all the boats.
During the tour, you'll get on fishing boats that aren't heading out that day, and you'll have the special opportunity to watch the thrilling fishing process up close, guided by skilled fishermen.
The unique highlight of this tour is the chance to see the freshly caught glass shrimp, which are named for their transparent, glass-like appearance, showcasing their astonishing beauty. As they are hauled up from the water, these transparent shrimp undergo a remarkable change, turning white by the time they reach the harbor. This spectacle is reserved solely for those aboard the ship and truly embodies the essence of "the Jewel of Toyama Bay."
- Duration：
- 3 hours
- Meeting/Dispersal：
- Shinminato Fishing Port
- Capacity：
- 3-12 participants
- Price：
- Adults: 5,000 yen (tax included), Elementary/Middle school students: 3,000 yen (tax included)
- Reservation：
- Up to 7 days in advance
- Operating Days：
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays from April to September (Saturday availability upon consultation)
DAY 1
A small shrimp, measuring about 6 centimeters in length, referred to as "the Jewel of Toyama Bay" due to its transparent pale pink appearance. It thrives in the depths of 200 to 300 meters, and Toyama Bay is the only place in the world where it can be abundantly caught for fishing. When served as sashimi, the peeled glass shrimp offers a silky and refined sweetness. When prepared as a local specialty dish called "kobujime," where it is sandwiched between layers of kelp, it takes on a moist and sticky texture, allowing the flavors to be concentrated. If quickly deep-fried with the shell intact, it becomes irresistibly crispy and fragrant, offering a delightful taste that will leave you wanting more.
An organization established by young fishermen in Shinminato who are involved in glass shrimp fishing, aiming to preserve the precious glass shrimp for future generations. They have implemented a "pool system" where the glass shrimp fishing boats are divided into two groups, taking turns to go fishing every other day and distributing the profits equally among all the boats. This sustainable fishing approach prevents excessive competition and overfishing, contributing to the conservation of glass shrimp and ensuring stable prices. The club has gained recognition for its efforts. Furthermore, they organize guided tours on fishing boats, where the fishermen themselves provide explanations about glass shrimp fishing and their conservation efforts. It is a valuable opportunity to learn about and experience of fishermen and the abundance of Toyama Bay.
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Custom made tours are available.