In the Sea of Okhotsk in Hokkaido, where drift ice comes in every year, hairy crabs with full bellies can be caught from around March, when the drift ice returns, and are called "drift ice hairy crabs. Here we will introduce the secret of this delicious crab and where you can taste it.

The Secret of the Delicious Floating Ice Hairy Crab

The drift ice hairy crab is a hairy crab that is caught in the Sea of Okhotsk from March to the end of April. During the winter, these hairy crabs live under the drift ice, waiting for spring. While being in a space with few external enemies for crabs, they eat plenty of plankton contained in the drift ice, which is the reason why their meat is so well packed. The crab has a strong sweet and umami taste, and the crab meat is also plentiful! In the Okhotsk coast, it is also a tradition that tells us the arrival of spring.

Where can I taste "drift ice hairy crab"?

If you actually want to try it, visit a town along the Okhotsk coast from March to April. It is offered as a seasonal menu item at taverns and hotels that sell seafood. You can also boil your chosen drift ice hairy crab on the spot and take it out, or some restaurants offer rare hairy crab sashimi. However, it is advisable to call in advance to confirm if you are visiting for the drift ice hairy crabs, as they may not be available on the same day.

Crabs fly in the sky! A local event where you can taste hairy crabs after the ice floes!

Here are some more events where you can taste fresh seafood caught in the Sea of Okhotsk in spring, including hairy crabs after the ice floe.

Yubu-cho Hairy Crab Festival (late April)

The Yubetsu Fishing Cooperative holds a hairy crab festival at which visitors can enjoy the freshly caught drift ice hairy crabs that have grown up under the drift ice. At the venue, freshly landed drift ice hairy crabs are on sale, and there is also teppo soup filled with plump legs and boiled on the beach at the venue. The "hair crab fishing," in which visitors can wildly catch crabs in a large pond, is also very popular among children.

Spring Crab Battle in Abashiri (late May)

This is an event where you can enjoy Abashiri's delicacies including drift ice hairy crabs. You can fully enjoy the tastes of Okhotsk, such as boiled hairy crabs on the beach, teppo soup, grilled seafood, barbecued meat, desserts, etc. The "Crab Maki" is an exciting event where you can get hairy crabs flying in the air and take them home with you. You may end up buying too much as marine products are also sold at the beach price.

Hokkaido's spring is heralded by hairy crabs coming off the drift ice

When the drift ice begins to return, the long-awaited spring in Hokkaido finally arrives. The deliciousness of the hairy crabs after the ice floe is at its peak. It is recommended to eat it there, but you can also get it by mail order. Try this delicious hairy crab that will change your concept of what hairy crab is!

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