Every year, drift ice floes make their way to Hokkaido's Okhotsk Sea. When the ice recedes around March, the horsehair crab (kegani) season begins, featuring crabs packed with meat. These are known as "Ryuhyo-ake Kegani," or "post-drift ice horsehair crabs." We'll dive into the secret behind the deliciousness of these crabs, which even gourmands rave about, and tell you where you can savor them.

The Secret to the Deliciousness of "Post-Drift Ice Horsehair Crab"

Post-drift ice horsehair crabs are caught in the Okhotsk Sea from March to late April. These crabs spend the winter waiting for spring beneath the drift ice. This environment has few predators, and the crabs feed on the abundant plankton carried by the ice, which is why their bodies are so full of meat. They are intensely sweet and savory, with plenty of rich kani-miso (crab tomalley)! For the locals along the Okhotsk coast, their arrival is a seasonal tradition that heralds the coming of spring.

Where Can You Taste "Post-Drift Ice Horsehair Crab"?

If you want to try them for yourself, visit the towns along the Okhotsk coast between March and April. You'll find them offered as a seasonal special at seafood izakayas (Japanese pubs) and hotels. Some shops will even boil a crab you've picked out on the spot for takeout, while others serve the rare delicacy of horsehair crab sashimi. However, availability can vary daily depending on the catch, so if you're making a special trip for these crabs, it's a good idea to call ahead and confirm.

Crabs Flying Through the Air!? Local Events Where You Can Savor Post-Drift Ice Horsehair Crabs

Here are some events where you can enjoy post-drift ice horsehair crabs and other fresh seafood from the spring Okhotsk Sea.

Omu Town Horsehair Crab Festival (Late April)

Held at the Yubetsu Fisheries Cooperative, the Horsehair Crab Festival is an event where you can fully indulge in post-drift ice horsehair crabs that have grown plump under the ice. At the venue, freshly caught crabs are sold, and you can enjoy Teppo-jiru, a hearty soup full of succulent crab legs. Crabs are also boiled fresh on the shore (hama-yude). In addition, the "Horsehair Crab Fishing" event, where you can wildly fish for crabs from a large tank, is a huge hit with children.

Spring Crab Battle in Abashiri (Late May)

This is an event where you can enjoy all the flavors of Abashiri, starting with the post-drift ice horsehair crab. In addition to savoring the flavor-packed, shore-boiled crabs and Teppo-jiru soup, you can feast on Gangan-yaki (seafood steamed in a can), grilled meats, and desserts to get your fill of Okhotsk delicacies. The festival's signature "Kani-maki" (crab tossing) is a thrilling event where you can catch a post-drift ice horsehair crab flying through the air to take home. With seafood sold at direct-from-the-port prices, you might find yourself buying more than you planned!

Post-Drift Ice Horsehair Crabs Announce Spring in Hokkaido

When the drift ice begins to recede, the long-awaited Hokkaido spring finally arrives, and the deliciousness of the post-drift ice horsehair crab is at its peak. While enjoying them locally is highly recommended, you can also order them online. These crabs are so delicious they might just change your entire perception of horsehair crabs. Be sure to give them a try!

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