Minamichita Hot Spring Village

Wild tiger puffer: Local delicacy of the Chita Peninsula

Tiger puffer, or “torafugu” in Japanese, is a famed delicacy in the winter season. Aichi Prefecture is one of the major producers of natural tiger puffer in Japan. Currently, around 80 boats are dedicated to tiger puffer fishing using a special method to pull the fish one by one out of the water so as to avoid damaging them. During the months of October through March, this local specialty can be enjoyed at many hotels in the Minamichita Hot Spring Village, which is located near the fish harbor where tiger puffer are landed. Feast on this winter delicacy that can be served in various ways such as “tessa (sashimi, or raw tiger puffer thinly sliced),” “tecchiri (hot pot)” and fried. It goes without saying that in addition to tiger puffer, the area offers delicious seafood in season throughout the year.

Shinojima and Himakajima islands that exude remoteness

Shinojima and Himakajima are two remote islands floating off the shore of the Chita Peninsula, which can be easily accessed in about 10 to 20 minutes via an express ferry from Morozaki Port located at the point of the peninsula. Deeply related to the Ise Grand Shrine since ancient times, Shinojima presents sea breams caught around the island to the shrine three times a year. The traditional offering ritual in which a group of boat heads for the shrine is nothing short of spectacular. The other island, Himakajima, is famous for its catches of octopus. The most popular dish is “tako-meshi,” or rice with octopus. The rich aroma of its red-tinted rice surely will whet your appetite.