Ashikita Town's Specialty: The Rare and Delicious "Ashiaaka Ebi" Suspended Grilled Shrimp Set
This offering from Ashikita Town's Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) program features a rare and prized local delicacy: the Ashiaaka Ebi (Red-Legged Shrimp). These are wild-caught shrimp harvested using the distinctive "Utase-bune" fishing boats, a symbol of Ashikita Town. The shrimp are caught via bottom trawling, a method that yields a highly seasonal and scarce product. While the natural catch results in shrimp of varying sizes, their flavor is consistently exceptional. The flesh is firm, sweet, and boasts a rich, concentrated taste.
After being landed, the shrimp are immediately flash-frozen to lock in their peak freshness and flavor for delivery. Once thawed, they are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of preparations. The product description recommends savoring them as salt-grilled (yaki-ebi), in tempura, or as fried shrimp.
Ashikita Town is located in Kumamoto Prefecture, facing the scenic Yatsushiro Sea. The area is renowned for its beautiful coastline, terraced mandarin orange fields, and rich fishing culture. An interesting local fact is that the town's name, "Ashikita," is said to derive from the reeds (ashi) that once grew abundantly in the northern (kita) part of the area. The closest major landmark is the stunning Kushima Island (Kushima-jima), a small, picturesque island accessible by bridge, known for its lighthouse and panoramic views of the surrounding sea.
