Shimonoseki's Famous Fugu
"Fugu" refers to the many varieties of blowfish caught and eaten here in Japan, and you have likely heard of this infamous fish. Parts of this fish like the liver and egg sacs have a deadly toxin, and its consumption was actually banned, on record, during Japan's famed Tokugawa Period (1600's~1800's). However, Shimonoseki is somewhat of a fugu mecca, and the first prime minster of Japan's Meiji Government was so impressed by the fugu dishes here, that the ban was lifted in 1888.
The majority of the fugu caught in Japan is processed here in Shimonoseki, and as such, there is an abundance of chefs with the skills needed to prepare the fish. Called "migaki", it's a precise skillset of filleting the fugu, and disposing of the poison parts. In fact, most fugu eaten all over Japan is first cut and packaged by trained professionals in Shimonoseki.
There are many ways fugu is enjoyed, from simple nigiri sushi, chunks of the fish grilled or fried, a delicious hot pot stew, and even the fins can be used as a garnish in a cup of hot rice wine. However, the most visually stunning way is the elaborate sashimi platters that are served in flowering spirals of ultra-thin slices. Starting from the outer edge and working your way in, the seemingly countless slices are dipped in a savory sauce called "ponzu" as opposed to soy sauce, making for tasty and long-lasting meal.
The restaurant featured in the grilled fugu video is "Yabure-Kabure", very close to JR Shimonoseki Station. Fantastic fugu dishes however are found all over the city, including the popular Karato Market, so don't miss Shimonoseki's historically famous dish!
Yabure-Kabure: Just a 10 minute walk from JR Shimonoseki Station
open from 11am~2pm, and 5pm~9pm (last order at 8pm)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sayoyTTJhmEwsF3i9
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About 30min from Fukuoka, or about 1hr from Hiroshima by Shinkansen bullet train! We look forward
