Oyster Season in Kitsuki

Hi everyone,

The spring equinox has officially commenced, with spring fever reaching feverous levels in Oita and the rest of
Japan. But, as we shed the last layers of winter, there may be some still craving those last-minute seasonal
delights from Oita’s chillier season. Within Oita’s Kitsuki city, you can do just that with a plateful of winter oysters to fill your springtime bellies.

If you head to Kitsuki city’s Morie Bay, you’ll quickly find the restaurant-lined road known as the Kitsuki Oyster
Street. Four local restaurants serve fresh oysters from Morie Bay, largely considered Oita’s top oyster production area. Oita’s sweet and savory oyster season runs from November to the end of February. However, visitors can
still sample a variety of oysters from other regions well into the end of May, plus indulge in many of Oita’s other seafood delights throughout the year.

One of these restaurants is the modern and stylish Kitsuki Terrace, the largest oyster huts in Kitsuki, with great windows opening up to striking views of Morie Bay, which is especially spectacular during sunset hours.

The oyster platter for one person comes with approximately ten fresh oysters that are barbecued on a charcoal
grill right in front of you. Within a few minutes, you’ve got steaming hot oysters cooked within its shell, with all
of the creamy sweet flavors that Oita's oysters are famous for, sealed inside. For some more variety in your
meal, the Seafood Prime set includes more of Oita’s equally mouthwatering regional specialties such as squid,
Ebi prawns, scallops, and sazae turban shells from the Saiki fishing region.

Kitsuki Terrace’s side dishes, such as the Kamameshi, help to further balance your meal, featuring either a bed of seafood, vegetables, meat, or a combination of all, atop seasoned rice in a small portable boiler. Their ‘Luxury
Kamameshi’ is one of our favorites, with oysters, octopus, stewed pork, and wild plants. Kitsuki Terrace’s drink
bar also includes a wide selection of drink orders, including tapioca milk coffee, strawberry smoothie, and oolong tea.

Whether you’re a winter or spring fan, there’s plenty to indulge your taste buds during a visit to Kitsuki’s Oyster Street. As always, we hope to share with you our rich sampling of seafood, coastal sceneries, and experiences
during your future visits to Oita. Until then, stay safe, everyone!