大田の大あなご

Oda City sits near the center of Shimane Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan. Its local specialty is the Oda Giant Conger Eel (Oda no Oanago). Shimane is one of Japan's top producers of conger eel, and Oda accounts for nearly half of the prefecture's catch. Boats head out at dawn and come back the same day, a traditional practice called "ichinichi-ryo" (one-day fishing), so the eels reach you exceptionally fresh. Their plump, tender flesh has a delicate richness and deep umami that grows with every bite. Each restaurant has its own take, from tempura and shirayaki (grilled without sauce) to rice bowls and sushi. Take this map along and go find your own favorite conger eel dish.