Mie Prefecture’s Treasure “Ise-ebi” — Enjoy Supreme Sweetness and a Springy Texture!
If you visit Mie Prefecture, “Ise-ebi” (Ise lobster/Japanese spiny lobster) is a local specialty you can’t miss.
Mie is one of Japan’s leading production areas for Ise-ebi, prized for its rich umami, pronounced sweetness, and firm, springy texture.
In this article, we’ll introduce the characteristics of Ise-ebi, its peak season, delicious ways to eat it, and recommended restaurants in detail!
What is Ise-ebi? — The King of Premium Seafood!
1. Characteristics of Ise-ebi
Ise-ebi is a luxury seafood known for its glamorous appearance and rich flavor.
In particular, the Ise-Shima area of Mie Prefecture is famous for its active Ise-ebi fisheries.
Details Size Large, about 30 cm Texture Firm, springy flesh Flavor Strong sweetness and rich umami Season September–April (autumn and winter are best) Main production areas Mie Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture, Kagoshima Prefecture
2. Why is it called “Ise-ebi”?
The name Ise-ebi comes from the fact that it was historically caught in large numbers in the Ise area of Mie Prefecture.
It is also known as an auspicious ingredient, so much so that it has been offered at Ise Jingu (the Ise Grand Shrine).
Peak Season and Recommended Ways to Eat Ise-ebi
1. Peak season (best season)
To enjoy Ise-ebi at its best, autumn through winter (September–April) is the ideal season!
Especially from around September when the fishing season reopens through winter, the meat firms up and the sweetness intensifies.
2. Delicious ways to eat it
There are many ways to enjoy Ise-ebi!
① Sashimi (the luxury of eating it raw)
- Characteristics: The springy texture and rich sweetness can be enjoyed directly.
- Recommended: Thinly slice freshly caught Ise-ebi and enjoy with wasabi and soy sauce!
② Ise-ebi miso soup
- Characteristics: The rich broth from the head and shell is superb!
- Recommended: Simmer a whole Ise-ebi in miso soup to enjoy an exceptional flavor.
③ Grilled Ise-ebi (perfect for a hearty barbecue!)
- Characteristics: Grilling brings out and enhances the sweetness.
- Recommended: Split the Ise-ebi in half, drizzle with soy sauce or butter, and sear over direct heat — delicious!
④ Ise-ebi tempura bowl (crispy batter plus springy texture)
- Characteristics: Tempura offers both a fragrant crispiness and the springy texture of the meat.
- Recommended: Some restaurants in Mie serve a luxurious Ise-ebi tempura bowl!
Where to Eat Ise-ebi in Mie Prefecture
1. Ise-ebi Seafood Steamed Cuisine Kagetsu (Toba City)
An Ise-ebi specialty restaurant featuring Ise-Shima Ise-ebi, served primarily steamed or as sashimi.
They offer Ise-ebi course meals and special lunch menus, serving a variety of seafood dishes.
Access
・Address: 16-3 Daimyohigashicho, Toba City, Mie Prefecture
・About 5 minutes by car from JR/Kintetsu “Toba” Station (free shuttle available) / about 20 minutes by car from Ise Expressway “Ise IC”.
Highlights
・A wide range of Ise-ebi–centered menu items, including whole steamed “seafood steam cuisine” and Ise-ebi courses.
・A free shuttle from Toba Station makes it easy to visit even without a car, which travelers will appreciate.
2. Ise-ebi-ya Ebi-sei (Ise City)
・A rare Ise-ebi specialty restaurant in Ise where you can enjoy Ise-Shima–caught Ise-ebi year-round.
・Run by a wholesale dealer with direct fisherman deliveries, they serve fresh Ise-ebi as sashimi, grilled, tempura bowls, and more.
Access
・Address: 1-8-12 Ujiurata, Ise City, Mie Prefecture
・About 30 minutes by bus + walk from Kintetsu “Isuzugawa” Station; within walking distance of the Oharaimachi area near Sarutahiko Shrine and the Inner Shrine (Naiku).
Highlights
・A menu full of Ise-ebi dishes: sashimi, half-grilled, oni-garajiru (shell broth soup), Ise-ebi tempura bowls, and more.
・They also sell live Ise-ebi as souvenirs and offer shipping, so you can enjoy your trip’s memories at home.
3. Nadai Matoya Oyster Cuisine Ryokan Ikadaso Sanzan (Shima City)
・A ryokan overlooking Matoya Bay where you can enjoy the specialty Matoya oysters and seafood from Ise-Shima in kaiseki (multi-course) style.
・You can add Ise-ebi sashimi or grilled Ise-ebi to a kaiseki course, allowing you to enjoy oysters and Ise-ebi together.
Access
・Address: 883-12 Matoya, Isobe-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture
・About 50 minutes by car from Ise Expressway “Ise IC” / about 15 minutes by shuttle from Kintetsu “Shima-Isobe” Station (shuttle requires reservation).
Highlights
・Popular luxurious courses combining seasonal oyster menus (Matoya oysters in winter, rock oyster courses in summer) with Ise-ebi.
・The ocean-view location and onsen (hot spring) make it an attractive stay for enjoying “Ise-ebi + hot spring” experiences typical of Shima.
Traveler Information
1. Access to Ise
- From Tokyo: Shinkansen + Kintetsu limited express, about 3 hours
- From Osaka: Kintetsu limited express, about 2 hours
- From Nagoya: Kintetsu limited express, about 1 hour
2. Typical price range for Ise-ebi dishes
Price examples Sashimi: ¥4,000–¥8,000 Miso soup: ¥1,500–¥3,000 Tempura: ¥3,000–¥6,000 Full course: ¥10,000–¥20,000
3. Recommended times
- Lunch: 11:00–14:00 (a good time to enjoy Ise-ebi dishes at more reasonable prices)
- Dinner: 17:00–20:00 (recommended for savoring a full course at a leisurely pace)
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
- Ise-ebi is a specialty of Mie Prefecture, prized for its sweetness and springy texture!
- The peak season is September–April, and it can be enjoyed as sashimi, grilled, in miso soup, and more.
- There are many long-established Ise-ebi restaurants in the Ise-Shima area!
- Access from Tokyo and Osaka is convenient, so be sure to try this delicacy when traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I eat Ise-ebi?
A: Fresh Ise-ebi dishes are available along the coast in Mie Prefecture, especially in Ise City, Shima City, and Toba City.
Q: Can I bring Ise-ebi home as a souvenir?
A: Yes! Frozen Ise-ebi and Ise-ebi rice crackers are sold as souvenirs.
Q: Is Ise-ebi expensive?
A: It is relatively costly, typically ¥4,000–¥10,000 per lobster, but fresh Ise-ebi is worth the price!
Finally
When you visit Mie Prefecture, be sure to indulge in exquisite Ise-ebi dishes!
Sashimi and grilled dishes made with fresh Ise-ebi are sure to be unforgettable once you try them.
For a memorable trip, why not enjoy authentic Ise-ebi where it’s produced?
