Sea Urchin Harvesting Experience at Kamui Park
Kamui-149-2 Kutsugata, Rishiri, Rishiri District, 097-0401, map
Rishiri Uni is considered the highest degree of university in Japan. After all, it feeds on the nutrient-rich kombu that Rishiri is famous for. I love how the ecosystem of delicious foods leads to even more delicious foods.
If the weather permits, you can catch sea urchins straight from the ocean in Kamui Park and learn how to open them. The day we visited, the water was too rough, but they simulated the experience at sea.
I chose one that was very active in my basket and was mesmerized by the thorns that greeted me. A part of me felt guilty since I’m not used to butchering my own food, but there was no way I was going to Rishiri Island without trying this uni. For 2000 yen, I would have done this several times if I had stayed longer. Or if I had to do it again, I would clear my schedule and just put this on the itinerary repeatedly.
Pro tip: This activity is seasonal from June to August (the harvest is best in July-August).
See more: How to Crab on the Oregon Coast
