AreaSanriku Coast

Karakuwa Banya Oyster Shack

唐桑番屋 | Karakuwa Banya

Local oysters fresh from the sea

Photo by Rebecca Gade

Photo by Rebecca Gade

Photo by Rebecca Gade

Photo by Rebecca Gade

  • Rebecca Gade

    Writer

    Sanriku Coast

    Tags

    Last Update
    February 5, 2019

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  • Karakuwa Banya is an oyster shack built as part of the recovery effort following the 2011 tsunami. This humble gourmet destination sits by a dock where oyster farmers bring in the day’s harvest and shuck it in the neighboring buildings. Buoys drifting on the waves mark where oysters are raised in anticipation of their turn on the table.  The area’s oysters are famous for their size, and this oyster shack is one of the best places to enjoy this Karakuwa delicacy at its freshest.

    Customers can choose from either the oyster set (about fifteen oysters) or the mix set (about ten oysters and two scallops) for ¥1,500. Oysters are cooked in the shell on a specially-made covered grill table. After ten minutes on high heat, customers shuck the oysters themselves following a quick demonstration from the staff. Ponzu sauce and lemon juice are provided, but the oysters are just as good savored unseasoned in authentic fisherman fashionflavored only by the sea. Reservations are required, but can be made on the same day you wish to visit.

    While shucking, it’s helpful to remember that no two oysters are exactly the same. If you’re stuck with a tough shell to crack, the friendly staff can always lend a hand!

    WEBSITEhttp://www.karakuwa.com/gourmet/

Details

ADDRESS

214−6, Karakuwacho Shibitachi Kesennuma, Miyagi-ken

ACCESS BY PUBLIC TRANSIT

None

CREDIT CARDS

Not accepted

LANGUAGES

Japanese only

HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE

No

HOURS

Early October to mid-May weekends & holidays* 11:00–15:00
*The oyster shack will open weekdays for groups of 10 or more. Advance reservations required.

CLOSED DAYS

Weekdays*
Late May–late September
*The oyster shack will open weekdays for groups of 10 or more. Advance reservations required.

PHONE

080-8205-4186

Food & Drink Details

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN

No

HALAL

No

FOREIGN-LANGUAGE MENU

No

NON-SMOKING

Yes

TABLE CHARGE

No

LUNCH HOURS

11:00–15:00

RESERVATION

Required

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