Hokkaido is famous for its sweet, delicious scallops. Scallop farming in Hokkaido is a well-known industry, and it’s a great way to learn about the natural environment and farming techniques. This guide will take you through what scallop farming is, where to visit, and how you can enjoy scallops in various ways.
1. What is Scallop Farming?
Scallops are shellfish that are famous for their sweet and tasty meat. In Hokkaido, scallops are farmed in clean, nutrient-rich waters like Funka Bay and Toyoura Town. Scallop farming, or aquaculture, involves raising scallops in a controlled environment, using nets in the ocean, to ensure they grow healthy and tasty.
How Scallop Farming Works:
Collecting Baby Scallops:
Baby scallops, also called “seed scallops,” are collected from the ocean. These tiny scallops are carefully cared for in special conditions.
Moving to the Farm:
The baby scallops are placed in nets that hang in the water, where they grow with the help of natural currents.
Monitoring Their Growth:
The scallops grow for 2-3 years while farmers take care of them, cleaning the nets and making sure the water conditions are good.
Harvesting:
Once the scallops are fully grown, they are harvested and sold in markets or used in restaurants.
Key Points:
Scallops are not grown in sand like other shellfish but swim freely in the water.
Farmers help them grow by providing clean, nutrient-rich water and by closely monitoring their environment.
2. Where Can You Visit to Learn About Scallop Farming?
If you want to see how scallops are raised and learn more about this unique industry, there are a number of places in Hokkaido where you can visit farms and participate in hands-on activities.
Toyoura Town (豊浦町)
Toyoura Town, located near Funka Bay, is famous for its scallop farming. You can visit local farms to see how scallops are raised and even interact with them.
Facility Name: Toyoura Town Scallop Farming Experience
Location: Toyoura Town, Hokkaido
Activities:
Learn about the farming process.
Hold and observe scallops up close.
Price: ¥1,500–¥2,000 (depending on activity)
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
Note: Suitable for families and children. Reservations may be required.
Toyoura Scallop Fisheries Cooperative (豊浦ホタテ漁業協同組合)
This cooperative provides tours of their farms, where you can see the scallops being raised and harvested.
Facility Name: Toyoura Scallop Fisheries Cooperative
Location: Toyoura Town, Hokkaido
Activities:
Learn about farming techniques and see how scallops are harvested.
Price: ¥1,000 for adults, ¥500 for children
Duration: 1 hour
Note: Fresh scallops are available for purchase directly from the farm.
Eniwa City (恵庭市)
Eniwa City, located about an hour’s drive from Sapporo, is another place where you can visit scallop farms.
Facility Name: Eniwa Scallop Farming Tour
Location: Eniwa City, Hokkaido
Activities:
See how scallops are raised and observe them closely.
Try opening a scallop shell.
Price: ¥1,000 for adults, ¥500 for children
Duration: 1 hour
Note: Make sure to check availability and book in advance.
Facility Name Price Duration Activities Notes
Toyoura Town Scallop Farming Experience ¥1,500–¥2,000 1–1.5 hours Learn about farming, observe scallops Reservations required, family-friendly
Toyoura Scallop Fisheries Cooperative ¥1,000 (adults), ¥500 (children) 1 hour Tour the farm, see harvesting Fresh scallops available for purchase
Eniwa Scallop Farming Tour ¥1,000 (adults), ¥500 (children) 1 hour Observe and learn, try opening a scallop Book in advance
3. Eating Scallops
After your farm tour, it’s time to try some freshly cooked scallops! Hokkaido is known for its sweet, fresh scallops, and you can enjoy a variety of dishes at restaurants or markets.
Recommended Scallop Dishes:
Scallop Sashimi: Raw scallops served fresh, perfect for a sweet, delicate taste.
Grilled Scallops with Butter: A popular dish where scallops are grilled with butter for a rich flavor.
Scallop BBQ: Enjoy grilling scallops by the sea at special BBQ spots.
4. Scallop Farming Workshops and Events
If you’re interested in diving deeper into scallop farming, you can join workshops and events held throughout Hokkaido. These events are designed to educate people about the science and process behind scallop farming.
Example: Scallop Farming Workshops
Location: Various locations across Hokkaido, such as Toyoura Town and Eniwa City
Activities: Learn everything from raising baby scallops to understanding environmental factors that affect their growth. Some workshops even discuss sustainable farming practices.
Price: Free to paid (depending on the specific workshop)
Duration: 1–3 hours
5. Other Scallop-Related Activities
Aside from farm tours and workshops, there are other fun ways to experience the world of scallops in Hokkaido.
Scallop Fisherman Experience
Some places offer you the chance to try scallop fishing yourself, either alongside real fishermen or through interactive experiences. You can even eat the scallops you catch right away!
Price: ¥3,000–¥5,000 (depending on activity)
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Conclusion:
Visiting a scallop farm in Hokkaido is a great way to learn about scallop farming and enjoy fresh, delicious scallops. From farm tours to workshops and delicious dishes, there are plenty of activities to explore the world of scallops in Hokkaido. Whether you’re a family looking for an educational experience or a food lover eager to taste some of the best scallops in the world, Hokkaido is the perfect place for you.
