Kasumi Crab- Japanese Home Cooking and Sweet Class in Tokyo
Kasumi Crab
I recently traveled to Kasumi in Kami Town, Mikata District, northern Hyogo Prefecture, to enjoy Kasumi crab, which is in season now.
Kasumi Crab- Japanese Home Cooking and Sweet Class in Tokyo
Kasumi Crab- Japanese Home Cooking and Sweet Class in Tokyo
Kasumi crab is the brand name for red snow crab landed at Kasumi Fishing Port. Unlike the snow crab commonly known as Matsuba-gani, red snow crab is bright red in color from the moment it is brought ashore. Kasumi Fishing Port is known as one of the ports where red snow crab is landed in the Kansai region.
The greatest appeal of Kasumi crab is its sweet, tender meat and juicy texture. As soon as you put it in your mouth, you can enjoy its delicate fibers and elegant sweetness, followed by the rich natural flavor of the crab. Grilling brings out a wonderful aroma, while boiling allows you to fully appreciate the moist texture and natural sweetness of the meat.
The 2026 Kasumi Crab Season
The 2026 Kasumi crab fishing season opened on September 1.
This year’s fishing season is scheduled to continue until May 31, 2027. This means that Kasumi crab can be enjoyed not only in autumn but also throughout the winter and spring.
Enjoying Seasonal Crab in Autumn
I visited Kasumi in mid-September, just after this year’s Kasumi crab season had begun.
Kasumi is famous for its winter Matsuba-gani, or snow crab, but Kasumi crab is available from September, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious crab dishes a little earlier in the year. It was a wonderful time to take a trip and enjoy fresh crab from the Sea of Japan as the heat of summer gradually faded and the first signs of autumn began to appear.
Around Kasumi Fishing Port, ryokan inns, traditional Japanese guesthouses, and local restaurants serve a variety of dishes featuring Kasumi crab. There are many ways to enjoy it, including boiled crab, grilled crab, crab sashimi, crab hot pot, crab rice, and crab soup. Each dish brings out a different flavor and texture, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Kasumi Crab- Japanese Home Cooking and Sweet Class in Tokyo
Kasumi Crab- Japanese Home Cooking and Sweet Class in Tokyo
A Taste You Can Enjoy in Kasumi
Kasumi crab is not only about eating delicious crab. It is also about enjoying it in the atmosphere of a traditional fishing town.
The fresh seafood landed at the port, the scent of the sea drifting through the town, and the local food culture passed down by generations all add to the experience. When you visit Kasumi, you can feel how closely crab is connected to the daily life, culture, and tourism of the town.
The annual Kasumi Crab Festival was also held at Kasumi Fishing Port on September 19, attracting many visitors who enjoyed grilled crab, crab soup, and other local seafood specialties.
I was delighted to enjoy Kasumi crab at its seasonal best and fully experience the rich bounty of the sea that Kami Town has to offer.
Sweet, juicy, and full of flavor, Kasumi crab is a wonderful choice for anyone who loves seasonal food or fresh seafood. I highly recommend visiting Kasumi at least once. Next time, I would like to return in a different season to enjoy Matsuba-gani and other delicious local seafood.
The beautiful Sea of Japan offers an abundance of fresh seafood for you to enjoy.
Kasumi Crab- Japanese Home Cooking and Sweet Class in Tokyo
Not crab—this is sazae (turban shell). Just enjoyed freshly caught, delicious grilled sazae from the Sea of Japan.
