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"Yaki Ikadori" is famous for its squid curtains! Many repeat customers are coming to the condensed flavor [Aomori Prefecture]

Aomori has several "roads" lined with locally produced gourmet foods, such as the "Apple Road," "Takekimi (Corn) Road," and "Melon and Watermelon Road."

Among them, this time we will introduce "Grilled Squid Street" that runs through Ajigasawa, located on the Sea of ​​Japan side

Ajigasawa's specialty, "Grilled Squid Street"

Along the old road of National Route 101 that runs to Ajigasawa, squid shops line the streets. When you get out of your car, the unique smell tickles your nose

The smell is salty because of the proximity to the sea, but it feels stronger. Of course, the reason for this is the large numbers of squid drying in front of each store

Because of the sheer number of squids, they are called the "curtain of squid." Since you don't see these in your everyday life, they are quite eye-opening

Dried squid with exceptional flavor

Dried raw squid can be grilled immediately upon request. You can enjoy the rich, concentrated flavor that sets it apart from the squid you usually buy at the supermarket

Not only is the squid itself fresh, but drying it in the "squid curtain" in the sea breeze also helps to preserve its rich flavor

"Squid-based town development" underway

As squid has become a local specialty and many tourists have started to visit, efforts are being made to "develop the town around squid."

Every September, the "Aiming to be the best in Japan! Squid Curtain Festival" is held, attracting a huge crowd with a wide selection of delicious squid

Aiming to create the longest squid curtain in Japan

One of the most popular events is the challenge to create the longest squid curtain, with records being broken every year

The distance reached 80m in 2015, 90m in 2016, and 100m in 2017. The 2017 event is reported below

#22 Aiming to be the best in Japan! Ajigasawa Squid Curtain Festival | Umi to Nihon PROJECT in Aomori Prefecture

Local squid dishes are popular

After attempting the record, you can enjoy grilled squid over a charcoal fire. In addition to the usual grilled squid, local delicacies such as squid yakisoba and squid minced meat are also available

The squid minced meat is especially popular with tourists, and is prepared by local women the night before

We recommend timing your visit to coincide with this festival. Unfortunately, the 2018 festival was on September 1st, so it has already ended. Plan your schedule with September of next year in mind

The date for 2019 has not yet been decided. The schedule and POP information will be posted on the Ajigasawa Chamber of Commerce website below

・Ajigasawa Town Chamber of Commerce website: https://ajigasawa.biz/

The origins of Grilled Squid Street

Facing the Sea of ​​Japan, Ajigasawa has flourished as a port town since the Kamakura period, and was especially important during the Edo period as a feudal domain port

It was an essential transit port connecting Kamigata and Hokkaido. Oura Mitsunobu, ancestor of Tsugaru Tamenobu, the first lord of the Tsugaru domain, settled in Tanezato, this town. For this reason, it is also known as the birthplace of the Tsugaru domain

Ajigasawa has a long history as a port town, and is blessed with an abundance of seafood, including crab, shrimp, sea bream, and turban shells. Of these, squid has become particularly popular, and the area is now known nationwide as "Grilled Squid Street."

Squid is simply served with salt

The seasoning is simple, just salt, without any sauce, but it has a deep flavor that you wouldn't expect from just saltwater

Prices vary depending on the store, but start from 250 yen per cup. Another appealing feature is that it can be enjoyed at a reasonable price

The best way to eat squid is to grill it and eat it as is. However, you can also take it home raw as a souvenir. It is popular as a souvenir because it makes a strong impression, and many tourists buy it to take home

Grilled Squid Street <Information>

  • Name: Grilled Squid Street
  • Address: Owada, Akaishi-cho, Ajigasawa-cho, Nishitsugaru-gun, Aomori Prefecture

Google Map

The most popular is "Tanezato Chigiri's Shop"

Among the shops lining Grilled Squid Street, one that is particularly popular is "Tanezato Chigiri's Shop." The shop was started by the Tanezato couple, and Chigiri is the wife's name

While many restaurants are raising the price of grilled squid, this is a conscientious place that has maintained its traditional price of 250 yen per bowl. The most popular menu item is grilled overnight dried squid

The overnight dried grilled squid is delicious

The meat is thick, so one bowl will fill you up. We recommend trying it with just salt at first to enjoy the natural flavor of the squid, and then adding the mayonnaise that comes with it to add more variety

The grilled squid at Chigiri's restaurant is saltier than other restaurants, making it a perfect snack to go with alcohol. Many people take the train and taxi just to eat it with alcohol

Rustic Shiokara is the best souvenir

A good souvenir is salted squid, made from freshly caught squid that is dried, chopped into chunks, and seasoned with a secret recipe

It has been featured on TV programs such as NHK, and many people visit specifically to buy it. As a result, it is possible that there may be only one left in the store

It comes in a rustic container, is slightly salty, and has cartilage mixed in, giving it the feel of traditional salted fish. The chili peppers add a pleasant spiciness, making it a perfect accompaniment to alcohol

It's a product that many people become addicted to and buy again and again. Previously, it was only available in stores, but now you can purchase it by calling and paying by cash on delivery, or through https://chigiri.thebase.in/

The online shop opened in July 2018. Two types of bottles are available: a small bottle (600 yen) and a large bottle (1,200 yen)

Tanezato Chigiri's Shop <Information>

  • Name: Tanesato Chigiri's Shop
  • Address: 38-1 Owada, Akaishi-cho, Ajigasawa-cho, Nishitsugaru-gun, Aomori Prefecture
  • Phone number: 0173-72-5998
  • Official URL: https://chigiri.thebase.in/

Google Map

Summary of Grilled Squid Highway

This time, we have introduced Grilled Squid Street, one of the many famous roads in Aomori. This is a road where you can enjoy the strange sight of a curtain of squid and the rich, flavorful taste of dried squid

Be sure to enjoy the deliciousness of grilled squid, which is packed with the history of Ajigasawa

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