[Ajigasawa, Aomori Prefecture] “Yaki Squid Street” is famous for its squid curtains! We are receiving repeat customers one after another due to the concentrated flavor.

  • Last updated: 2023.09.4

Aomori has several ``roads'' lined with locally produced gourmet products. These include ``Apple Road,'' ``Corn Road,'' and ``Melon and Watermelon Road.''

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

Ajigasawa's specialty "Grilled Squid Street"

Squid restaurants are lined up along the old National Route 101 that extends to Ajigasawa. When you get out of the car, a unique smell tickles your nose.

Because it's so close to the ocean, it's a salty smell, but it feels more concentrated. Of course, the reason for this is the huge swarms of squid that are being dried in front of each store.

Because of their abundance, they are called "squid curtains." I don't see this in my daily life, so I can't help but notice it.

Dried squid packed with exceptional flavor

Raw squid that has been dried can be grilled immediately upon request. You can enjoy a rich and concentrated flavor that is different from the squid you usually buy at the supermarket.

In addition to maintaining the original freshness of the squid, drying it in the sea breeze using a ``squid curtain'' preserves its rich flavor.

“Urban development that makes use of squid” is underway

As squid has become a specialty and many tourists have come to visit, more and more efforts have been put into implementing ``urban development that takes advantage of squid.''

Every September, the ``Aim to be the best in Japan! Squid Curtain Festival'' is held. The delicious squid lined up makes it very crowded.

Aiming for the longest squid curtain in Japan

A particularly popular event is the challenge of making a longer squid curtain. Records are updated every year.

80m was achieved in 2015, 90m in 2016, and 100m in 2017. The situation in 2017 is reported below.

#22 Aim to be number one in Japan! Ajigasawa Squid Curtain Festival | Sea and Japan PROJECT in Aomori Prefecture

Local squid menu is popular

After attempting the record, enjoy grilling squid over charcoal. In addition to regular grilled squid, there are also local gourmet dishes such as squid yakisoba and squid minced meat.

In particular, squid mince is very popular among tourists. Local mothers prepare the food the night before.

It is also recommended to go along with this festival. Unfortunately, the 2018 festival is already over as it falls on September 1st. Let's make a schedule for next September.

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

・Ajigasawa Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry HP: https://ajigasawa.biz/

Roots of grilled squid street

Since Ajigasawa-cho faces the Sea of ​​Japan, it has prospered as a port town since the Kamakura period. Especially during the Edo period, it became an important port for the domain.

It was indispensable as a transit port connecting Kamigata and Hokkaido. There is a story behind how Mitsunobu Oura, the ancestor of Lord Tamenobu Tsugaru, the first lord of the Tsugaru domain, joined Tanezato in this town. For this reason, it is also famous as the birthplace of the Tsugaru domain.

Ajigasawa Town has a history as a port town, so you can catch an abundance of seafood such as crabs, shrimp, sea bream, and turban shells. As you may know, the most popular dish was squid, and it has now become known as ``Yaki Squid Street'' all over the country.

Squid is served simply with salt.

The seasoning is simple, with no sauce or anything, just salt. However, it has a deep flavor that makes it hard to believe that it is made only by Ushio.

Prices vary depending on the store, but a cup starts at 250 yen. Another appeal is that you can enjoy it at a reasonable price.

Squid is most delicious when grilled and eaten as is. However, you can take it home dried as a souvenir. They are popular as souvenirs because they have a strong impact, and many tourists buy them to take home.

INFORMATION

  • Name: Grilled squid street
  • Address: Owada, Akaishi-cho, Nishitsugaru-gun, Aomori Prefecture

GOOGLE MAP

The most popular is "Tanesato Chigiri's store"

Among the shops lining the Grilled Squid Street, one that is especially popular is ``Tanesato Chigiri Shop.'' The shop was started by Mr. and Mrs. Tanesato, and Chigiri is his 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 cup. A popular menu item is grilled squid that has been dried overnight.

Grilled squid dried overnight is delicious

It's meaty, so one bowl will fill you up. We recommend seasoning it with salt at first to enjoy the natural flavor of the squid, and then adding mayonnaise as a side dish.

Chigiri's grilled squid has more salt than other stores, so it's especially suitable as an accompaniment to alcohol. Many people go there by train or taxi because they want to eat with alcohol.

Plain salted fish is the best souvenir

A good souvenir is salted squid. Freshly caught mica is dried and cut into pieces, and a secret seasoning is added to it.

It has been featured on TV programs such as NHK, so many people come just to see it. Therefore, there are times when you go to the store and find that there is only one item left.

It comes in a plain container, is a little salty and has cartilage mixed in, giving it a classic salted fish feel. The spiciness of the chili pepper is pleasant and goes well with alcohol.

This is a product that many people become addicted to and keep coming back to. Previously, you could only buy it in stores, but now you can call and purchase with cash on delivery, or you can buy it https://chigiri.thebase.in/

The online shop started in July 2018. There are two types available: a small bottle (600 yen) and a large bottle (1200 yen).

INFORMATION

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

GOOGLE MAP

Summary about grilled squid road

This time, we introduced Grilled Squid Street, one of Aomori's many famous roads. This is the ``road'' where you can enjoy the strange sight of squid curtains and the rich taste of dried squid.

Be sure to enjoy the deliciousness of grilled squid, which is steeped in the history of Ajigasawa.

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