Learn from Oyster Farmers & Enjoy the Charm of Hiroshima Oysters

【OUTLINE】

Learn about Oysters grown in Setouchi and the primeval forest of Miyajima, the island of God.
You will not only enjoy the taste but also learn the charm of Hiroshima oysters by listening to the producer's feelings for the Seto Inland Sea as well as the chef's policy.

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• Discover the charm of Hiroshima oysters, which can be found only locally.  
• Learn directly from local producers about traditional oyster cultivation which has been practiced off the coast of Miyajima for about 400 years.  
• Visit the oyster farm and enjoy tasting fresh grilled oysters.  
• Enjoy a special course that brings out the best ingredients of Hiroshima oysters cooked by a first-class chef.  
• Learn the story of the area and the exquisite oyster dishes, and you will be a big fan of the Hiroshima oysters.

【SCHEDULE】 

[08:00] Meet at the entrance of Shimada Suisan, and listen to a briefing of the tour. Learn the basic information such as the standing point of Pacific oyster in the global oyster market or the difference between Hiroshima oysters and each oyster producing areas in Japan through a fun quiz. 

[08:15] Visit the site of oyster farming and rafts. Learn about Japan's unique oyster farming method from the fisherman.

[09:00] Tasting of the freshly landed oysters. Exchange your opinion about oysters you had eaten before and the freshly grilled ones.  You will learn more about the Hiroshima oysters by sharing the experience.

[10:00] Transfer to the restaurant by car. Enjoy oyster dishes served by a first class chef. Learn from the chef how to cook to maximize the appeal of oysters.

【DETAILS】

This is a gastronomic tour about oysters in Hiroshima, Japan's premier oyster producing area. You can ride an oyster stake, learn a unique farming method from a fisherman, and master a cooking method that maximizes the flavors of the ingredients from a first-class chef. Why don't you learn the story of history and nature at the home of Japanese oysters? First of all, listen directly to the aquaculture craftsmen why oyster farming became popular in Hiroshima, the historical background and the farming method. You will find about how the difference between the oysters in your country and the Hiroshima's. Next, take a boat to see the oyster raft farming site up close. 

You can also ride on an oyster raft. Then, taste the grilled oysters that have just been harvested in the rich Seto Inland Sea off Miyajima. You can also enjoy observing freshly landed oysters, which you can't normally see.

After learning about Hiroshima oyster farming, head to the local restaurant, Ristorante Thomas, and enjoy the "Hiroshima Oyster Special Course" arranged by a top chef. The chef will give a special lecture on the cooking method that is familiar to Western cuisine as it includes abundant cooking unique to Hiroshima oysters. In addition, you can enjoy not only oysters, but also exquisite course meals filled with the flavors of fish and shellfish caught in this area.

A message from our chef:
"We are working hard with our producers to create memorable dishes that can only be eaten here in Hiroshima and Miyajima. Come taste the cuisine that will leave you wanting more."

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration：3 hours
• Meeting point：Shimada Suisan [MAP]
  1-2-6 Miyajimaguchi-nishi, Hatsukaichi-city, Hiroshima prefecture, Japan 739-0412
  
• Access：
  【On Foot from Miyajima-guchi station】
  （From JR or Hiroshima Tram Miyajima-guchi station）Turn right (towards Yamaguchi) of the high street（National Route ２）and walk for approx. 10 mins. Then, you will find a big blue billboard of Shimada Suisan (in Japanese) on the left side. Or 5 mins by taxi (subject to the traffic)
• Language support：Japanese
• Included ：Lunch and Tasting
• Excluded：Transport fee to/from the meeting point. Taxi to Ristorante Thomas (taxi will be arranged in advance but please pay approx 730 YEN locally).
• Participation requirements ：
  ・Not recommended for travelers with back problems.
  ・Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
  ・Not recommended for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
• Special support：Groups of up to 20 people are also welcome to attend. Please contact us for details.
  
• Free Wi-Fi ：No
• Toilet：Yes(Western-style) 
• Other things to note：
  ・ This tour includes an oyster tasting. Therefore, please be sure to check yourself for oyster allergies before applying. (If you have allergies other than oysters, please contact us in advance.)
  ・ Please wear warm clothes when you join the tour during the cold season.
  ・ Please be aware of splashing water or waves. Please prepare to bring waterproof clothing or a change of clothes to prevent hypothermia.
  ・ If you have experienced seasickness, please bring some medicine as the inside of the ship may shake.
  ・ A visit to the oyster raft farming site may be cancelled due to the adverse weather or 2-3 days before and after the typhoon.
  ・ The full amount of the cost included in the described process will be refunded if the tour is cancelled. Please note that travel and other expenses that are not a tour price will not be refunded.

【HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES】

・Face masks required for travelers in public areas
・Face masks required for guides in public areas
・Face masks provided for travelers as needed
・Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
・Social distancing enforced throughout the experience
・Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
・Guides required to regularly wash hands
・Regular temperature checks for staff
・Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms

【CANCELLATION POLICY】 

Up to 24 hours before the start of the tour: 0%
Within 24 hours of the start of the tour: 100%

※Right after the online settlement is made, a cancellation fee of 10% will be incurred in case of cancellation.
※The cancellation fee includes handling charges.