Due to the extreme heat, the "Akkeshi Oyster Festival" has been postponed to November, but it is expected to improve the taste
The Hokkaido Tourism Association announced yesterday that the 61st Akkeshi Oyster Festival, which was scheduled to be held in October 2023, will be postponed to Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19. (Photo courtesy of Atsugishi Tourism Association)
The reason for the postponement is the insufficient feeding of oysters under the influence of the intense summer heat. Oyster farming in Akkeshi is grown throughout the year while moving them to Lake Akkeshi and Akkeshi Bay where the water temperature is lower. Oysters that have finished laying eggs in the summer usually ingest plankton and grow, but this summer, due to the extreme heat and high water temperature, the lack of plankton, has delayed the growth of oyster flesh.
This year marks the 61st anniversary of the Akkeshi Oyster Festival. At the venue, Konohi Park, there will be stalls selling seafood such as oysters and clams. In addition, there is also a rental of grilling tables (for a fee), so you can participate empty-handed. Admission and parking (1,300 cars) are free. In addition, the events and holding times during the period are being readjusted. Access to the venue is about 20 minutes by bus from JR "Hanasaki Line Atsugishi Station".
Atsugishi Town is located in the southeastern part of Hokkaido and is located in the Atsugishi Kiritabu Kombumori Quasi-National Park. The name of the town is derived from the Ainu word "Akkeshi", which means "a place with a lot of oysters". It is one of the leading oyster producing areas in Hokkaido, and you can enjoy raw oysters throughout the year.
The Atsugishi Tourism Association is promoting that "November is a time when the temperature drops significantly and the taste of oysters increases.
