The early summer tradition "Junsai Picking Experience" started in Santane Town, Akita Prefecture - Harvesting sprouts under the water with a small boat

In the town of Mitanecho, Akita Prefecture, the annual "Junsai Picking Experience" began on May 10, 2025. Until August, a program will be offered in which you can take a small boat floating in the swamp and harvest "junsai" by hand in the traditional way.

Junsai is a type of aquatic plant wrapped in a jelly-like slime like agar, and is characterized by its smooth texture and refreshing feeling. It has been popular as a summer ingredient for a long time, and Santanemachi is known as one of the leading production areas in Japan.

In the experience, a small boat about the size of a tatami mat floats in a swamp at a depth of about 50 to 60 cm, and while nibbling with a long stick, carefully plucks the young shoots hidden under the junsai leaves that cover the surface of the water one by one with their fingers. Even if it is your first time, the staff will teach you carefully, so everyone from children to the elderly can participate with peace of mind. The harvested junsai can be taken home as it is.

The experience is held at six farms in the town and takes up to three hours. The fee is 2,500 yen for adults (junior high school students and older), 1,500 yen for elementary school students, and free for preschoolers. All reservations must be made at least three days in advance, and they are open every day during the season.

Access to Santanemachi is about 50 minutes ~ 1 hour by car from "Akita Airport" or "Odate Noshiro Airport".

The Santane Town Tourism Association says, "This year, the water temperature is still low, so the young shoots are at the bottom, so it is a little difficult to harvest, but in the future, as the water temperature rises, it will be easier to harvest." The recommended way to eat it is to "quickly boil junsai with cold water and sprinkle with green jiso dressing or ponzu sauce".

Akita

Located in the northwestern part of Akita Prefecture, the town is surrounded by the Sea of Japan and mountains, and the Santane River, which flows through the center of the town, flows into Hachiro Lagoon, which touches the base of the Oga Peninsula. The specialty product "Junsai" is used as a tourist resource, and "Moritake Onsen Town" that suddenly emerged from the rice fields during oil extraction in Showa 27 is also known as "salty hot spring".

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