This weekend I went Majaku (mud shrimp) fishing in Kumamoto! Majaku are also called “na-jako” because they look like “shako,” Japanese mantis shrimp, but live in holes called “ana.”
Welcome to the Arao Mud Flats, located along the Ariake Sea.
The water here changes greatly, revealing Japan’s largest tidal flat at low tide.
I visited at a time when the water had receded, so I could walk out onto the muddy surface, which was alive with the scrambling of sea crabs, snails, and fish.
The residual water reflected the bright blue sky and clouds, creating an amazing panorama.
Shovel in hand, and tall boots afoot, I sloshed out to the middle of the flats where we would be fishing.
We learned how to dig a hole using a special shovel with a flat end, sharply angled to the side. Once the big hole was made, long brushes were inserted into small holes, which were filled with water.
By carefully feeling the resistance of the brushes, you could tell if a shrimp was on the other end, hanging onto the bristles.
Wiggling the brush and raising it slowly, I learned how to pull the Majaku out of the hole.
These mud shrimp look like a mini lobster and shrimp hybrid, with many legs, large tails, and cream colored shells painted muddy brown.
It took a bit of patience and technique to get the hang of it, but our group was able to successfully catch enough Majaku for dinner! I caught 7!
For dinner, I ate Majaku lemon cream pasta and Majaku tempura. Talk about a meal fresh from the sea!
The shrimp had a sweet flavor and a soft shell that could be eaten once fried.
This was an exciting experience and a great way to appreciate the unique landscape of the tidal flats in Arao, Kumamoto.
Majaku can be caught from early spring through early autumn.
For more interesting things to do in Kyushu, check out these posts!