Food Retreat at a Fishing Village Mother's Home in Matsuura, the Mecca of Fried Horse Mackerel - Cook a Seafood Lunch with Mother - + Sightseeing in Matsuura City + Strawberry Picking Experience (Matsuura City, Nagasaki)

Matsuura City has earned its reputation as the 'Holy Land of Aji-fry' due to its exceptional quality and abundance of horse mackerel (aji). The city's waters provide a rich source of fresh fish, leading to a strong local culture of preparing and appreciating high-quality Aji-fry. This identity is a source of great pride for the local community, ensuring a commitment to the best ingredients and culinary standards for this beloved dish.

Matsuura City, recognized as the 'Holy Land of Aji-fry', is located in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. It is situated in the northwestern part of Kyushu island, an area renowned for its abundant marine resources and fresh seafood, which contributes significantly to the quality of its famous Aji-fry.

While fresh Aji-fry can be enjoyed year-round in Matsuura City, the optimal season for horse mackerel is typically from spring to early summer. During these months, the fish are often at their fattiest and most flavorful, providing an especially delicious experience. Visiting during this period ensures you taste Aji-fry at its peak.

The high quality and exquisite taste of Matsuura City's Aji-fry stem from several factors. Primarily, it's the exceptional freshness of the horse mackerel caught in the local waters. Coupled with this, traditional preparation methods and the expertise of local cooks ensure that each piece is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender and flavorful within. The local focus on simple, high-quality ingredients allows the natural deliciousness of the fish to shine.

During the local lunch making experience in Matsuura, visitors will join a local mother to prepare a delightful meal using freshly harvested vegetables from her home garden and local fish. While the exact menu can be a surprise on the day, you might expect to learn how to make dishes such as Oshizushi (pressed sushi), crispy Aji-fry, or hearty Buri-daikon (braised yellowtail with daikon radish), showcasing authentic home-style Japanese cooking.

Strawberry picking in Matsuura City is typically a seasonal activity, with the best time usually falling between winter and spring. This period, often from December through May, offers ripe and sweet strawberries. The experience provides a delightful opportunity to enjoy fresh, locally grown fruit directly from the farm after a morning of cultural immersion.

The included taxi service from Matsuura City Hotel or Amista Hotel significantly enhances your sightseeing by providing convenient and stress-free transportation. It ensures easy access to the local mother's home for the cooking experience, subsequent city sightseeing, and the strawberry picking activity. This seamless transfer allows you to maximize your time enjoying the attractions without concerns about navigating local public transport or finding your way.

Dining with a local family in Matsuura City offers a unique and authentic cultural interaction. You'll share a home-cooked meal in a traditional tatami room, fostering a genuine connection with the local mother. This intimate setting encourages friendly conversation and insights into local life. After the meal, enjoying coffee on the veranda adds to the relaxed, immersive experience, allowing for memorable exchanges and warm hospitality.