Gyotakusou Suzukiya | Seafood Lover’s Paradise

Chikura is a quiet area on the lower eastern coast of Chiba. It’s an older port town, and you’ll feel comfortable in the quaint peaceful neighborhoods. It’s certainly off the beaten tourist track, but the food here rivals anything you’ll eat in Japan. Settle into the inn, and either make your way to your room or enjoy the spacious lounge area, which is adorned with fishing decorations and memorabilia making this inn a must-visit for any seafood enthusiast. The rooms are clean and spacious as you would expect from a traditional Japanese inn, and most of the rooms offer views of the surrounding rooftops and the ocean. Dinner will be brought directly to you, or to a nearby empty room for larger parties, so the only thing you need to think about is relaxing in your yukata or maybe taking a bath before dinner arrives.

Dinner, of course, is what everyone is here for, and it will not disappoint. Start with sashimi of whatever is in season, beautifully presented with a mound of wasabi beside it. Perhaps the most visually stunning item here was the braised kinmedai (splendid alfonsino), the whole fish marinating in a deliciously sweet, soy-sauce braise.

The next treat was the small grill at the table with a whole abalone on it, topped with a slab of butter to melt over it. After the fire under the grill comes to a stop, slice the abalone and enjoy it with a hint of soy sauce and lemon for one of the most sought-after flavors here in Chiba. Another mollusk to try, although a bit more niche, is the sazae, or turban shell, which has a curved shell from which you must pull the meat out. While geared more toward the die-hard seafood lovers, it’s certainly worth a try during your culinary ocean tour!

*Please note that courses will vary by season, and won’t necessarily include their specialty items or the same items as those described in this article.

Another hot bath after dinner will be the perfect way to soothe your full belly, and the sleep that follows will be as refreshing as it can be. In the morning, take a stroll to the beach for a brisk wake-up and workout, then return for another hearty meal to start the day. Breakfast is lighter, but still features local seafood. The centerpiece of the meal is himono, a type of dried fish that has a tender and meaty texture, that perfectly matches the accompanying rice and pickled vegetables. Breakfast is topped off with a miso soup to balance the palate, and by this time, you are sure to have gotten your seafood fix here at Suzukiya!