☰
✕

Okayama > Okayama city, Ushimado, Bizen > Okayama Sawara (Japanese Spanish Mackerel)

Okayama Sawara (Japanese Spanish Mackerel)

Okayama Sawara (Japanese Spanish Mackerel)

A Springtime Fish at the Heart of Okayama’s Seto Inland Sea Food Culture

Sawara, known in English as Japanese Spanish mackerel, is one of the signature fish of Okayama Prefecture and an essential part of the region’s culinary heritage. The Japanese name is traditionally associated with the fish’s relatively narrow belly.

Sawara is a type of fish whose name changes as it grows, a category known in Japan as a “promotion fish.” Younger fish are called sagoshi, while mature fish are known as sawara. In spring, the fish enter the Seto Inland Sea to spawn, heralding the arrival of the season. In winter, they leave the inland sea and return to the open ocean.

A Spring Delicacy Best Enjoyed in May

In Okayama, sawara is especially valued for the local tradition of eating not only its flesh but also its roe and milt. The fish is generally considered to be in season from March through May, with May particularly prized for enjoying these delicacies together.

Sawara has a mild, delicate flavor without a strong fishy taste, and its flesh is soft and tender. It can be enjoyed in many ways, including as sashimi, salt-grilled fish, simmered fish, teriyaki, clear soup, vinegared dishes, and miso-marinated preparations.

Enjoying the Roe and Milt

The roe and milt are also important parts of Okayama’s traditional sawara cuisine. The milt is often served in clear soup, while the roe is commonly simmered in a savory seasoning. Sawara is also used to prepare Okayama-style sushi, making it an integral ingredient in the prefecture’s regional food culture.

When visiting Okayama in spring, look for sawara dishes at local restaurants to discover the distinctive flavors and culinary traditions of the Seto Inland Sea.

Season

March through May

Information

Name
Okayama Sawara (Japanese Spanish Mackerel)

Okayama city, Ushimado, Bizen

Kibitsu Shrine

A National Treasure Shrine Linked to the Legend of Momotaro

Okayama Korakuen Garden

A Beautiful Japanese Garden Showcasing the Colors of Every Season

Okayama Castle

The Striking Black Castle Known as the “Crow Castle”

Okayama Ramen

A Ramen Lover’s Paradise with Regional Specialties and Unique Restaurant Flavors

Ebimeshi (Okayama Shrimp Rice)

A Local Favorite Combining Savory Sauce with the Rich Flavor of Shrimp

Okayama Demi-Katsu Don

A Famous Local Dish with a Delicious Twist on the Traditional Japanese Pork Cutlet Rice Bowl

Bizen Curry

A perfect pairing of flavor and craftsmanship, bringing together Japanese curry and traditional Bizen pottery

Dodomeshi: Okayama’s Traditional Vinegar-Flavored Rice Dish

A humble local specialty with a uniquely mellow flavor, said to date back to the Kamakura period.

Bizen Burger

A juicy Bizen beef patty, fresh local vegetables, and an irresistible double-sauce combination

Mamakari in Vinegar

A beloved Okayama specialty so delicious that you’ll want extra rice to go with it

Okayama Oyster Hot Pot

A Perfect Match of Fresh Oysters and Miso

Yellow Chives

A Premium Specialty of Okayama

Bizen Kurokawa Pumpkin

A Rare Traditional Japanese Variety

Senryo Eggplant

A Premium Vegetable from Okayama

Somen Kabocha (Spaghetti Squash)

A fascinating squash with a unique texture that separates into delicate, noodle-like strands

Okayama White Peaches

Elegant, snow-white peaches carefully cultivated to perfection, making them an ideal gift

Oysters from Okayama Prefecture

High-Quality Oysters Grown in the Rich Natural Environment of the Seto Inland Sea

Mamakari (Sappa Fish)

Okayama’s Irresistible Local Fish That Makes You Want to Borrow Extra Rice!

Okayama Sawara (Japanese Spanish Mackerel)

A Springtime Fish at the Heart of Okayama’s Seto Inland Sea Food Culture

Okayama Sole (Geta Flatfish)

A Local Flatfish Rebranded as a Premium Seafood Specialty

Shimizu Hakuto White Peach Amazake

A Refreshing, Fruity Rice Drink with No Alcohol

Kibi Dote Shita Beer

Everyday Local Craft Beer from a Friendly Neighborhood Brewery

Toshimori Sake Brewery Junmai Umezake

A Naturally Crafted Plum Liqueur Made Without Additives or Sugar

Sakehitosuji Dry Junmai Plum Liqueur

A Refreshingly Dry Plum Liqueur with Natural Fruit Flavor

Muromachi Sake Brewery: Golden Plum Liqueur

A Luxurious Liqueur Slowly Crafted from Omachi Rice Sake and Fruit

Yamawaki Sangetsudo: Chocochofu

A Modern Chocolate Twist on a Beloved Okayama Confection

Yamawaki Sangetsudo: Momotaro Densetsu

A traditional Okayama souvenir with fragrant roasted soybean flour and a delicate sweetness

Kibidango: Okayama’s Famous Peach Boy Dumplings

A traditional Okayama sweet inspired by the legendary folktale of Momotaro

Hakujuji Waffles

A nostalgic, gently sweet treat that brings a smile with every bite

Kinmando: Kibi Dengaku

A Beloved Best-Selling Treat Enjoyed for More Than 30 Years

Okayama’s Famous Confectionery: Chofu

A Traditional Okayama Souvenir Loved for Its Delightfully Chewy Texture

Ote Manju: A Traditional Okayama Sweet

A Beloved Bizen Specialty Made with Sake-Leavened Dough

Hakujuji Butter Cake

A timeless favorite from a beloved Okayama confectionery, cherished by generations of local residents

Muscat Kibi Dango

A fruity, jewel-like rice cake inspired by one of Japan’s best-loved folktales

Okayama Roll Cake

A luxurious roll cake packed with four of Okayama’s local specialties

Tsuru no Tamago: Marshmallow Manju

A delicate Japanese sweet with a fluffy texture and gentle sweetness

Yumeji: A Beloved Okayama Confectionery

A local specialty that carries the nostalgic spirit of a bygone era.

Okayama Ebimeshi Fried Rice Seasoning Mix

Bring the flavor of one of Okayama’s most popular local comfort foods to your own kitchen!

Shio-mushi Sakura-dai: Traditional Salt-Steamed Sea Bream

A time-honored Setouchi delicacy prepared using a traditional salt-steaming technique.

Hikiryomon “Monka Peach” Roasted Green Tea

Enjoy the fragrant roasted aroma of hojicha paired with the sweet-tart scent of Okayama peaches.

Seto Inland Sea Grilled Conger Eel

Rich, Flavorful Local Eel with a Tender Texture

Seto Inland Sea Octopus Rice Seasoning Mix

Enjoy the Rich Flavor of Fresh Japanese Octopus

Kibiji: A Journey Through Ancient History and Rural Landscapes

Discover the Historic Heartland of Okayama

Takebe Forest Park

An Outdoor Leisure Destination to Enjoy in Every Season

Okayama City Handayama Botanical Garden

A Peaceful Hill Surrounded by Flowers and Greenery

Munetada Shrine

A Sacred Shrine Dedicated to the Founder of Kurozumikyo

Okayama City Museum

Discover Okayama’s History, Culture, and Modern Life

Saijo Honzan Ontaki Ryusenji Temple

A Sacred Mountain Temple of Prayer, Waterfalls, and Nature

Okayama Prefectural Museum

A Cultural Center Preserving the History of Ancient Kibi

Hayashibara Museum of Art

Exceptional Treasures of Japanese Swords and Fine Art

Nishigawa Greenway Park

An Urban Oasis of Water and Greenery

Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art

A Celebrated Home of Okayama’s Artistic Heritage

Okayama Orient Museum

A Unique Place to Discover the Ancient Civilizations of the Orient

RSK Sanyo Broadcasting Kibi Radio Transmitter (RSK Land)

A Unique Park Combining Radio Broadcasting and Green Spaces

RSK Rose Garden

A Beautiful Circular Garden Filled with the Fragrance of Roses

Tsushima Archaeological Site

A Window into Daily Life During the Yayoi Period

Tsukuriyama Kofun (Tsukuriyama Burial Mound)

Explore One of Japan’s Largest Ancient Burial Mounds

Ikeda Zoo

A Wildlife Paradise on a Hillside

Bitchu Takamatsu Castle

A Historic Castle Famous for Hideyoshi’s Flooding Tactic

Kibitsuhiko Shrine

An Ancient Shrine Dedicated to the Guardian Deity of Kibi

Saijo Inari Temple

A Vast Sacred Complex Where Shinto and Buddhism Coexist

Mount Ojigatake

A Scenic Hilltop of Giant Rocks and Breathtaking Views

Shibukawa Beach

A Beautiful Shoreline of White Sand and Green Pines

Shibukawa Animal Park

A Nature-Rich Zoo Where Visitors Can Get Close to Animals

Miyama Park

A Scenic Nature Park Filled with Seasonal Flowers and Beautiful Landscapes

Shibukawa Marine Aquarium

Discover the Marine Life of the Seto Inland Sea

Okayama Toy Kingdom

A Magical World of Toys, Play, and Learning for the Whole Family

Kinryozan Saidaiji Temple

A Historic Buddhist Temple with a Thousand-Year Legacy and a Spectacular Traditional Festival

Saidaiji Eyo Festival (Naked Festival)

A Thrilling Celebration of Courage, Faith, and More Than 500 Years of Tradition

Gokokuzan Sogenji Temple

A Historic Zen Temple Surrounded by Serenity and Traditional Japanese Gardens

Yumeji Art Museum

Immerse Yourself in the Beauty and Poetry of Yumeji Takehisa

BIZEN Latin American Art Museum

Discover the Ancient Civilizations of Central and South America

Ushimado Port

A Historic Harbor with the Timeless Charm of the Seto Inland Sea

Sabukaze Ancient Kiln Sites

Discover the Origins of Bizen Ware at an Ancient Pottery Site

Ushimado Shrine
Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum

A Sacred Destination for Japanese Swords and Their Legendary Craftsmanship

Ushimado Olive Garden

A Picturesque Olive Grove Overlooking Japan’s Inland Sea, Known as the “Aegean Sea of Japan”

Bizen Pottery Traditional Industry Hall
Harbor View Hill Park (Bizen City)
Tsurushima Island
Gomi Market
Shizutani School
Shizutani School Museum
Wake Shrine
Bizen City History and Folklore Museum
Kaiyu Cultural Museum
Kyoozan Honrenji Temple
The townscape of Inbe, the home of Bizen ware

Okayama

Kurashiki
Okayama city, Ushimado, Bizen
Tsuyama, Mimasaka
Hiruzen, Yubara Onsen