Kurobane, in the northeast region of Tochigi, has been famous for its sweetfish for more than 300 years. Old-time riverside restaurants are set up in summer to serve tasty dishes. Sweetfish are 5-7cm long fish born in the rivers and which then go down to the sea in autumn, spend their time at the mouth of the river in winter, and then go upstream in the early spring. In Kurobane, yana, which is a trap made by wood and bamboo, is used to catch the sweetfish. Grilled fish and sashimi are the most popular dishes, and they are pretty tasty!
- 1 min read
Tochigi’s Kurobane Sweetfish
Eat at an old-time riverside fish restaurant

Community writer
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
SEGA STORE TOKYO Opening on July 18th
Tokyo -
2
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
3
Osaka Noh Festa
Osaka - Sponsored -
4
Japanese Eels: Your Guide to Unagi & Anago
Food -
5
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
6
Aichi Awaits: Seven Authentic Experiences Beyond Nagoya
Aichi - Sponsored -
7
Enjoy Toba: More Than Just a Seaside Retreat
Mie - Sponsored -
8
25 Authentic Activities in Minobu
Yamanashi - Sponsored -
9
An Enriching Getaway in Ome City
Tokyo - Sponsored -
10
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
5
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
6
Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri
Tokyo -
7
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya)
Aichi -
10
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo