I Ate a 20lb. Tuna Fish Head in Japan…

Japan
Written By Grace .

I embarked on an unforgettable culinary adventure to the southern tip of the Miura Peninsula, where I visited the renowned Restaurant Kurobatei. This unique eatery is famous for serving colossal 20-pound tuna heads. Yes, you read that right—20 pounds!

Despite the five-hour detour from Osaka to Tokyo, the journey was more than worth it for this extraordinary dining experience. When we arrived, the restaurant was bustling with people, but thankfully, we had made a reservation in advance, which is essential to secure a tuna head (details on how to do this below).

The restaurant itself is cozy and culturally decorated, adding to its charm. There’s a small bar area, but most seating is on tatami mats. While these mats are traditional, they are not the most comfortable, and I found myself shifting positions frequently.

Kurobatei offers more than just tuna heads; their menu includes a variety of local seafood, sushi, sashimi, cooked dishes like fried rice, soup, and more.

After a short 10-minute wait, the grand tuna head was brought to our table. The sheer size was astonishing—it covered an entire plate. Chef Yamata then emerged, performing a small ritual with nut necklaces and conch shells before expertly carving the fish head. He meticulously salvaged every bit of meat, transforming the head into a feast ready to be savored.

The meat was incredibly flavorful, with tender cheek pieces and even the unique delicacy of the eyeballs. Every bite was a delight, filled with rich, savory goodness.

If you’re considering joining the tuna head club at Kurobatei, here’s what you need to know:

Reservations: Essential, especially for the tuna head. It’s best to have a Japanese-speaking friend assist with the three-day notice requirement. We had our hotel reception help us with this and requested the largest head available.

How to Get There:

  • Take the Keikyu Main Line Limited Express to Misakiguchi Station.

  • From there, take the Misakiguchi Ski Bus to Hinode.

Location and Contact Information:

  • Address: 1-9-11 Misaki, Miura, Kanagawa Prefecture

  • Telephone: 046-882-5637

This was truly the craziest local experience ever, and I highly recommend it to any adventurous food lover!

Grace .
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Japanese Etiquette!