Jojima Etsu (Japanese anchovy)

城島のエツ

From late spring until early summer, the Etsu (Japanese anchovy) is welcomed at the height of fishing. Jojima Town of Kurume City is located a little upstream from the mouth of the Chikugo river. At the mouth of the river, salt water and fresh water mix which lowers the salt content of the water. This is known as Kisuiiki. It is said that the bones of the Etsu are softened and their bodies become thicker there.
Every year from May 1st until July 20th the fishing ban is lifted and a variety of Etsu dishes are available at eight restaurants around the mouth of the Chikugo river. These Etsu dishes include sushi, sashimi, boiled Etsu, tempura, and Nanbanzuke (Etsu with vegetables and sweet vinegar). You can also eat freshly caught Etsu sashimi on pleasure boats. Along with local sake (Japanese liquor) distilled from the water of the same Chikugo river, you will want to enjoy these delicacies of the season.

Address (Japanese)	福岡県久留米市城島町、三潴町
Address	Jojima Town and Mizuma Town, Kurume City, Fukuoka
Telephone Number	0942-64-3649（城島観光物産振興会）
Contact	Kurume Southern Commerce and Industry Association Jojima Branch
Fax Number	0942-64-4850
Open	Depends on the shop
Closed	Depends on the shop
Price	Depends on the shop
Access	About a 15 minute drive from Nishitetsu Tenjin Daizenji station on the Tenjin Omuta Line
Website	http://www2.saganet.ne.jp/joushou/etsu/