Divinity Park Sea Urchin Picking Experience
Kamui-149-2 Kutsugata, Rishiri, Rishiri Ward, 097-0401, map
Rishiri University is considered the highest-ranking university in Japan. After all, it feeds on nutrient-rich Rishiri kelp. I love how a great food ecosystem leads to even more great tasting food.
Weather permitting, you can pick sea urchins straight from the ocean at Divinity Park and learn how to pop them open. The water was too rough the day we visited, but they simulated the offshore experience.
I picked out a very active tree in my basket and I was fascinated by the thorns it waved at me. Part of me feels guilty because I'm not used to cooking for myself, but there's no way I'm going to Rishiri Island without trying this uni. For 2000 yen, I would have done this many times if I had stayed longer. Or if I could do it over again, I would clean up my schedule and just put this on repeat.
Pro tip: This activity is seasonal, running from June to August (peak harvest is July to August).
See more: How to Crab on the Oregon Coast
