Lake Towada was once considered a lake where no fish lived. It was Sadayuki Waiuchi—whose name is even part of the lake’s name—who spent 22 years working to make it possible to catch fish in this lake.

The Hime-masu, transplanted from Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido, has now become a specialty of Lake Towada.

The Hime-masu is a type of sockeye salmon that has adapted to spend its entire life in the lake.

Raised freely in the vast lake, its flesh has a melt-in-your-mouth texture and is rich in fat, offering a deep, savory flavor.

In addition to sashimi and salt-grilled fish, you can also enjoy Lake Towada’s famous specialties such as sweet-braised Hime-masu and Hime-masu tempura rice bowls.