I came all the way to Shiroshima to eat eel because of work. They seem to be opening the sake brewery only during this period to serve eel dishes. I can't take pictures because of work (lol). They have an abundance of eel dishes, from eel omelette to sashimi, simmered eel, grilled eel, eel bone senbei, and of course, delicious sake! This is an unfair combination. I almost asked if I could live here on my way back (lol). I came here for work, but if I were asked to pay 10,000 yen to come here on my own... I'd rather eat a steak by myself. I wonder if sardines would be okay instead? But if you want to enjoy leisurely drinking sake for the sake of good conversation, then 10,000 yen is worth it (^-^)

I went to Etsuno Toy in Kurume Castle Island Town to eat Etsuno course meal. This is a restaurant where Chikushi's Homage, a sake brewery, opens their home only during the Etsuno fishing season to provide meals. The historic brewery house, over 100 years old, has a large earthen floor that is cleaned by flowing water in the morning, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Each pillar is large and it is a very calming place. Etsuno is a legendary fish from the Heian period, where a traveling monk arrived at the Aoki Island ferry and, as a thank you for being taken across the river, released 4 or 5 reed leaves into the river, which turned into Etsuno. The monk on the journey was said to be Kobo Daishi. The fish has a shape similar to a reed leaf, hence the legend. Although usually living in the sea, Etsuno comes to the lower reaches of the Chikugo River only during the rainy season for spawning. The fish deteriorates quickly once taken out of the river, making it a rare item that can only be found in this region. It is difficult to see the fish, but it is silver and has a very beautiful shape. If you are lucky, the staff will show you the fish before cooking it. At this restaurant, you can enjoy a full course meal: 1. Japanese sweets 2. Etsuno Nanbanzuke, a refreshing dish that stimulates the appetite. 3. Etsu egg dip, a stew that is exquisite and very precious. 4. Bone senbei, crispy and goes well with sake. Chikushi's Homage sake is not well known, but it has a soft, mellow and delicious taste. Those who drink it at the restaurant always become fans and buy it to take home. It is a rare sake that is not widely available. 5. Etsuno sashimi 6. Flowing dish 7. Soup 8. Etsuno tofu, one of my favorites. 9. Etsuno stew 10. Grilled fish 11. Etsuno dumpling fry, a must-try dish that goes perfectly with sake. 12. Rice 13. Pickles 14. Ice cream 15. Shirako ponzu, not included in the course but very delicious and rare, so it is always added separately. They use a lot of precious Etsuno in various ways to prepare the dishes. When I was working before maternity leave, I always brought customers here, and once I took them, they always wanted to come back every year. Each room is private, so it is convenient for entertaining. Even if you bring a baby like me, you can put them to sleep, and if it's just family, breastfeeding is possible. It is easy to go without worrying about inconveniencing others. A precious fish that can only be eaten for one month out of the year, and Chikushi's Homage exquisite sake, which is not widely available in Fukuoka. It's a shame I can't drink it... I highly recommend this place. You will definitely become a fan. The cozy atmosphere makes you not want to leave. Highly recommended. However, it is difficult to make reservations, so book early.

You can enjoy the taste of eel quite deliciously. It is a different kind of deliciousness from rare delicacies, allowing you to leisurely enjoy eel and sake as an adult.