Tourism Information

“Funa-ichi” or Crucian Carps Fair is a traditional event that has continued for more than 300 years in Hama-machi, Kashima. In Kashima, there is a tradition that “funankogui” is offered to gods on the twentieth day of the first month.
“Funankogui” is a local dish made by wrapping a crucian carp in kelp and boiling it with radish, burdock, etc. “Funa-ichi” which sells crucian carps and vegetables used for preparing “funankogui” is held in Sakagura-dori (or Sake Brewery Street) in Hizen Hama on January 19 every year. A long time ago, merchants, brewers, head fishermen offered their employees and distillers for their masters’ seats, thanked them, and treated them to dinner. For such dinner, sea bream dishes are normally served. However, since sea bream are rare in the Ariake Sea and they were very expensive too, crucian carps that look like sea bream were used instead, and that was the beginning of this “Funa-ichi.” You can get “funankogui” at the “Funa-ichi” on January 19.