Makurazaki, Fishing port in Satsuma Peninsula, Japan
Makurazaki is a city at the southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula and home to a large fishing port. The harbor and its connected processing facilities form the center of town, where catch is daily handled and prepared.
The settlement began as a small village and grew into a fish-processing center as harbors across the region were developed. This shift made the port a key destination for the area's fishing industry.
The town is known for making katsuobushi, dried bonito fish prepared using methods passed down through generations. Visitors can see in the workshops along the harbor how this important ingredient for Japanese cooking is traditionally produced.
The port can be visited during daytime hours, and the nearby fishing market is a good place to watch activity. Arriving early in the morning is helpful when activity is most intense.
Making katsuobushi takes several weeks and involves repeated smoking and drying to make the fish hard like wood. This elaborate process is necessary to keep it shelf-stable and create the foundation for dashi broth.
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