At the popular izakaya Oowano Utage in Akihabara, operated by SYSTR Co., Ltd., a special limited-time offer begins on July 23, 2026. Diners can indulge in Jumbo Shijimi Butter made from large, fresh Yamato shijimi harvested directly from Aomori’s Lake Jusan, without freezing. This unique dish celebrates the peak season of the clams, highlighting the freshness and rich flavors that come with using them in their prime.
Typically, when people think of shijimi clams, they picture the small shells that often sink to the bottom of a miso soup bowl. However, the Yamato shijimi from Lake Jusan grows remarkably large during the summer, particularly when harvested during the Doyou season. Known fondly as “Doyou Shijimi,” these special clams are a summer delicacy that pairs beautifully with Japanese culinary traditions.
The excitement of this offer hinges on the fact that the jumbo shijimi are delivered fresh, right after being caught, and not frozen. This ensures that the clams retain their natural sweetness and freshness that many frozen varieties lack. When presented on the plate, the impact of the jumbo clams is undeniable; they’re visually stunning, and their size sets them apart from the standard variant.
One of the most iconic dishes at Oowano Utage, the Shijimi Butter, is transformed with these oversized clams. The traditional combination of shijimi's umami flavor with rich butter takes on a whole new level of depth when made with these jumbo clams. The plump meat, distinct from standard sizes, bursts with flavor and pairs perfectly with local Aomori sake, offering a taste of the region's unique culinary heritage.
The temporary Jumbo Shijimi Butter is priced at 1,200 yen (tax included), and it will be available only until supplies run out, making it an exclusive opportunity for diners. The restaurant encourages patrons to keep an eye on their social media for updates on availability, as the offering may change depending on the catch.
Safety and hygiene are paramount at Oowano Utage. They adhere to strict regulations and standards to ensure the highest quality, including proper heating and management practices when serving their dishes.
In addition to this fantastic new offering, Oowano Utage continues to host its popular all-you-can-eat appetizer special called "Kutteke Dorobou!!," featuring a variety of Tohoku delicacies. With dishes including refreshing eggplant and tofu pickle, daily kimchi, tuna and okra, and milky potato and pumpkin stew, there's always something new to savor. The izakaya prioritizes a selection of fresh seafood sourced from six prefectures in Tohoku, inviting guests to pop in after work or while wandering through Akihabara.
Diners looking to take advantage of the unlimited appetizer plan can enjoy it for a nominal fee of 700 yen, allowing for a choice of daily rotating Tohoku-inspired dishes, with no time limit until closing at 11 PM. The restaurant posts daily updates of their menus and specials on their social media pages, fostering fun traditions among customers.
Oowano Utage is on a mission to share the tastes of Tohoku with the broader audience in Akihabara, embracing local culture and culinary delights through this exciting new menu item and unique dining experience.
For the latest updates on the Jumbo Shijimi Butter and other menu items, make sure to follow Oowano Utage on social media. The restaurant invites you to join them in celebrating the peaks of Tohoku cuisine right in the heart of Tokyo. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy authentic flavors from the northern regions of Japan.