Daikoku Sanma is a premium brand of Pacific saury landed at Akkeshi Fishing Port in eastern Hokkaido. Only saury that meet exceptionally strict standards are given this prestigious name, making it one of the finest ways to experience the rich flavor of Hokkaido’s famous autumn fish.
Pacific saury is one of the classic seasonal seafoods of Hokkaido, but Daikoku Sanma represents a carefully selected tier above ordinary catches. Immediately after being caught, only the extra-large fish are selected while still aboard the fishing vessel.
The selected saury are then rapidly chilled using UV-sterilized seawater to lock in their freshness before being shipped. This careful handling is a key part of what makes Daikoku Sanma so highly regarded.
Daikoku Sanma is known for its remarkable firmness and freshness. It is said that even after the fish arrives at its destination, if you hold it vertically by the tail, it can remain firm enough for the head to point upward without the fish bending.
This unusual characteristic reflects the exceptional freshness and quality for which the brand is known.
Daikoku Sanma brings together three qualities that seafood lovers particularly value: exceptional freshness, large size and abundant fat. The result is a rich and satisfying flavor that showcases the natural appeal of Pacific saury at its finest.
It can be enjoyed in many ways. Salt-grilled saury brings out its rich aroma and natural oils, while sashimi allows you to appreciate its freshness and delicate texture. It can also be prepared as tsukudani, a traditional Japanese style in which fish is simmered in a savory-sweet sauce until deeply flavored.
For visitors exploring eastern Hokkaido, Daikoku Sanma is a special seasonal seafood to seek out. Its strict selection, rapid freshness control and generous size make it an exceptional example of the region’s rich fishing culture.
The main season for Daikoku Sanma is July through October.