7th April – 卯月
Digging the sandy beach to find shells such as clams when it is low tide.
In the spring season in Japan, many family go to the sandy beach to enjoy 潮干狩り (Shiohigari). The sandy ground where normally is deep under the sea comes out due to the low tide, has plenty of shell animals. spring is the best season for clam digging because there are spring tide – the time when the the rise and fall of the tide is intense.
Even the sandy beach is able to walk, we have to think about when the tide gets high, otherwise we might get wet or even drawn in the water!
Some beaches are free to do clam digging activities, but need to be careful – as some beaches restrict the fishing in order to protect the profit for fishers. Therefore, it is better to check where are allowed beaches to get in for free.
On the other hand, there are beaches where have entrance fee for Shiohigari. For those places, they normally spread juvenile shellfishes so there are high chance to get shells. However, getting too many shells causes extra fees, so moderation is a key.
To go for Shiohigari, a must items are followings;
-bucket
-shovels scoops
-net
-groves
-esky with icepacks
-hat, cap
-sun screen
-drinks
Be prepared and enjoy Shiohigari!
Little Japan Dictionary 