Why Is the “Taiza Crab” Called the Phantom Crab? 🦀✨
Known as the “Phantom Crab,” the Taiza Crab captivates gourmets and renowned chefs alike with its exquisite sweetness and delicate texture.
What Is the Taiza Crab?
The Taiza Crab refers to Matsuba-gani (snow crab) landed at Taiza Port, located in the Tango region of Kyoto Prefecture.
Taiza Port is one of Japan’s closest fishing ports to the crab grounds, only 20–30 km away. Because the boats return to port on the same day, Taiza Crabs are served with unmatched freshness — from the sea to your plate in the shortest time possible.
The fishing grounds off Taiza are also among the richest in plankton in Japan, allowing the crabs to grow larger and meatier than those caught in other regions.
Uncompromising on Freshness and Quality
Every Taiza Crab is individually inspected by the fishermen immediately after being caught.
Only those that pass this strict selection process are tagged with the official green “Taiza Crab” label, certifying their authenticity and top quality.
Each crab is then graded according to size, weight, shape, and fullness of meat, under rigorous standards far exceeding those of other brands. The final auction is overseen by expert wholesalers who ensure only the finest crabs are chosen.
Because so few Taiza Crabs ever reach the market, even most Japanese people have never tasted one — and it is precisely this rarity that gives rise to its name, “The Phantom Crab.”
Why Taiza Crabs Rarely Appear on the Market
Only five small fishing boats operate Taiza Crab fishing.
In the rough and unpredictable winter seas of the Sea of Japan, fishermen can only venture out on limited days, making the total catch extremely small.
This combination of scarcity, risk, and dedication ensures the Taiza Crab’s peerless freshness and prestige, unmatched by any other crab brand in Japan.
Where to Taste Taiza Crab — HOSHINOOTO Amanohashidate
So, where can you actually enjoy Taiza Crab?
It’s nearly impossible to find through online stores or public markets.
Your best option is to visit Kyoto’s Tango area, where select luxury accommodations source Taiza Crab directly each winter.
Among them, HOSHINOOTO Amanohashidate stands at the pinnacle.
Last season alone, HOSHINOOTO procured 1,181 Taiza Crabs, the largest number served to guests in both the region and Japan.
Each crab is kept alive in the resort’s exclusive seawater tanks and prepared only upon order, ensuring unrivaled freshness.
Winter Exclusive — Taiza Crab Full Course
During the winter season, HOSHINOOTO offers its signature “Taiza Crab Full Course”, a bestselling dining plan that allows guests to savor the Phantom Crab in all its glory.
Each guest is served a premium Taiza Crab weighing approximately 0.9 kg, hand-selected by expert chefs who understand the true essence of this delicacy.
The live crab is prepared right before your eyes and served in multiple styles, showcasing the full potential of its flavor and texture.
At HOSHINOOTO, we use only the highest-grade “Ban-gani” crabs — the top-ranked Taiza Crabs available — to ensure an unforgettable dining experience.
Relax with Two Rare Natural Hot Springs
HOSHINOOTO offers just seven ocean-view suites, each featuring two private natural hot springs:
the Golden Hot Spring (Kin-onsen) and the Silver Hot Spring (Gin-onsen).
The Golden Hot Spring, rich in iron, is known for its deep amber hue and warming, moisturizing, and circulation-boosting effects.
The Silver Hot Spring, called the “Hot Spring of Beautiful Skin,” is high in natural metasilicic acid, providing hydrating and skin-rejuvenating benefits.
Guests can enjoy the Golden spring in the outdoor bath and the Silver spring in the indoor bath, alternating freely between the two for total relaxation.
Taiza Crab season runs from November 6 to March 20 (dates may vary slightly each year).
This Phantom Crab can only be truly experienced in the place where it is caught — at the source.
This winter, we invite you to HOSHINOOTO Amanohashidate, where you can enjoy the Taiza Crab Full Course, soak in our soothing natural hot springs, and share an unforgettable moment with your loved ones. 🌊🦀✨
