A glittery sword-like fish, Sanma (Pacific saury) is the poster child for autumn in Japan. Its arrival in stores and on menus from late August means a cool relief from summer’s oppressive heat is imminent. The fish can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways – salted and grilled whole, as a sushi topping, crumbed and fried, and in a burger.
The Tokyo Tower Sanma Festival celebrates the most classic way of eating the fish: charcoal-grilled. At the festival, held on the Autumn Equinox public holiday, no less than 3,333 sanma will be charcoal-grilled and served for free. You can expect long queues, so get in early to get your coupon (handouts start from 7.30am).