Hamaguri nigiri sushi

Hamaguri nigiri is a traditional type of nigiri sushi. It consists of hand-pressed sushi rice that's topped with boiled hamaguri clam. The clam shells are first rubbed together under a stream of water in order to remove the slime. The clams are boiled in sake, then pried open and the flesh is removed.

The flesh is butterflied, while the leftover clam juice is typically mixed with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin, then simmered until it forms a thick sauce. The sauce is brushed over the assembled nigiri sushi, and it's then ready to be enjoyed without dipping.

The clams have a chewy and delicate texture, and their best season is from February to April. Although not that rare, this type of nigiri sushi can be very expensive.