Ise ebi (伊勢海老), also known as Japanese spiny lobster or Ise lobster, is a highly prized type of crustacean caught in Mie Prefecture, Japan. Ise ebi, or Japanese spiny lobster, usually grows to about 20 to 30 cm long, though some can reach over 40 cm. They have a reddish-brown body with white stripes and spots, along with long antennae.

Ise ebi, or Japanese spiny lobster, is an autumn delicacy caught in the waters off southern Tokushima, near the fishing towns of Minami and Kaiyo. At the Ise Ebi Festivals in Minami and Kaiyo, stalls around the fishing ports serve local dishes, including miso soup with Ise ebi.

Ebi is Japanese for “shrimp” or “prawn,” but Ise ebi actually refers to the Japanese spiny lobster. Lacking large claws, some say it is a prawn, yet growing up to 30 cm long, it is often referred to as lobster. It is prized for its vibrant red coloring and clear, plump flesh.

Ise Ebi, or Japanese Spiny Lobster is one the Spiny lobster varieties so popular all over the World. The Japanese variety is smaller, or more precisely is more popular under a certain size. Also called Kamakura Ebi, it is caught off the shores of Chiba, Wakayama, Mie and Shizuoka Prefectures.