🕓 2024/11/10
#Gourmet
About the Gourmet Food of Hyogo Prefecture
Hyogo Prefecture is a region blessed with rich nature and a storied cultural history, where a distinctive food culture has developed alongside the beauty of all four seasons. Characterized by its geography of mountains and sea, the area nurtures an abundance of diverse ingredients from the bounty of the Seto Inland Sea, the Sea of Japan, and the surrounding mountains.
Its most famous dishes include Himeji Oden, Akashiyaki, and Izushi Soba. When visiting Hyogo Prefecture, be sure to savor these dishes and enjoy the region’s rich culinary culture.
Top 3 Gourmet Picks from Hyogo Prefecture
Akashiyaki
● The Appeal of Akashiyaki
Akashiyaki is a beloved local dish of Akashi, renowned for its fluffy texture and rich flavor, created by the delicate combination of egg and dashi broth. Made with fresh local octopus, it features a simple yet delicious taste where the dashi enhances the batter.
Although similar in appearance to takoyaki, akashiyaki is distinguished by its soft, fluffy texture. In Akashi, the standard way to enjoy it is to dip egg-rich batter balls filled with octopus into dashi broth. The sweetness of the egg and the flavor of the dashi create an exquisite balance. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the rich umami of the dashi spreading across the palate are unique charms of akashiyaki.
● History of Akashiyaki
Its origins are said to date back to the Edo period, when it was also called “tamago-yaki” (egg grill). It was a widely popular dish among the common people in the area around Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, using fresh octopus from the local abundant sea and a batter generously made with eggs. In an era when eggs were not readily available, the lavish use of eggs gave this dish a sense of special occasion. Despite its simple ingredients, akashiyaki spread as a home-cooked meal and street food, gradually becoming established as the region’s soul food.
● Where to Eat Akashiyaki!
- Restaurant: Honke Kimuraya
- Appeal:
“Honke Kimuraya” is a long-established akashiyaki specialty shop founded in 1924, beloved by locals and tourists alike. Starting from a street stall, the shop continues to serve the traditional flavors passed down to the fourth-generation owner, offering akashiyaki unchanged from its founding days.The interior exudes a retro atmosphere as if stepping back into the Showa era, with a warm and inviting space. On weekdays, local regulars gather, while on weekends, lines of tourists form — a testament to its enduring popularity. Many customers arrive early in the morning, reflecting the establishment’s presence as a renowned local institution.
- Access: 5-minute walk from JR Sanyo Main Line “Akashi” Station
- Address: 5-23 Kajiya-cho, Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZAsav6rv5GBDJzr68
Izushi Soba
● The Appeal of Izushi Soba
Izushi Soba is a beloved local dish from Izushi-cho, Hyogo Prefecture, cherished for generations. Its charm lies in the distinctive “sara soba” (plate soba) style, where small portions are served on individual small plates, and the hand-made noodles allow you to fully appreciate the authentic flavor of buckwheat. Enjoyed alongside the atmospheric castle town scenery, it offers a special dining experience that connects you with the history and culture of Izushi.
Unlike typical zaru soba, Izushi Soba is served in small portions on individual plates, meant to be enjoyed by stacking several plates. To bring out the maximum flavor of the buckwheat flour, the noodles are often carefully hand-made by skilled craftsmen. With a high ratio of buckwheat flour, you can fully enjoy the natural aroma and flavor of the soba.
● History of Izushi Soba
Izushi Soba is said to date back to the Edo period, developing from the food culture passed down from the Izushi domain. Even today, the town of Izushi retains the vestiges of its old castle town, and visitors can enjoy Izushi Soba at atmospheric soba restaurants while strolling through the charming streets. Savoring this dish together with sightseeing deepens the appeal of this local cuisine.
● Where to Eat Izushi Soba!
- Restaurant: Kinmata (Hand-Made Izushi Sara Soba)
- Appeal:
“Kinmata (Hand-Made Izushi Sara Soba)” is located on Honmachi-dori in Izushi-cho, Toyooka City, blending seamlessly into the historic streets of Izushi. This soba restaurant, which has also been featured in the Michelin Guide, has been cherished by locals and tourists alike for many years.“Kinmata’s” hand-made Izushi sara soba uses in-house milled buckwheat flour, offering a fragrant aroma and pleasant firmness. The authentic flavor of buckwheat fills your mouth, creating an unforgettable taste. The dipping broth is also expertly balanced — neither too strong nor too light — designed to complement the savory goodness of the soba.
- Address: 99 Honmachi, Izushi-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Access: 30-minute bus ride from JR Toyooka Station via Zentan Bus bound for Izushi Bus Terminal
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qtqx18wCavkiXc458
Himeji Oden
● The Appeal of Himeji Oden
Himeji Oden is a distinctive dish enjoyed with ginger soy sauce, featuring ingredients made from fresh local produce. It is deeply rooted in Himeji’s izakaya culture and home cooking, making it a familiar local cuisine for the people of the area.
In addition to the standard dashi broth, Himeji Oden is characterized by drizzling it with a distinctive “ginger soy sauce.” This ginger soy sauce enhances the umami of the ingredients and the flavor of the dashi, adding a warm depth of taste. The spicy kick of ginger melds with the rich flavor of the dashi, creating a light yet full-bodied taste. This style of eating with ginger soy sauce is unique to Himeji and offers a refreshing charm even to visitors from outside the prefecture.
● History of Himeji Oden
Himeji Oden developed alongside the post-war street stall culture and has been loved by many people since the old days. Together with the Himeji cityscape, the local oden culture became deeply rooted in the daily lives of its residents. Even today, many restaurants and izakayas in Himeji’s dining districts serve oden, and it has become established as a local specialty that tourists can also enjoy.
● Where to Eat Himeji Oden!
- Restaurant: Shusentei Nadagikutei Komizoji no Kappa
- Appeal:
“Shusentei Nadagikutei Komizoji no Kappa” is located just a 4-minute walk from JR Himeji Station, offering both the delicious taste of Himeji Oden and the authentic atmosphere of a Himeji-style izakaya. The interior is decorated with folk art-inspired furnishings and filled with a lively ambiance. With 29 counter and table seats, the restaurant buzzes with both locals and tourists.The “Himeji Oden” served here features a deeply flavored dashi broth, enjoyed with ginger soy sauce or sake lees sauce. For example, the tofu and daikon oden are fragrant with ginger soy sauce, and customers praise the warming effect of each bite.
- Address: 58 Higashiekimae-cho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Access: 4-minute walk from JR Sanyo Main Line “Himeji Station”
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/w1WwzG6b87mNssoTA