Known for some of the best wagyu beef in Japan, Hyogo Prefecture also has plenty of other must-try foods that we will introduce you to today. Located on Honshu island, the prefecture has spectacular nature, landmarks, and amazing food. The biggest city is Kobe, a vibrant, picturesque location slotted between the mountains and the sea. The most popular attraction is Himeji Castle, it is a beautifully preserved fortification that reminds us of feudal times. The cuisine in Hyōgo prefecture is interesting, and due to its position in the middle of Honshu, it draws from many different influences.
Kobe Beef – Photo Credit: ©JNTO
Kobe Beef
Of course, Kobe beef has to be on this list. It is known to be one of the best varieties of Wagyu in Japan. This deluxe meat is a must-try when visiting the prefecture despite it being more on the expensive side. It’s highly valued for its marbled texture, bursting flavor, and most importantly its tenderness giving it that melt-in-your-mouth experience. It is usually served in one of three different ways. The first one is shabu shabu, thin slices of meat which are quickly boiled. The second is sukiyaki, where the meat slices are simmered in a hot pot. The third is steak, where the meat is grilled. In Hyōgo prefecture, there are a lot of places where you can eat this delicacy, but the best city is of course, Kobe!
Fun fact: Did you know that the criteria to be considered Kobe beef is very high? It has to have a Beef Marbling Score (BMS) of 6 or higher, or it does not receive this honor.
Akashiyaki – Photo Credit: Jessica Iragne
Akashiyaki
Akashiyaki is a typical snack from Hyōgo prefecture and has been made here since the Edo period. The batter mainly contains eggs, flour, and wheat starch, although it can sometimes have crunchy pieces of octopus, and is delicately cooked to perfection. Accompanied by a delicious dashi broth, it’s a softer textured food item that gives you an unforgettable taste and an amazing experience. The best place to eat this is in Akashi in Hyōgo prefecture, where it is considered a local delicacy. A cousin to the famous and well-loved Takoyaki, Akashiyaki is the inspiration for this well-known Japanese food.
Soba Meshi – Photo Credit: Takuya220284 on Instagram
Soba Meshi
It is no surprise to hear of wild names for dishes in Asian culture. They’ve experimented over the decades by just fusing two dishes to create a fusion masterpiece, and thus, soba meshi stands as a shining example of a fusion dish done right. Soba Meshi is a soul food from Kobe–the ultimate street food. It is said that the dish was discovered when a customer asked a shop owner to heat his cold rice. The owner added the rice to a soba dish he was preparing, and it made for a wonderful combination. They say that it was a shop named Aomori located in Kobe city, and you can still try it here! When you are in Hyōgo prefecture make sure not to miss this dish, you can get it at most street food vendors.
Tansan Senbei – Photo Credit: Jelleke Vanooteghem on Unsplash
Tansan Senbei
Tansan Senbei is a typical sweet from Hyōgo prefecture. It is a thin, round carbonated cracker mainly made out of flour. This is an interesting fact considering the name “tansan senbei” actually translates to carbonated rice cracker, yet it is one of the few senbei that are not made using rice. The taste is sweet, so it is the perfect little snack. Originally they are from the Arima hot springs and have been eaten since the Meiji period. Today, the Tansan senbei are a popular souvenir for visitors to buy whilst visiting the onsen.
You can buy them at the Arima Senbei Honpo Store or a lot of other places within Hyōgo prefecture. Besides selling the snack, you can also get a tour of the factory there. The most popular place to find them, however, would still have to be the Arima Onsen, which is considered one of the top three hot springs in Japan. Boasting a history of over a thousand years, the onsen is considered the area’s hidden gem where weary travelers can stop, relax and rejuvenate during their travels.
Akashi Sea bream
Akashi Sea Bream
The most prized Sea bream is the Akashi, found right in Hyogo prefecture. The fish is known for its amazing taste. These creatures are mostly eaten in the cities near the coast. They are consumed in a lot of different ways but the most famous is Taimeshi, which translates to sea bream rice, and is a typical Hyōgan dish where the fish is cooked with salt, ginger, and soy sauce. Placed over some rice and sometimes kelp, the flavors of the fish slowly seep into the warm rice, which gives you a comforting dish that’s best enjoyed hot and fresh. You can eat this dish all over the coast of Hyōgo prefecture, but for the best one, you have to go to Akashi!
Don’t skip Hyōgo prefecture during your trip to Japan. It has a lot to offer: stunning nature and beautiful landmarks like Himeji Castle. When you are there, the food will amaze you and the Kobe beef is some of the best wagyu in Japan. There are plenty of other dishes that will also leave you stunned. I can guarantee that you will not be left disappointed. So make sure to put this magnificent area on your list!
Featured photo by Wanderplans on Unsplash
Learn more about what makes Japanese cuisine on our Flavors of Japan tour in Tokyo!
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