This time, we will explain the characteristics and appeal of Yamagata Prefecture's local B-class gourmet food, "hiyashi ramen."

Yamagata Prefecture is located in the Tohoku region and is known for its abundant nature.

However, many people may not know that Yamagata Prefecture is divided into four areas: Shonai, Mogami, Murakami, and Okitama.

Yamagata Prefecture has many different faces depending on the area, and you can enjoy different scenery depending on the season.

It is also a gourmet town with many local delicacies, such as cherries and ball konnyaku.

This time, we will introduce you to the charming soul food of Yamagata Prefecture: cold ramen.

What is chilled ramen?

Chilled ramen, as the name suggests, is ramen that is cold.

After repeated improvements were made to prevent the fat in the soup from solidifying, the cold ramen we know today was created.

Currently, it has become a popular ramen menu item that can be enjoyed not only in Yamagata Prefecture but all over the country.

The history of chilled ramen

Chilled ramen first appeared around 1952. A customer at a ramen restaurant said, "Since I eat cold soba in the summer, I'd like to try cold ramen as well."

Taking inspiration from this, Sakaeya Honten, said to be the originator of chilled ramen, spent about a year creating their own chilled ramen.

At first, they were worried that they would not be able to make tasty ramen because the fat in the soup would solidify, but after repeated improvements, it is said that the modern-day chilled ramen was born.

Today, it is loved by locals as soul food perfect for Yamagata's hot summers.

Characteristics and appeal of chilled ramen

The defining feature of chilled ramen is its cold soup.

As mentioned above, if the soup is cold, the fat will solidify, so it is made in three steps: first the beef soup is cooled and the oil is strained, and then the stock is extracted using bonito flakes and kelp.

The appeal of the chilled ramen is its light chicken-based soy sauce soup. It's so refreshing that you'll want to eat it even in the hot summer.

How to make chilled ramen

Put 400ml of water, 2 teaspoons of chicken stock powder, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of white sesame seeds, and ½ teaspoon of salt in a pot and bring to a boil, then turn off the heat.

Transfer the soup to a bowl and let it cool, then cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package directions, then drain the water.

Cool the noodles under running water and then drain them. Pour the noodles and soup into a bowl, garnish with ham and green onions if desired, and it's done.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Yamagata Prefecture

So far, we have introduced Yamagata Prefecture's soul food, "hiyashi ramen."

From here, we will introduce some recommended tourist spots in Yamagata Prefecture.

Why not satisfy not only your stomach but also your body and mind at the recommended spots in the charming Yamagata Prefecture?

Yamadera

Yamadera is a temple located at the top of 1,070 steps from the trailhead.

It is also famous as the place where Matsuo Basho wrote the haiku, "The quietness of the cicadas' voices seeping into the rocks," making it one of Yamagata Prefecture's most inspiring spots.

Yamadera is located at an altitude of 400m, and you can enjoy magnificent views throughout the seasons.

Especially on foggy days, it creates a mysterious atmosphere that seems straight out of a movie, and is sure to make for great photos.

There are also a number of restaurants and souvenir shops lined up in front of the gate, allowing you to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing.

Zao Hot Springs

Zao Onsen is known as the oldest hot spring in Yamagata Prefecture.

Its history dates back to an astonishing 1,900 years, and along with Shirabu Onsen in the prefecture and Takayu Onsen in Fukushima, it is known as one of the "Three Ou Takayu Onsen."

It has been loved by people since the Edo and Taisho periods, and with the opening of a ski resort in the Showa period, it is now famous as one of the largest resort areas in Yamagata Prefecture.

Zao Onsen has five hot springs and 47 other springs that branch off from them, and is known as a "beauty-making hot spring" because of its various health benefits.

If you visit Yamagata, why not relax and unwind at Zao Onsen?

How to get to Yamagata Prefecture

From here, we will introduce how to access Yamagata Prefecture.

If you are coming from Tokyo, the easiest way is to fly from Haneda Airport to Yamagata Airport or Shonai Airport.

If you are traveling by Shinkansen, take the Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kaminoyama Onsen Station, then transfer to another Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station.

Location of Yamagata Prefecture

summary

This time, we introduced the characteristics and appeal of Yamagata Prefecture's soul food, "hiyashi ramen."

When you hear that it was perfected after many refinements, you'll definitely want to try it at least once.
This is a unique ramen that is unlike any other, so please give it a try.

Yamagata Prefecture also has many attractive tourist spots, such as hot springs that are known to have healthy benefits and temples with stunning views.

If you visit Yamagata, be sure to stop by.

\ We are looking for Tempo Star affiliates! /