This time, we will explain the history and appeal of "chagayu," a local B-class gourmet food of Nara Prefecture.

Nara Prefecture is a city located almost in the center of Japan, in the middle of the Kii Peninsula.

The city is dotted with many famous shrines and temples, such as Kofuku-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and is visited by many tourists every year who want to experience Japanese history and culture.

This time, we will be giving you a thorough explanation of this charming local B-class gourmet food of Nara Prefecture: chagayu!

What is Chagayu?

Chagayu is made by adding cold rice to boiled roasted green tea and cooking it, and is also known as "okaisan."

While regular porridge tends to be thick, tea porridge is characterized by its light texture.

Tea porridge is such a representative Nara meal that it is said that "mornings in Yamato begin with tea porridge."

The history of tea porridge

The origins of tea porridge date back to the early 9th century, when Kobo Daishi (Kukai) brought tea seeds back from Tang Dynasty China and began tea cultivation in Japan at Butsuryuji Temple in Uda City.

For over 1,200 years, an event called "Omizutori" has been held at Todaiji Temple every March based on that history.

At this event, the menu for the rengyōshu includes burdock root (gobo) and gecha, which is made by boiling rice in roasted green tea and then draining the liquid off. It can be said to be the origin of chameshi.

"Gobo" is the soupy part of tea porridge, and it is said that this is the origin of tea porridge.

The appeal of tea porridge

One of the attractions of tea porridge is that it is smooth and easy to eat. When making tea porridge, the heat is adjusted to prevent it from becoming thick and runny.

Another appealing feature of porridge is that it has a variety of beneficial effects, such as improving skin tone, preventing colds, and improving bowel movements.

Furthermore, while it is mainstream to make it using bancha tea or hojicha tea, some households and shops make it using green tea, which means you can enjoy different flavors, which is another appealing point.

When you go to Nara Prefecture, you'll find many restaurants that serve chagayu, so be sure to find your favorite dish.

How to make tea porridge

From here, I will introduce how to make tea porridge.

The ingredients are rice, water, roasted green tea, and salt, so anyone can make it easily.

First, cook the rice with the usual amount of water.

Once the roasted green tea has boiled, add the rice and salt and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adjust the heat to keep the mixture smooth.

Boil it to your desired firmness and it's done. You can add steamed sweet potatoes or grilled kakimochi (rice cakes made from dried persimmons) to make it even more delicious.

Tourist spots in Nara Prefecture

From here, we will introduce tourist spots in Nara Prefecture.

Nara Prefecture is rich in nature, with many basins, plateaus, and mountains.

Furthermore, Nara Prefecture has a long history and is dotted with many historical buildings, making it a must-see tourist spot for those who love Japanese history.

From here, we will introduce some of the most recommended tourist spots in Nara Prefecture.

Nara Park

It is no exaggeration to say that the next most famous thing about Nara Prefecture after the Great Buddha is the deer. In Nara Prefecture, deer have been believed to be messengers of the gods.

Nara Park is home to many wild deer, and you can experience feeding them.

It is located right next to Kintetsu Nara Station and is easily accessible, so many tourists visit it every day.

There are famous tourist spots in the area, such as Kofuku-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, so it is recommended to visit these places as well.

Why not try being soothed by the gentle and adorable deer?

Todaiji Temple

Todaiji Temple is home to the most famous Great Buddha in Japan.

This temple was built by Emperor Shomu in the Nara period with the goal of protecting the country, and the Great Buddha enshrined in the Great Buddha Hall is an astounding 15m tall and weighs about 250t. It's so impressive that it will take your breath away.

Additionally, there is a hole in the northeast pillar inside the Great Buddha Hall, and the size of the hole is said to be the same as the Buddha's nostril.

It is believed that if you pass through here, you will be granted the blessing of good health and freedom from illness.

This is a classic tourist spot that you definitely want to see if you come to Nara Prefecture, so be sure to check it out.

Mount Wakakusa

Located in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Mount Wakakusa is within walking distance of Nara Park, which is famous for its deer.

It's a small mountain, only 300m high, but you can get a panoramic view of Nara Prefecture from the top. It's especially recommended to climb it at night, as you can enjoy the beautiful night view.

Its beauty is recognized nationwide, and it has been selected as one of the New Three Great Night Views of Japan.

If you are traveling to Nara Prefecture, be sure to stop by.

Access to Nara Prefecture

From here, I will introduce how to access Nara Prefecture.

If you are traveling from Tokyo to Nara Prefecture, we recommend taking the Shinkansen and train. First, take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station, then take the train to JR Nara Station.

If you are traveling from Osaka to Nara Prefecture, we recommend taking the train. From Osaka Station, take the JR Osaka Loop Line Outer Loop bound for Tennoji, then transfer at Tsuruhashi Station to the Kintetsu Nara Line bound for Kintetsu Nara, which will take you to Kintetsu Nara Station. The journey takes about an hour, making it an easy trip.

Location of Nara Prefecture

summary

This time, we introduced the history and appeal of Nara Prefecture's local B-class gourmet food, "chagayu."

We learned that chagayu is a dish with a long history and is an indispensable part of Nara Prefecture.

Additionally, Nara Prefecture has many tourist attractions where you can experience Japanese history, culture, and traditions, so be sure to check out not only the tea porridge but also the tourist spots in Nara Prefecture.

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