There are many different kinds of kimchi available all over Japan. Original kimchi is created by changing the pickling ingredients and seasonings.

"Kakamigahara Kimchi," a local B-class gourmet food of Kakamigahara City, also has a unique feature. It is a popular kimchi that allows you to enjoy the authentic Korean taste.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Kakamigahara kimchi.

Characteristics of Kakamigahara Kimchi

The distinctive feature of Kakamigahara Kimchi is that it contains carrots, a specialty of Kakamigahara City, and pine nuts, a specialty of Chuncheon City in Korea. It is also made with a variety of vegetables native to Kakamigahara, such as Chinese cabbage, radish, and cucumber. Only kimchi certified by the "Japan's No. 1 Kimchi City Research Association Secretariat" can be called Kakamigahara Kimchi.

Kakamigahara kimchi is not only spicy, but also mild, so it is easy to eat even for those who don't like kimchi. It's good to eat it as is, but it's also delicious with mayonnaise or sesame oil.

There are also many gourmet dishes that use "Kakamigahara Kimchi". A variety of dishes using Kakamigahara Kimchi are offered, such as fried rice, omelet rice, sandwiches, and hamburgers, so it is recommended to try them all while walking around.

The History of Kakamigahara Kimchi

Kakamigahara City has been holding kimchi-making workshops since the Kakamigahara Japan-Korea Friendship Association was established in 1999. In addition, in 2003, the city established a sister city relationship with Chuncheon City in Korea.

In 2004, to commemorate the first anniversary of the sister city affiliation, an event based on the Japanese musical Winter Sonata was held in Chuncheon. The sales of kimchi made by Korean residents in Japan at the event were explosive, which led to the creation of Kakamigahara Kimchi.

After the event ended, there were many comments saying "So we can't eat that kimchi anymore?" and every year there are far more applications than the capacity of the kimchi-making workshop, and for various reasons, they decided to "make Kakamigahara kimchi from these delicious vegetables and start selling it!"

The following year, in January 2005, the "Kakamigahara Kimchi Urban Revitalization" project was launched, and the "Japan's No. 1 Kimchi City Research Group" was established. The "Japan's No. 1 Kimchi City Research Group" studied the potential of kimchi from various angles, including product development, distribution, and nutrition, and completed "Kakamigahara Kimchi" in November of the same year.

Since 2006, the Kimchi Festival has been held once a year, where many dishes using Kakamigahara kimchi are exhibited.

In 2008, we participated in the B-1 Grand Prix with our "Kakamigahara Kimchi Nabe" and won the Bronze Grand Prix. This led to Kakamigahara Kimchi becoming known nationwide. In 2011, we changed our group name to "Kakamigahara Kimchi Nabe Magistrate's Office" and have continued to participate in the event.

The story of the birth of Kakamigahara Kimchi was also broadcast nationwide as a commemorative program for the 70th anniversary of NHK Gifu, and became a hot topic. If you are interested, please check out the drama "Kimchi in Love" starring Shihori Kanjiya and Yunhak.

Gifu Prefecture Tourism Information

Gifu Prefecture, where you can eat Kakamigahara Kimchi, has many tourist spots. This time, we will introduce three popular tourist spots in Hida City, Gifu Prefecture.

Seto River and the White-Walled Storehouse District

The Seto River and White-Walled Storehouse District is an old town full of historical atmosphere, known as the inner sanctum of Takayama. The Seto River, where over 1,000 colorful carp swim against the backdrop of white-walled storehouses and stone walls of temples, is a popular walking spot. There are also shops selling Hida beef croquettes and other delicacies, so you can enjoy eating as you walk.

Farm in the Sky Okuhida Yamanomura Farm

"Okuhida Yamanomura Farm in the Sky" is located in the middle of nature at an altitude of 1,000m. Not only can you interact with the animals, but you can also enjoy pony riding and milking cows. This popular farm also offers a variety of experiences, including ice cream, butter, and bread making. The rich soft serve ice cream made from freshly squeezed Jersey milk, available at the restaurant, is exquisite.

Hida Village

"Hida no Sato" is a village museum with typical Hida houses, including Gassho-style houses that have endured heavy snowfall. Each house displays many tools used in farming and mountain villages, and also holds demonstrations and experiences of straw crafts, sashiko, braiding, and other seasonal events. There are also experience programs that can be enjoyed without a reservation, so many people visit.

How to get to Gifu Prefecture

Gifu, which is attractive for its gourmet food and sightseeing, has various ways to access the city. It is also conveniently located near the three largest cities in Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

If you take the train from Tokyo Station to Gifu Station, it will take about 2 hours. From Osaka Station, it will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes. From Nagoya Station, it will take about 30 minutes. The travel time will vary depending on the time of day and the weather.

We also recommend taking a leisurely drive there by car. Try finding the best way to get there.

Location of Kakamigahara City, Gifu Prefecture

summary

Kakamigahara kimchi is loved by locals and has become known as a local B-class gourmet food. Its popularity is also increasing nationwide, and the number of Kakamigahara kimchi fans continues to grow.

If you visit Gifu, be sure to try Kakamigahara kimchi.

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