This time, we will introduce the history and characteristics of Kumamoto Prefecture's local B-class gourmet dish, "Dagojiru."

Kumamoto Prefecture is located in the Kyushu region of Japan, and is famous for its clean, delicious water, as well as the delicious agricultural products that grow there.

Kumamoto Castle, one of the three most famous castles in Japan, and the local mascot Kumamon are also well known.

This time, we will introduce you to the charming local B-class gourmet dish of Kumamoto Prefecture: Dagojiru!

What is Dagojiru?

Takojiru is a soup made by kneading wheat flour or rice flour with water, letting it sit for a while, and then rolling it out by hand, cutting it into pieces, and forming it into dumplings.

In addition, it is often made with a variety of seasonal vegetables such as carrots, spinach, taro, and burdock, and is seasoned with miso and soy sauce.

The history of Dagojiru

Dagojiru has long been a popular dish eaten between farm work, and is said to be because it is easy to make, highly nutritious, and satisfies the stomach.

The word "dago" is a word used in Kumamoto that refers to "dango" (rice dumplings), and it is also known as "dango soup."

Characteristics of Dagojiru

Dago soup is eaten throughout Kyushu, but what makes Kumamoto unique is that sweet potatoes are often used as an ingredient in the dango.

For example, "Ikinari Dago Soup," which is made with dumplings made from raw sweet potatoes, is a way of eating that originated in Kumamoto City, while "Ohimesan Dango Soup," which is made sweet by mixing in sweet potatoes and has a soft and smooth texture, originated in the Kikuchi area of Kamoto. Even within Kumamoto Prefecture, there are different ways of eating it.

Another attraction is the fact that you can enjoy different flavors depending on the region, household, or shop, such as "Anmochi Dago Soup," which is made by wrapping sweet bean paste made from sweet potato and brown sugar in sweet potato dough and can be eaten like a dessert.

How to make Dagojiru

From here, I will introduce how to make Dagojiru.

First, prepare 120g of plain flour, 1/4 teaspoon of Seto Honjio, 1/3 cup of 60-70 degree hot water, 1 chicken thigh, 100g of daikon radish, 150g of taro, 2/3 of a burdock root, 1/2 a carrot, a few shiitake mushrooms, 1 long onion, 8 cups of water, 2 heaped teaspoons of Hondashi, and 6 tablespoons of miso.

First, mix the plain flour and Seto no Honjio in a bowl, then add hot water little by little and knead well. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.

While the chicken is resting, cut it in half lengthwise into 1cm pieces.

Cut the daikon radish into 5mm wide chrysanthemum shapes, the taro into 1cm wide chrysanthemum shapes, the burdock into thin slices, the carrots into 5mm wide half-moon shapes, the enoki mushrooms in half after cutting their roots, the shiitake mushrooms into thin slices, and the green onions into 1cm long chunks.

Next, put water and Hon Dashi in a pot and heat it, add the chicken, bring to a boil, and skim off the scum.

Once the chicken is cooked, add all the vegetables and simmer for about 5 minutes.

Add half the miso and bring to a boil, then add the dough that was left to rest earlier, breaking it into pieces, and continue boiling.

Once the vegetables are soft and the dumplings are cooked through, add the remaining miso to adjust the flavor.

Once in the bowl, top with green onions, shichimi pepper, or yuzu pepper to taste and it's done.

Tourist spots in Kumamoto Prefecture

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

Shietate Shrine

Heitate Shrine is a shrine located in Kamimashiki, Kumamoto Prefecture, which is revered as Takamagahara from the Age of the Gods.

It enshrines gods related to the creation of heaven and earth, and is said to have a history of over 15,000 years.

It is also known as the "Hidden Palace," and if you actually visit, you will see that it is located quietly deep in the mountains.

Every August, the Goshikijinsai festival is held, in which gods from around the world gather together to pray for the happiness of humanity and world peace, and attracts many visitors.

Daikanbo

Daikanbo is a mountain located in Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture, with an altitude of about 935 meters.

From the summit, you can see not only the cityscape of Kumamoto but also the Aso Valley, and it is said to be one of the most scenic spots in Kumamoto Prefecture.

There are many restaurants, souvenir shops, and other establishments around the mountain, and many people visit not only as climbers but also as tourists.

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is a shrine located in Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture.

There are 97 stone lanterns lined up along the approach to the shrine, and the sight of the sunlight shining into the mossy green world is so fantastical that it has been dubbed the "entrance to another world" and has become a hot topic on social media.

This shrine is said to grant blessings for passing exams and securing victory, and many worshippers flock to it every year during exam season.

It is also believed that the shrine has the power to connect people with important people, and many visitors come to pray for prosperity in business.

Access to Kumamoto Prefecture

If you are traveling from Tokyo to Kumamoto Prefecture, we recommend flying. It takes about two hours to get from Haneda Airport to Kumamoto Airport.

If you are traveling from Osaka to Kumamoto Prefecture, we recommend flying. There are flights from Kansai International Airport to Kumamoto Airport, and the flight takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Location of Kumamoto Prefecture

summary

This time, we introduced the history and characteristics of Kumamoto Prefecture's local B-class gourmet food, "Dagojiru."

We learned that dago soup is a local dish that is easy to make and highly nutritious. We also learned that even within Kumamoto Prefecture, there are many different flavors depending on the region, so the appeal of this dish is that you can find a style that suits your taste.

Furthermore, Kumamoto Prefecture has many other attractions besides its local cuisine, and we have introduced some of its most attractive tourist spots here.

If you have a chance to visit Kumamoto Prefecture, be sure to not only try the dago soup, but also visit the tourist spots introduced in this article!

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