"Tofu Chikuwa" is a unique processed food found in central eastern Tottori Prefecture, and is a local B-class gourmet food that has been loved for a long time. Local people often eat "Tofu Chikuwa" when they feel hungry or as a snack.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of tofu chikuwa.

Characteristics of Tofu Chikuwa

As you can imagine from the name, tofu chikuwa is made from "cotton tofu" and "surimi (paste of white fish)". Firm tofu and surimi of white fish are mixed in a ratio of about 7:3, shaped, and steamed to complete the dish.

The ratio of ingredients varies depending on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers use a 4:3 or 1:1 ratio, but they all use firm tofu. Tofu chikuwa is generally steamed, but the fragrant "yaki tofu chikuwa" is also popular.

Tofu chikuwa is softer and fluffier than regular chikuwa. The aroma of tofu spreads softly in your mouth, and the umami of the fish increases the more you chew it.

Local people eat it by just biting into it whole, or dipping it in ginger soy sauce. It is recommended to bake it a little in a toaster oven before eating, as it tastes even better. Tofu chikuwa has a light flavor and no strong taste, and is also delicious in stir-fries, so there are many ways to enjoy it.

"Tofu Chikuwa" is made with tofu, so it is lower in calories and higher in protein than regular chikuwa, making it a healthier food. It is popular with a wide range of people, from children to the elderly.

The history of tofu chikuwa

Tofu chikuwa was born from the idea of frugality. During the Edo period, fish was a very precious food in Tottori, where the development of fishing ports was lagging behind. It is said that the origin of the dish came when Tottori feudal lord Mitsunaka Ikeda encouraged the common people in the castle town to eat a simple diet, saying "eat tofu instead of fish," as the feudal lord's finances were tight.

Tottori has many mountain villages, and soybeans are widely cultivated there, so tofu was a familiar food. This background also influenced the creation of tofu chikuwa.

It was the long-established Chimura Shoten that first started making tofu chikuwa in earnest. Chimura Shoten was founded in 1865. Tofu chikuwa, which uses rare fish, was eaten on special occasions such as festivals and weddings. After that, the handmade tofu chikuwa began to be made by machine, and it became a common food.

In 2002, the World Tofu Chikuwa Conference was held in Tottori. This prompted volunteers in eastern Tottori to start activities to spread the appeal of tofu chikuwa across the country. Tofu chikuwa is now a local B-class gourmet food that represents Tottori. It also participated in the B-1 Grand Prix, and has become known to many people.

Tottori Tourism Information

Tottori Prefecture, with its lush mountains and sea, is a place where you can enjoy nature throughout the four seasons. Here we will introduce three popular sightseeing spots in Tottori.

Tottori Sand Dunes

The Tottori Sand Dunes are one of the largest coastal sand dunes in Japan. They have been designated a national natural monument and one of Japan's 100 most geologically significant sites. The Tottori Sand Dunes, which change appearance depending on the weather and wind direction, are known as "miraculous beauty of form." Some people are fascinated by their beauty and visit the dunes multiple times.

Tottori Sand Dunes is not just a place to stroll around. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as camel rides and paragliding. There are also many facilities nearby, such as the Sand Museum and the Sand Dune Hot Spring Community Center, making it a popular tourist spot where you can enjoy the whole day.

Daisen

Mount Daisen, the highest peak in the Chugoku region, boasts an elevation of 1,709m and is a natural heritage site of Tottori Prefecture alongside the Tottori Sand Dunes. Unlike when viewed from the north and south, when viewed from the west it resembles Mount Fuji, which is why it is also known as "Hoki Fuji." This famous mountain was once chosen as one of the top three mountains, following Mount Fuji and Mount Yari, in the "Ranking of Japan's Most Famous Mountains" conducted by NHK.

It has been designated a national park due to its magnificent nature. It is also a bird sanctuary and natural forest reserve, where you can encounter a variety of flora and fauna. It is a tourist spot where you can enjoy hiking and camping from spring to autumn, and skiing in winter. The nearby Mt. Daisen Makiba Milk Village is also popular.

Tottori Flower Corridor

Tottori Flower Park is one of the largest flower parks in Japan. The main flower on display all year round is the lily. Tottori Flower Park is the only place in Japan where all 15 varieties of wild lilies native to Japan are on display.

There is also a huge glass greenhouse called the Flower Dome where you can enjoy flowers and plants regardless of the weather or season, so you can enjoy flowers at any time. In addition, there is a 1km covered observation corridor around the flower corridor, so you can stroll around the garden without an umbrella even on rainy days. It is level so it is easy to walk on, making it a tourist spot that can be enjoyed by the whole family, from children to the elderly.

How to get to Tottori

There are various ways to access Tottori. Here we will introduce the travel time required for each method. Travel time will vary depending on the season, weather, etc.

It takes about 5 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen or express train, and about 3 hours from Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima.

If you are heading to Tottori from Tokyo, we recommend flying. It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Haneda Airport to Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport. There are 5 flights per day.

It takes about 20 minutes by bus from Tottori Sand Dunes Conan Airport to Tottori Station and the Tottori Sand Dunes. It takes about an hour by bus to Kurayoshi Station and the Gosho Aoyama Manga Museum.

We also recommend taking a leisurely drive to Tottori.

Location of Tottori Prefecture

summary

Tofu chikuwa is a simple dish, so the deliciousness of the ingredients is important. Tottori is a land blessed with water, with many places still known for their famous water, and high-quality tofu has been produced there since ancient times. Tofu chikuwa is a dish that has been loved for a long time precisely because Tottori is blessed with nature and an abundance of high-quality water.

By the way, tofu chikuwa also comes in flavored products such as curry and lemon, as well as processed foods such as shumai that use tofu chikuwa.

If you visit Tottori, be sure to try tofu chikuwa.

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