This time, we will introduce the history and characteristics of Yamagata Prefecture's local B-class gourmet food, "Yonezawa Ramen."

Yamagata Prefecture is located in the Tohoku region of Japan and is home to many historical and traditional tourist spots, such as Zao, famous for its frost-covered trees and hot springs, and Yamadera Temple, which is associated with Matsuo Basho.

Yamagata Prefecture is also a producer of cherries, accounting for 70% of the nation's total, and is also a prefecture with a variety of other specialty products.

This time, we will be giving you a thorough explanation of Yonezawa Ramen, a charming local B-class gourmet food from Yamagata Prefecture!

What is Yonezawa Ramen?

Yonezawa ramen is based on a soup made from chicken bones and dried sardines.

It is light and easy to eat, and can be eaten all year round.

There are over 100 restaurants serving Yonezawa ramen in Yonezawa city alone, and each restaurant makes the soup differently, so you can enjoy a variety of flavors.

The History of Yonezawa Ramen

The history of Yonezawa ramen dates back to around 1920.

At that time in Yonezawa, Chinese people were active at night, pulling food carts while playing Charumera. What they sold was called "Shina Soba," which was what ramen was called at the time.

Shina soba is a Chinese dish adapted for Japanese tastes. It is said to have originated in Yokohama's Chinatown and later spread throughout the country.

Eventually, it began to be served in Yonezawa, far from Tokyo, and eventually a restaurant opened there.

Around the same time, a chef named Tsunematsu Tsuneo began serving Chinese noodles at the Maizuru cafe in Montocho, Yonezawa City.

Tsunematsu trained in Tsukiji, Tokyo, and was a skilled chef who specialized in not only Japanese and Western cuisine, but also Chinese cuisine. He was the first ramen chef in Yonezawa, and this is said to be the beginning of Yonezawa ramen.

Characteristics of Yonezawa Ramen

A distinctive feature of Yonezawa ramen is that the noodles contain a lot of water.

This is a method called "high hydration," in which more water than usual is added when kneading the flour to make it soft.

Well-kneaded noodles are cut straight, hand-kneaded, and then left to sit for 2-3 days to become thin, curly noodles.

These curly noodles mix well with the soup, bringing out its delicious flavor.

Tourist spots in Yamagata Prefecture

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

Yamadera

Yamadera is a Tendai sect mountain located in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, with its official name being Hojusan Risshakuji.

It is famous as the place where Matsuo Basho, who visited Yamadera at Obanazawa's recommendation in the summer over 330 years ago, wrote the poem "The silence, the chirps of the cicadas penetrating the rocks."

There are many things to see on the premises, including a monument bearing a haiku by Matsuo Basho and the Tarumi ruins, with their huge, beautiful beehive-shaped rock faces.

From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a magnificent view that will make you forget time and become enchanted, so it is definitely worth a visit.

Zao Hot Springs

Zao Onsen is a historic hot spring located in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture.

This is an ancient hot spring that was discovered over 1,900 years ago. During the Edo period it was a busy route for people climbing Mt. Zao Gongen, and in the Showa period it gained popularity as one of the largest ski resorts in the Tohoku region.

Today, it remains a resort destination, attracting many tourists throughout the year.

Okama

Okama is a crater lake about 325m in diameter located near the Zao mountain range on the border between Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures.

It is round and has a hole like a kettle, hence the name "Okama."

This volcanic lake is famous for its beautiful emerald green color, which changes depending on the sunlight shining on it.

Be sure to check out the mysterious scenery that can only be seen at Okama.

Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium

Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium is an aquarium located in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, and is famous for its extensive jellyfish exhibits, earning it the nickname "Jellyfish Dream Museum."

As it is the only aquarium in Yamagata Prefecture, many people from the prefecture visit it.

The sight of the jellyfish floating in the large aquarium, 5m in diameter, is very cute and mysterious.

Additionally, the restaurants in the building sell jellyfish ramen and jellyfish ice cream, allowing you to enjoy the unique crunchy texture of jellyfish.

Access to Yamagata Prefecture

If you are traveling from Tokyo to Yamagata Prefecture, we recommend flying. You can take a Japan Airlines flight from Haneda Airport to Yamagata Airport.

If you are traveling from Osaka to Yamagata Prefecture, flying is also recommended. There are flights from Osaka International Airport to Yamagata Airport, and the flight takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Location of Yamagata Prefecture

summary

This time, we have provided a thorough explanation of Yamagata Prefecture's local B-class gourmet food, "Yonezawa Ramen."

We learned that Yonezawa ramen is different from regular ramen in that the thin, curly noodles cling well to the soup, making it absolutely delicious.

Another attractive feature is that each restaurant has its own unique flavor.

Furthermore, Yamagata Prefecture is an attractive prefecture with not only local cuisine but also many beautiful tourist spots.

Please come and visit it at least once!

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