"Kue nabe" is a hot pot dish made with "Kue" fish caught in the coastal areas of Wakayama Prefecture. Kue nabe allows you to enjoy the rare luxury fish, and is popular among locals.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Kue nabe.

Characteristics of grouper hotpot

The grouper used in grouper hotpot is a large fish belonging to the grouper family that can grow to over one meter in length. It can be caught all year round, but the catch is so small that it is called a "phantom luxury fish." Grouper is especially delicious in winter when its flesh is fatty.

The white flesh of the grouper is light but well-fleshed with fat, giving it a sweet and refined flavor. It can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as as sashimi, simmered, deep-fried, or in miso soup. Among these, the most popular dish is "grouper hotpot."

To make a hotpot, the fish is simmered in a stock made from the flavorful bones of the fish, with vegetables such as chrysanthemum and Chinese cabbage added, and then served with ponzu sauce and condiments.

When you try it, the plump texture and light yet rich flavor fills your mouth. The gelatinous parts of the fish are also delicious, and it's no wonder they are called the "mysterious luxury fish."

Once you've finished eating the ingredients, it's customary to have it as a rice porridge. Eating a porridge with grouper during the cold season will warm you from the inside out.

Grouper is attracting attention because it is rich in protein and collagen and is expected to have beauty benefits.

The history of grouper hotpot

Hidaka Town in Wakayama Prefecture is famous for its Kue stew. Originally, Kue was unknown to anyone other than locals, but in the 1960s, it started to be served at inns and guesthouses in the town, and gradually became a local specialty.

The appeal of this fish is that you can enjoy a refined taste that you would never imagine from its huge and impressive appearance. Locals say that "Once you eat grouper, all other fish are grouper."

In Hidaka Town, there was a custom of dedicating grouper to the autumn festival "Kue Festival" of Shirahige Shrine, which has been held since the Edo period. At the festival, dried grouper is dedicated to the shrine and prayers are made for a good catch. There was also a "Kue Push" event, in which the Toya-shu carrying grouper get into a scuffle with the young men who try to stop them. Unfortunately, the "Kue Festival" is no longer held today.

In 2018, the "Genuine Wild Grouper Hotpot from Hidaka Town, Wakayama Prefecture" won the "Nippon Nationwide Hotpot Grand Prix" held in Wako City, Saitama Prefecture. By winning the Golden Hotpot Award, it has attracted attention nationwide.

Wakayama Tourism Information

Wakayama is rich in nature and has many tourist spots. This time, we will introduce three popular tourist spots.

Wakayama Castle

Wakayama Castle, the symbol of Wakayama Prefecture, was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi at the command of his younger brother, Hidenaga.

It is said to be the first modern castle built by the master castle builder, Todo Takatora. During the Edo period, it became a castle with a land area of 555,000 koku in Kishu, and has a long history as the residence of one of the Tokugawa Gosanke (three main families). The chalk-white castle tower stands on the lush green Mount Torafusu, and the stone walls are made with a lot of blue stone, a specialty of Kishu.

PortoEurope

Porto Europa, located inside Wakayama Marina City, is where you can experience the European atmosphere.

Porto Europa also has an amusement park zone where you can enjoy attractions. In addition to Porto Europa, Wakayama Marina City also has the Kuroshio Market, which holds tuna cutting shows, and Kinokuni Fruit Village, which sells fresh fruits and vegetables from Wakayama.

Tomogashima Island

Tomogashima is an uninhabited island floating in the Kitan Strait.

Tomogashima was originally used as a base for the Japanese military, and many artillery batteries remain. It is popular for its fantastical atmosphere that gives you a taste of the world of "Castle in the Sky." With the exception of a few places, most of the buildings can be visited.

It is also popular as a hiking trail and can be completed in about three hours. You can enjoy an exciting exploration.

How to get to Wakayama

There are various ways to access Wakayama. Here are some recommended ways to access the area. Travel time may vary depending on the season and weather.

If you are heading to Wakayama from Sapporo, Tokyo, Fukuoka, or Okinawa, first fly to Kansai International Airport. It takes about two hours by plane from Sapporo and Okinawa, and about one hour from Tokyo and Fukuoka.

If you take the limousine bus from Kansai International Airport, you will arrive at JR Wakayama Station in about 40 minutes. The limousine bus travel time and fare may be subject to change. The limousine bus fare from Kansai International Airport to all stops on the Wakayama Line is 1,400 yen for adults and 700 yen for children. If you take the limousine bus, you can get to JR Wakayama Station smoothly without having to transfer.

We also recommend taking a leisurely drive to Wakayama. Find the best way to get there.

Location of Wakayama Prefecture

summary

The elegant and deep flavor of the kue hotpot is unforgettable once you have tried it. Eating a kue hotpot, where you can fully enjoy the charms of the rare luxury fish, will warm your body and soul.

If you visit Wakayama Prefecture, be sure to try the Kue stew.

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