Kumamoto is known as the "kingdom of horse meat," with the largest production and consumption of horse meat in the country. It is used in many dishes, but the most popular is "horse meat sashimi." It is very popular and loved locally as a snack to go with alcohol.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of horse sashimi.

Characteristics of horse meat

"Basashi" is a dish of thinly sliced raw horse meat. It has a melting texture and a slight sweetness. Fresh basashi has a beautiful appearance with a cherry blossom color on the cut surface. It is also called "sakura meat" because of this vivid cherry blossom color.

Those eating it for the first time may be concerned about the smell, but fresh horse sashimi has almost no odor and no peculiar taste, so you can enjoy it with peace of mind.

Horse meat also has a higher body temperature than beef or pork, making it less susceptible to the proliferation of bacteria and parasites, making it considered safe. O-157 and O-111, which cause food poisoning, are found in the intestines of ruminant animals such as beef, sheep, and deer, so there is less of them in horse meat, which does not ruminate. Furthermore, horse meat is less likely to cause allergies, making it relatively safe for children and the elderly to eat.

Horse meat sashimi is also attracting attention for its health benefits. It is highly nutritious and rich in linoleic acid and linolenic acid, which help lower cholesterol. Horse meat fat also contains a lot of unsaturated fatty acids, which are good for the body.

The lean meat is low in fat and calories, making it perfect for people on a diet. In addition, horse meat is rich in iron, calcium, and high-quality protein, making it popular with women who are prone to anemia, the elderly, and growing children.

How to eat horse meat deliciously

Even though it is called horse sashimi, the texture and flavor will change depending on the part of the horse, such as skirt steak, inner eel, mane, or lean meat.

Fresh horse sashimi can be enjoyed in a variety of flavors by changing the condiments and the way it is eaten.

Condiments that go well with horse sashimi are grated garlic and grated ginger. Eating horse sashimi with garlic and ginger brings out the flavor of the sashimi. For those who prefer a lighter flavor, ponzu sauce is also recommended.

The standard condiment set includes garlic, ginger, sliced onion, and shiso leaves. It is a classic combination for those who like horse sashimi. It is also a luxurious and fun way to eat it by wrapping onions, shiso leaves, and your favorite condiments.

Another way to eat it is to slice the garlic and ginger instead of grating them. Also, adding spicy seasonings such as momiji oroshi (grated daikon radish) or doubanjiang (fried chili bean paste) will bring out the sweetness of the fat and give it a different flavor than usual.

Try different combinations and find your favorite way to eat it.

The history of horse meat

There are various theories about the origin of horse meat, but the most famous one is related to Kato Kiyomasa, the first lord of the Kumamoto domain and a military commander from the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the early Edo period.

It is said that when Kato Kiyomasa was sent to Korea, he ran out of food and had no choice but to eat war horses. He was surprised by how delicious it was, and continued to enjoy eating horse meat after returning home. This is said to have been the beginning of the culture of eating horse meat in Kumamoto.

During the Edo period, there was almost no meat-eating custom in Japan, and horse meat was not particularly popular. However, during the Meiji period, meat consumption began to spread due to the influence of Western culture. In particular, horse meat consumption increased in the Kumamoto and Aso regions, and horse meat sashimi became widely accepted.

Furthermore, during the food shortages after World War II, horse meat was highly valued as a valuable ingredient, which led to the culture of horse meat taking root and spreading throughout the country.

In the 1950s, horse meat sashimi began to be served in restaurants, and now it has become a well-established Kumamoto specialty loved by many people.

Kumamoto Tourism Information

Kumamoto, where you can eat Taipingyan, is located almost in the center of Kyushu. It is also known as the "Land of Fire" because it is home to Mount Aso, one of the world's most active volcanoes. It is also known as the "Land of Water" because of the many springs.

Furthermore, there are beautiful forests all over the country, and Kumamoto City is also known as the "Forest City." We will introduce recommended sightseeing spots in Kumamoto, an area blessed with such abundant nature.

Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle, said to be one of the three most famous castles in Japan, was built by Kato Kiyomasa. The highlight is the high, curved stone wall known as "Musha-gaeshi." Inside the castle tower, there is an exhibition that traces the history of Kumamoto Castle. From the observation deck on the top floor, you can get a panoramic view of the city of Kumamoto.

Sakuranobaba Josaien

Sakuranobaba Josaien, located at the foot of Kumamoto Castle, is a tourist facility that recreates the houses of the castle town. There is a buffet restaurant, Kumamoto Sake Brewery, a noodle shop, and more, so you can enjoy dining and shopping. The Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza, where you can learn about the history and culture surrounding Kumamoto Castle in a fun way, is popular with both children and adults.

Suizenji Jojuen Garden

Suizenji Jojuen is a stroll-style garden with a pond where you can stroll around, centered around a pond where the underground water of Mt. Aso springs forth. It began in 1632 when Tadatoshi Hosokawa, the first lord of the Higo Hosokawa domain, built a teahouse, and was completed during the reign of Tsunatoshi, the third lord of the domain. Suizenji Jojuen, where you can enjoy the nature of the four seasons, is also loved by locals.

How to get to Kumamoto

There are various ways to get to Kumamoto. Most people use JR trains or airplanes.

Here is the travel time required to get to Kumamoto from major cities across Japan. Travel time may vary depending on the season and weather.

[From Tokyo to Kumamoto]
・From Haneda Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes ・From Narita International Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes ・From Tokyo Station to Kumamoto Station: Approx. 5 hours 40 minutes

[From Osaka to Kumamoto]
・From Itami Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes ・From Shin-Osaka Station to Kumamoto Station: Approximately 3 hours ・From Osaka Station (Sunrice) to Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal: Approximately 10 hours

[From Nagoya to Kumamoto]
・From Chubu Centrair International Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes ・From Prefectural Nagoya Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes ・From Nagoya Station to Kumamoto Station: Approx. 4 hours 10 minutes

[From Kyoto to Kumamoto]
・From Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (Sunrise Bus) to Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal: Approx. 12 hours and 10 minutes

[From Hiroshima to Kumamoto]
・From Hiroshima Station to Kumamoto Station: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes ・From Hiroshima IC to Kumamoto IC: Approx. 4 hours 30 minutes

[From Fukuoka to Kumamoto]
・From Hakata Station to Kumamoto Station: Approx. 40 minutes ・From Dazaifu IC to Kumamoto IC: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes ・From Hakata Bus Terminal (Hinokuni Expressway) to Sakuramachi Bus Terminal: Approx. 2 hours

Location of Kumamoto Prefecture

summary

"Basashi" is a symbol of Kumamoto's food culture. It is a local B-class gourmet dish that is appealing with its vivid cherry blossom color, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and rich flavor.

If you visit Kumamoto, be sure to try horse sashimi.

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