A specialty dish of Hokkaido is "Genghis Khan," a healthy grilled meat dish that is popular among locals.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Genghis Khan.

Characteristics of Genghis Khan

The main ingredient of Jingisukan is, without a doubt, lamb. The pot used to grill lamb and mutton for Jingisukan has a unique shape with a raised center. The shape of this pot is the secret to bringing out the best flavor of Jingisukan.

The juices from the lamb being grilled in the center flow into the grooves around the outside and soak into the vegetables being grilled there. The vegetables absorb the flavor of the meat and become even juicier. There are many different vegetables that are grilled together, but onions, green peppers, and bean sprouts are the most common.

"Sauce" is also essential for Jingisukan. Most Jingisukan restaurants make their own sauce. The flavors vary from restaurant to restaurant, from sweet to spicy, so one way to enjoy it is to try different sauces.

How to eat Genghis Khan

There are two styles of eating Genghis Khan.

The first type is the "flavored type," where the meat is marinated in sauce before being grilled. This method allows the flavor of the sauce to soak into the meat, eliminating the unpleasant odor peculiar to lamb, making it easier to eat. Another appealing feature is that the vegetables grilled together can also enjoy the flavor of the sauce.

The second type is the "after-cooking type," where the sauce is added after the meat is grilled. This is a way to enjoy the original flavor of lamb. Eating it simply with salt and pepper is also popular.

The difference between lamb and mutton

The lamb and mutton meats used in Genghis Khan each have their own unique appeal.

Lamb is meat from lambs less than one year old, and is characterized by its mild flavor and soft texture. It is most commonly eaten grilled and dipped in sauce, and is recommended for those new to Genghis Khan.

Mutton is the meat of sheep that are over 2 years old, and is characterized by its strong flavor and rich, fatty taste. The more you chew it, the more delicious the flavor spreads. It has a stronger flavor than lamb, so it is generally marinated in sauce before grilling. The more you chew it, the more delicious the meat becomes.

The History of Genghis Khan

Originally, Japanese people did not have the custom of eating lamb. However, when Japan advanced into Manchuria, China during the Taisho era, they encountered the local lamb dish "Kongyangrou," and the culture of eating lamb gradually began to spread in Japan.

"Genghis Khan" is a dish that was created based on Mongolian cooking methods but adapted to Japanese tastes.

In the Showa era, as the demand for wool increased, sheep began to be raised all over Japan, and mutton began to attract attention as a food source. In Hokkaido in particular, "sheep breeding farms" were established in Sapporo and Takikawa, creating an environment in which mutton was readily available.

In 1936, a restaurant specializing in Jingisukan opened in Sapporo, and the number of such restaurants continued to increase. This led to Jingisukan becoming a standard dish in Hokkaido.

Sometime after the war, Jingisukan became a dish that could be enjoyed in ordinary households, and gradually spread throughout the country.

The origin of the name Genghis Khan

The name Genghis Khan comes from the Mongolian hero Genghis Khan. Genghis Khan is written in Chinese characters as "Genghis Khan", which is the same spelling as Genghis Khan. It is said that Genghis Khan was named after Genghis Khan because he ate lamb and vegetables on the battlefield.

There is also a theory that Tokuzo Komai, the first Chief Secretary of the Manchukuo government, named the lamb dish "Genghis Khan" after Genghis Khan. This may be the origin of the name, as the image of Genghis Khan running across the vast Mongolian grasslands overlaps with the powerful taste of lamb dishes.

Tourist spots in Hokkaido

There are many tourist spots in Hokkaido where you can enjoy Genghis Khan. This time, we will introduce three popular tourist spots in Sapporo city.

Sapporo Maruyama Zoo

Sapporo Maruyama Zoo was established on May 5, 1951 as Hokkaido's first zoo and is located in the nature-rich Maruyama Park. You can have a rare experience of interacting with Hokkaido's animals.

The highlight of the zoo is the Polar Bear House, which has the longest underwater tunnel in Japan, stretching 18 meters. The sight of the polar bears swimming gracefully underwater and their fur fluttering in the wind is a sight to behold. There are also many areas where you can encounter animals from all over the world, such as the Asian Zone, African Zone, and Ape House.

You can see animals unique to Hokkaido, such as brown bears, Ezo deer, and Ezo squirrels, and feel the connection between nature and animals. Don't miss the animal behavior observation events that are held every day.

Shiroi Koibito Park

Shiroi Koibito Park is a sweets theme park where you can see the manufacturing process of the popular Shiroi Koibito chocolate. Here, you can tour the chocolate production line and try your hand at making your very own Shiroi Koibito chocolate.

At "Chocotopia House," you can learn about the history and appeal of chocolate, and there is also a cafe where you can enjoy original sweets. In addition, at "Gulliver Town," there are rows of small shops and houses where children can experience playing house.

Other highlights include a chocolate tasting comparison during the projection mapping show and the clock tower's mechanical doll attraction. In winter, the illuminations are beautiful, and in summer, the roses bloom in the garden, so it's a spot the whole family can enjoy.

Sapporo Beer Garden

Sapporo Beer Garden is a historical tourist spot that houses Japan's only beer museum. The brick factory building, which retains the atmosphere of the Meiji era, has been designated as a "Hokkaido Heritage."

Through posters and documents, you can learn about the history of beer, which has been passed down since the Hokkaido Development Project in 1876. In particular, the "Kaitakushi Chimney" is a popular photo spot due to its impressive size.

On the premium tour, you can enjoy rare and reissued beers that can only be drunk here, which is a must-see for beer lovers. At the Sapporo Beer Garden, where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons, you can experience historical buildings that are typical of Hokkaido.

How to get to Hokkaido

Hokkaido is an attractive place for both gourmet food and sightseeing, and there are various ways to access it.

If you're heading to Hokkaido, we recommend flying, which will get you there in no time. Access is also convenient from Japan's three largest cities, Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. If you fly, you'll arrive in no time. If you're heading from Tokyo, it'll take about 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you're coming from Osaka or Nagoya, it'll take about 2 hours.

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

Location of Hokkaido

summary

Genghis Khan has been loved by many people for a long time. You can enjoy the tenderness of lamb and the deep flavor of mutton. Genghis Khan is healthy and full of flavor, and once you try it, you'll be hooked.

If you visit Hokkaido, be sure to try Genghis Khan.

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