Hiroshima nazuke is a traditional pickle that Hiroshima Prefecture is proud of, made with Hiroshima greens. Hiroshima nazuke is counted as one of the three major pickled vegetables in Japan, along with Kyushu's takana and Shinshu's nozawana.

When you try Hiroshima pickled vegetables for the first time, you will be greeted with a deep flavor and refreshing taste that will make you want to eat them again and again.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Hiroshima pickled vegetables.

Characteristics of Hiroshima pickled vegetables

Hiroshima pickled vegetables have just the right amount of texture and a refreshing aroma similar to wasabi that spreads with each bite, making for a pleasant, rich flavor.

Hiroshima cabbage is pickled in a unique way, with the cabbage soaked in salt water twice: first in salt and water only, then in salt water with added seasonings such as sugar and sake, allowing the flavors to soak in slowly.

These pickles, born from Hiroshima's climate and soil, are an exquisite dish carefully crafted using traditional techniques.

What is Hiroshima cabbage?

Hiroshima cabbage is a vegetable that belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is a relative of Chinese cabbage. A single plant can grow to a size of about 50-60cm and weigh up to 2-3kg.

Its leaves are wide, bright green, and fleshy. It is rarely eaten raw, but is mainly enjoyed as a lightly pickled vegetable. Hiroshima pickles are appealing for their soft texture and slightly spicy flavor.

Hiroshimana seeds are sown in September and harvested around December. Hiroshimana becomes even more delicious during the cold frosty season. The frost softens the fibers and gives the greens a slightly spicy flavor. This natural change adds a rich flavor to Hiroshimana pickles.

How to eat Hiroshima pickled vegetables

Hiroshima nazuke is generally enjoyed simply as a pickled vegetable, sliced up as is. It is a popular dish in many households, perfect as a side dish to go with rice or alcohol.

Hiroshima nazuke can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Rolled rice balls made with large Hiroshima na leaves are visually appealing and filling. Another popular way to eat Hiroshima nazuke is to chop it finely and add it to fried rice or rolled omelet.

In some regions, it is customary to use Hiroshima pickles as an ingredient in New Year's zoni. The crunchy texture and unique flavor of Hiroshima pickles add a new accent to zoni.

The history of Hiroshima pickles

There are various theories about the origin of Hiroshima cabbage, but the most widely accepted one is that in 1892, Saichi Kihara of Kawauchi Village (present-day Kawauchi, Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima City) obtained Chinese cabbage seeds at Nishi Honganji Temple in Kyoto and brought them back to Hiroshima. It is said that Hiroshima cabbage was then born by crossbreeding with Chinese cabbage.

Hiroshima cabbage became known nationwide in 1894. It was popular when oyster boats in the Kansai region started serving Hiroshima cabbage as ochazuke at the end of their meals.

It was originally called "Kyoto cabbage," but as its cultivation in Hiroshima became widespread, it was given the name "Hiroshima cabbage" in 1933.

Nowadays, Hiroshima pickled vegetables are also highly valued as gifts.

Hiroshima tourist information

If you visit Hiroshima, why not enjoy sightseeing in Onomichi City? Facing the Seto Inland Sea, Onomichi City has a historic, retro streetscape and the atmosphere of a port town.

Setouchi Shimanami Kaido

The Setouchi Shimanami Kaido is a scenic road stretching approximately 60km in length that connects Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. It is famous as a "holy land for cyclists" because it is not only for cars, but also has a bicycle and pedestrian path and a motorcycle path that run parallel to it. There are many ways to enjoy the road, such as watching the beautiful sunset from Setoda Sunset Beach and visiting Oyamazumi Shrine.

Senkoji Park

Senkoji Park is a popular tourist spot overlooking the town of Onomichi and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Selected as one of the "Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots," Senkoji Park is a place where you can enjoy seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms, azaleas, and wisteria. In addition, the night view from the observation deck at the top of the park has also been selected as one of the "Top 100 Night Views." It has also been certified as a sacred place for lovers, making it a popular date spot.

Cat's Narrow Path

"Cat's Narrow Alley" is a narrow alley about 200m long that runs from the east side of Umi Shrine to the three-story pagoda of Tenneiji Temple. It came to be called "Cat's Narrow Alley" around 1998 when "lucky stone cats" - stones with cat faces painted on them - were placed there. The "lucky stone cats" are placed all over town, mainly along Cat's Narrow Alley, and there are an astonishing 1,000 of them. Some of the lucky stone cats have magical powers, such as bringing about love and restoring health, and the area is also popular as a power spot.

How to get to Hiroshima

There are various ways to get to Hiroshima. Here are some recommended ways to get there. Travel time may vary depending on the season, weather, etc.

If you are heading to Hiroshima from Tokyo, we recommend flying. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to fly from Haneda Airport to Hiroshima Airport. It takes about 2 hours to fly from Sapporo, Sendai, or Okinawa to Hiroshima Airport. It takes about 50 minutes by rental car from Hiroshima Airport to Onomichi City.

It takes about 1 hour to get from Hakata Station or Shin-Kobe Station to Hiroshima Station. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station or Kyoto Station. It takes about 2 hours from Nagoya Station. It takes about 1 hour to get from Hiroshima Station to Onomichi Station.

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

Location of Hiroshima Prefecture

summary

Hiroshima pickled greens are appealing for their exquisite texture and the refreshing aroma that spreads with every bite. Not only can you enjoy them simply, but you can also prepare them in a variety of ways, so you'll never get bored of them.

If you visit Hiroshima, be sure to try Hiroshima pickled vegetables.

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