This time, we will introduce the history and characteristics of Hokkaido's local B-class gourmet food, "Ishikari nabe."

Hokkaido is the northernmost prefecture of Japan and is famous for its natural beauty and rich food culture.

You can enjoy the scenery of each season, with cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in spring, vast lavender fields and cool weather in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy scenery and winter sports in winter. Among them, Sapporo's Snow Festival is world famous and attracts many tourists every year.

Hokkaido is also a treasure trove of fresh seafood, dairy products, Genghis Khan, and other ingredients. There are many tourist destinations that make use of the vast land, and the natural scenery and hot springs of places like Furano and Biei are also worth seeing.

In this article, we will provide a thorough explanation of this charming local B-class Hokkaido gourmet food, Ishikari nabe!

What is Ishikari Nabe?

Ishikari nabe is a local dish that represents Hokkaido, and is especially popular in the Ishikari River basin.

This hot pot is made with fresh salmon and lots of vegetables, and features a miso-based soup. In addition to salmon, other ingredients in the hot pot include cabbage, potatoes, tofu, green onions, and shirataki noodles, and butter and sake lees are added to the miso to give it a rich flavor.

It warms you from the inside out, making it the perfect dish for cold winter days; it's a great way to enjoy the bounty of Hokkaido's nature while warming your body.

There are many Ishikari nabe restaurants along the Ishikari River, which are popular with tourists.

The History of Ishikari Nabe

The origins of Ishikari nabe date back to the Hokkaido development period in the 19th century.

Salmon fishing is popular in the Ishikari River basin, and it is said that Ishikari nabe was created as a dish that local fishermen could easily make using freshly caught salmon in between fishing trips.

Originally it was a simple dish of salmon simmered in miso, but gradually vegetables and tofu were added to increase its nutritional value, and it became established as a luxurious hot pot dish.

It was also treasured as a dish to warm the body in the harsh cold of Hokkaido, and eventually spread throughout the region. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction in Hokkaido.

Characteristics of Ishikari Nabe

Ishikari nabe is characterized by its fresh Hokkaido salmon and miso soup. The umami of the salmon is infused into the miso, and the addition of butter and sake lees enhances the richness of the soup.

It is also very filling, with plenty of ingredients such as cabbage, potatoes, green onions, and tofu. The simmered hot pot warms you from the inside out, making it the perfect local dish for the cold weather of Hokkaido.

Ishikari nabe was born as a fisherman's dish and is characterized by its simple yet rich flavor. Today, it is widely loved as a representative winter dish of Hokkaido.

Tourist spots in Hokkaido

From here, we will introduce some tourist spots in Hokkaido.

Former Hokkaido Government Office Building

The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building is a historic structure that symbolizes Hokkaido and is located in the center of Sapporo, built in 1888. It was originally known affectionately as the "Red Brick Office Building."

It is made of brick in the American Neo-Baroque style and is characterized by its beautiful exterior.

Originally used as the administrative center of Hokkaido, it is now open as a museum where exhibits related to Hokkaido's history and culture are displayed.

The surrounding gardens allow visitors to enjoy the changing nature of the seasons and are a popular tourist spot. It is also designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and is a place where you can experience the history and culture of Hokkaido.

Sapporo Clock Tower

The Sapporo Clock Tower is a symbol of Hokkaido, located in the center of Sapporo. It was built in 1878 and was used by the Hokkaido Development Commission as a training ground for the current Hokkaido University.

The clock tower is an American-style wooden structure that has a simple appearance but is of great historical value and is one of the oldest surviving clock towers in Japan.

The clock has been running for over 120 years and continues to tell local residents and tourists the exact time.

The inside of the clock tower is a museum where you can learn about Sapporo's history and the pioneering days. It is a beautiful building that blends into the scenery of Sapporo in all four seasons, and is popular as a tourist attraction and school trip destination.

Sapporo Beer Museum

The Sapporo Beer Museum is located in Higashi-ku, Sapporo and is the only beer museum in Japan. The building was built in 1987 and displays the history of Sapporo Beer and the development of beer culture in Japan.

The museum is housed in a renovated red brick factory built in 1903, giving it a retro and historic feel.

The exhibits include the beer production process, advertisements from the time, and the evolution of bottles and labels, making for a very interesting exhibit.

At the end of the tour, there is a corner where you can sample Sapporo beer, which is very popular among beer lovers and tourists. Enjoy the unique taste of Hokkaido while learning about the history of beer.

Access to Hokkaido

From here, I will introduce how to access Hokkaido.

If you're traveling from Tokyo to Hokkaido, we recommend flying. There are direct flights from Haneda Airport and Narita Airport to New Chitose Airport, and the flight takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

If you are traveling from Osaka to Hokkaido, flying is also recommended. There are direct flights from Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport to New Chitose Airport, which takes about two hours. There are also direct flights to Asahikawa and Hakodate, making it convenient.

Location of Ishikari City, Hokkaido

summary

This time, we introduced the history and characteristics of Hokkaido's local B-class gourmet food, "Ishikari nabe."

Ishikari nabe is a hotpot made with plenty of salmon and vegetables, and we learned that it is a local dish that is perfect for cold Hokkaido.

Hokkaido also has many other delicious foods and interesting tourist spots, so be sure to check them out too!

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