This time, we will introduce the history and characteristics of Aizu Sauce Katsudon, a local B-class gourmet dish from Fukushima Prefecture.

Fukushima Prefecture is located in the Tohoku region of Japan. It is known for its beautiful seasonal scenery, such as Mount Bandai and Lake Inawashiro, and for its outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking.

It is known for its historical sites, such as Aizuwakamatsu's Tsuruga Castle and Ouchijuku, as well as hot spring resorts, such as Iizaka Onsen and Higashiyama Onsen, making it a popular travel destination.

In this article, we will provide a thorough explanation of the charming local B-class gourmet food of Fukushima Prefecture, "Aizu Sauce Katsudon"!

What is Aizu Sauce Katsudon?

Aizu Sauce Katsudon is a specialty dish from the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, featuring thickly cut pork cutlets that are deep-fried, quickly dipped in a sweet special sauce, and served on top of white rice.

These sauces are often soy sauce or fruit based and go perfectly with the katsu. Each shop has its own recipe, so it's fun to find your favorite.

Although it is very filling, the sauce is relatively light, making it easy for children and women to eat.

It is loved by locals and tourists alike and is served in many restaurants, so it is a must-try dish when visiting Fukushima Prefecture.

The History of Aizu Sauce Katsudon

The history of Aizu Sauce Katsudon dates back to the Taisho period. At first, it wasn't Aizu Sauce Katsudon, but pork cutlets that gained popularity all over Japan at a time when Western food culture was starting to spread throughout the country.

The Aizu Sauce Katsudon is said to have originated as a katsudon created by a Western-style restaurant called "Murai" in the Aizu region in the 1920s. Unlike other katsu, Murai's katsu was served without eggs, but instead with a special sweet and spicy sauce.

It was popular as a warm and hearty dish suited to the cold climate of the Aizu region, and eventually became established as a local specialty.

Its simple yet deep flavor has made it popular with locals and tourists alike, and it is now served in many restaurants, mainly in Aizuwakamatsu city.

Characteristics of Aizu Sauce Katsudon

What sets Aizu Sauce Katsudon apart is how simple it is made: a thick pork cutlet is deep-fried until crispy, then dipped in a special sweet and spicy sauce and served on top of rice.

Unlike regular katsudon, this one doesn't use eggs, which allows the flavor of the sauce to come to the forefront and allows you to enjoy the crispy texture of the pork cutlet.

Another appealing feature is that the sauce is soy sauce-based and each store adds their own unique twist to it. The balance of sweetness and spiciness varies depending on the store, so you're sure to find a sauce katsudon that suits your taste.

When you hear "sauce katsudon," many people may imagine a heavy, greasy dish. However, Aizu sauce katsudon has crispy cabbage underneath the pork cutlet, which softens the heaviness of the sauce and pork cutlet, making it a refreshing dish to eat.

It is characterised by the simplicity of its ingredients and its volume, and can be said to be a local delicacy that will continue to be loved, especially in Aizuwakamatsu.

Tourist spots in Fukushima Prefecture

From here, we will introduce tourist spots in Fukushima Prefecture.

Five-colored Lake

Goshiki-numa is the general name for a group of lakes and marshes of various sizes located in the Urabandai area of Fukushima Prefecture. As its name suggests, each marsh has a beautiful color such as blue, green, or red.

This swamp was formed by the eruption of Mount Bandai in 1888, and is one of Fukushima Prefecture's scenic spots. Volcanic ash and minerals from the volcanic activity dissolved into the water, creating this unique and beautiful color.

Representative examples include Bishamon Lake and Aonuma Lake, and with well-maintained walking trails, you can easily go hiking and enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons.

Goshikinuma is popular with tourists from both Japan and overseas due to its fantastical scenery, and is especially known for its beautiful autumn foliage and winter snowscapes.

Tsuruga Castle

Tsuruga Castle is a famous castle representing the Tohoku region, located in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture. Also known as Wakamatsu Castle, it played an important role as the base of the Aizu clan from the Sengoku period to the Edo period.

Built in 1384, it is known as a sturdy castle that withstood siege by the new government forces for about a month during the Boshin War in 1868.

Tsuruga Castle is characterized by its castle tower, the only one in eastern Japan with red roofing. Inside the castle, materials related to the Aizu clan and the Boshin War are on display.

In spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, creating a beautiful view along with the castle, making it a popular cherry blossom viewing spot. The sight of Tsuruga Castle against the backdrop of the cherry blossoms captivates all who visit.

Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum

The Noguchi Hideyo Memorial Museum is a memorial museum in Inawashiro Town, Fukushima Prefecture, that exhibits information about the world-famous bacteriologist, Noguchi Hideyo.

Hideyo Noguchi is known for his research into yellow fever and his contributions to medicine and science around the world. This memorial includes his childhood home and a museum showcasing his life.

The memorial museum details his childhood hardships, his journey to becoming a doctor after undergoing surgery on his burned hand, and his achievements around the world, allowing visitors to learn about his greatness.

The area around the memorial hall is also a popular tourist destination, with the countryside where he was born and raised, including Lake Inawashiro and beautiful nature.

Access to Fukushima Prefecture

The best way to get to Fukushima Prefecture from Tokyo is by Shinkansen. The Tohoku Shinkansen "Yamabiko" and "Tsubasa" run directly from "Tokyo Station" to "Fukushima Station."

The best way to get to Fukushima Prefecture from Osaka is by plane. There are direct flights from Itami Airport and Kansai International Airport to Fukushima Airport, and the flight takes about an hour.

Location of Fukushima Prefecture

summary

This time, we introduced the history and characteristics of Fukushima Prefecture's local B-class gourmet food, "Aizu Sauce Katsudon."

Contrary to its appearance, Aizu Sauce Katsudon has a light flavor and is a local specialty dish that is easy for children and women to eat.

Fukushima Prefecture also has a wide variety of other gourmet foods and tourist spots, so be sure to check them out!

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