Aichi Prefecture is located in the Tokai region of Japan, and is an area with a long history. As the birthplace of famous generals from the Sengoku period, such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, there are many historical sites and events related to the Sengoku period, making it an area history buffs will want to visit at least once.

Another attraction is its abundant nature. In areas facing the sea, such as Mikawa Bay and the Atsumi Peninsula, you can enjoy fresh seafood along with beautiful scenery.

This time, we will be giving you a thorough explanation of Aichi Prefecture's charming local B-class gourmet food, "Nagoya Cochin"!

What is Nagoya Cochin?

Nagoya Cochin is a type of local chicken that represents Aichi Prefecture. This chicken is a cross between a Shamo chicken and a local local chicken, and has firm meat with a concentrated umami flavor.

Nagoya Cochin eggs are also high quality, with a reputation for their rich, full-bodied flavor. They are used in a variety of dishes, such as yakitori, oyakodon, and sukiyaki, and are loved by many people as one of the ingredients that symbolize Nagoya's food culture.

The history of Nagoya Cochin

The birth of Nagoya Cochin dates back to the Meiji era. It is said to have been developed in 1873 by Sohei Kaifu, a businessman from what is now Minami Ward, Nagoya.

The Nagoya Cochin was originally created by crossing a local native breed, the Owari Jidori, with a breed called Buff Cochin, which was imported from China.

After that, further improvements were made, and when it was crossed with Shamo chicken, a chicken with even better meat quality was created, which is said to have established the chewy meat and rich flavor that are characteristic of today's Nagoya Cochin.

During the early Showa period, breeding of Nagoya Cochin chicken declined, but it regained attention after the war, and Aichi Prefecture worked to protect the brand and control the quality. Today, Nagoya Cochin chicken is widely known as a high-quality local chicken, and is one of the important ingredients in Nagoya cuisine.

Characteristics of Nagoya Cochin

Nagoya Cochin is a local chicken that represents Aichi Prefecture, and is characterized by its firm, elastic meat texture and rich flavor.

They grow slower than regular chickens and are raised in a natural environment, giving them a deep flavor. Nagoya Cochin is also popular with health-conscious diets because it is rich in protein and low in calories.

In addition to meat, Nagoya Cochin chickens are also highly rated for their eggs. Nagoya Cochin eggs have a rich, vibrant orange yolk and are used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes, including egg-on-rice.

How to eat Nagoya Cochin

From here, we will introduce some dishes that use Nagoya Cochin.

Hikizuri hotpot

Hikizuri nabe is a local dish popular in the Tokai region, including Aichi and Gifu prefectures, and is a hot pot dish that uses Nagoya Cochin chicken as the main ingredient.

It is characterized by its sweet and spicy seasoning using soy sauce, mirin, sake, etc., which brings out the umami of the Nagoya Cochin chicken and vegetables.

Hikizuri nabe is perfect for the cold season, as it is a hot pot dish that will warm you from the inside out.

Oyakodon

Oyakodon made with Nagoya Cochin chicken has a luxurious feel to it and is often chosen as a dish for special occasions.

Nagoya Cochin chicken has just the right amount of elasticity, and the flavor spreads with each bite. Therefore, the flavor of the Cochin chicken brings out the sweetness of the egg, resulting in a very well-balanced finish.

Additionally, restaurants in Nagoya offer the specialty dish Oyakodon (chicken and egg on rice) made with Nagoya Cochin chicken, which is extremely popular with tourists.

Tourist spots in Aichi Prefecture

From here, we will introduce some tourist spots in Aichi Prefecture.

Ghibli Park

Ghibli Park is a theme park located in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture, where you can experience the world of Studio Ghibli.

The facility is filled with areas themed around classic films such as "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Spirited Away."

You can also see buildings that recreate famous scenes from the film, such as the bakery that appears in "Kiki's Delivery Service" and Howl's Moving Castle.

It is a dreamlike world for Ghibli fans and a fascinating spot that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults.

Anjo Industrial and Cultural Park Denpark

Anjo Industrial and Cultural Park Denpark is a nature and agriculture-themed park located in Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture, a city once known as the "Denmark of Japan" and home to cutting-edge Japanese agricultural technology.

Various flowers bloom beautifully throughout the year, allowing you to enjoy the scenery of each season.

The facility also has plenty to see, including restaurants that use local produce, play equipment for children, and areas that host seasonal events.

There are also facilities based on exchanges with Denmark, making it a relaxing place where you can experience the European countryside.

Kinshachi Alley

Kinshachi Yokocho is a tourist facility at the foot of Nagoya Castle, and is a spot where you can enjoy Nagoya's history and food culture.

The area is divided into two zones, the Yoshinao Zone and the Muneharu Zone, where you can enjoy military commanders and Nagoya cuisine.

Another attraction is that it is a great place to enjoy eating your way around Nagoya's famous delicacies, such as misokatsu and hitsumabushi.

After sightseeing at Nagoya Castle and experiencing the local history and culture, you should enjoy some typical Nagoya delicacies at Kinshachi Yokocho.

Access to Aichi Prefecture

From here, we will introduce how to access Aichi Prefecture.

If you are traveling from Tokyo to Aichi Prefecture, we recommend taking the Shinkansen. It takes about an hour and a half from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station.

If you are traveling from Osaka to Aichi Prefecture, we recommend taking the express bus. It takes about three hours to get from Osaka Umeda Station to Nagoya Station.

Location of Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture

summary

This time, we have provided a thorough explanation of Aichi Prefecture's local B-class gourmet food, "Nagoya Cochin."

We found that Nagoya Cochin is chicken with good meat quality and concentrated flavor.

Nagoya is easily accessible from Tokyo and Osaka, so be sure to check it out!

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