Ichimonji is a type of green onion that is similar to scallions. It is slightly thicker and has a plump root.

A local dish from Kumamoto that uses that single character is called "Ichimoji Guru Guru," and is popular not only with locals but also with tourists.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of this Ichimoji Guru Guru.

Features of One-character Guru Guru

Ichimonji guruguru is made by quickly boiling the Ichimonji and then cooling it, then wrapping the leaves around the white root part of the plant. When you cut the tip of the leaf with your fingers, a thick liquid will come out, and you can use this to stick the end of the roll together and secure it.

It's a simple dish, but its rustic appearance gives it a deep flavor you wouldn't expect. The charm of Ichimoji Guru Guru is that you can taste its rich aroma, sweetness, and spiciness in just one bite.

When you put a bite-sized Ichimoji Guru Guru into your mouth, you can enjoy a pleasant crunch. After that, a unique aroma spreads, and the sweetness and spiciness are in perfect balance.

Another indispensable ingredient in this dish is vinegared miso. The vibrant green leaves and vinegared miso create a beautiful, appetizing combination. The sweet, sour, and spicy vinegared miso enhances the flavor of the Ichimonji, making it even more delicious.

Ichimonji Guru Guru is loved by locals as a "taste for adults." Even those who did not like the unique aroma in their childhood often come to realize its charm once they turn 20 and start drinking shochu. Ichimonji Guru Guru has a simple yet deep flavor, and goes perfectly with Kumamoto's local sake.

The history of single letters

Kumamoto's local dish "Ichimonji Guru Guru" has a long history, dating back to the Edo period. It is said that this dish was created when the sixth lord of the Kumamoto domain, Hosokawa Shigetaka, was rebuilding the domain's finances. At the time, the finances of the Higo domain were tight and a life of "frugality and hardship" was encouraged, so "Ichimonji Guru Guru" was invented as a cheap and tasty snack to go with alcohol.

Ichimonji is a familiar food ingredient that was widely cultivated in Kumamoto, and its rich aroma and texture have been popular since ancient times. Especially in early spring, when Ichimonji has survived the cold and is sweeter, Ichimonji Guruguru began to appear on the dinner table as a dish that heralds the arrival of spring. During the Hima Festival, it was enjoyed together with konnyaku sashimi and simmered shellfish.

There are several theories about the name "Ichimoji Guru Guru." One theory is that "Ichimoji" comes from the fact that the shape of the planted green onions resembles the character for "person," and that it originates from the ladies' language of the Imperial Palace, "Ichimoji-gusa," which was originally called "Ki," a single character. Another theory is that "Guru Guru" comes from the cooking method of wrapping a boiled ichimoji around the rice.

In modern times, Ichimonji varieties have been improved and the cultivation period has been expanded, making it possible to enjoy it all year round. It has also become a standard dish served as an appetizer or snack at Japanese restaurants and izakayas.

Tourist spots in Kumamoto

Kumamoto has many attractive tourist spots. This time, we will introduce three popular tourist spots in the Aso area.

Mount Aso

"Mount Aso" is the symbol of Kumamoto, the Land of Fire. Mount Aso is an active volcano that represents Kumamoto Prefecture, and is made up of a vast caldera surrounded by the five Aso mountains, consisting of Mount Nekodake, Mount Takadake, Mount Nakadake, Mount Eboshidake, and Mount Kishimadake, and the outer rim of the mountain. The Aso Caldera, which is one of the largest in the world, was certified as a Japanese Geopark in 2009 and a Global Geopark in 2014.

Volcanic activity is particularly active at Nakadake, and you can see white smoke rising from the crater's periphery. The magnificent scenery changes depending on the viewing angle and the season, so you can discover new charms every time you visit. It is recommended that you check the status of volcanic activity in advance.

Aso Farm Land

"Aso Farmland" is a unique theme park with the theme of "health and vitality" supervised by health experts. The vast grounds, which are about the size of 21 Tokyo Domes, are home to the "Genki no Mori" exercise facility, where you can train your physical and mental strength, a healthy restaurant that uses home-grown vegetables, and 15 types of hot spring spas, including an open-air bath. You can also experience staying overnight in a dome-shaped hotel.

Furthermore, at the "Fureai Animal Kingdom," you can interact with and feed about 35 kinds of animals, including capybaras and flamingos. It is a popular tourist spot where you can refresh both your body and mind in the great outdoors.

Daikanbou

Located on the northern outer rim of the mountain at an elevation of about 935m, Daikanbo is one of Aso's most spectacular spots. With a 360-degree panoramic view of the Aso Valley, the Five Peaks of Aso, and the Kuju mountain range, the magnificent scenery is captivating. In the early mornings from autumn to winter, a fantastic sea of clouds sometimes appears, attracting many tourists.

The observation deck is easily accessible, about a 3-minute walk from the parking lot, and there are souvenir shops and restaurants in the surrounding area. It is also known as a famous spot for astronomical observation, and is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of nature day or night. We also recommend sitting down and relaxing on the benches at the observation deck.

How to get to Kumamoto

Kumamoto, which is attractive for its gourmet food and sightseeing, is located in a convenient location. Most people travel by plane or JR. Here is an introduction to the travel time from major cities across the country to Kumamoto. Travel time may vary depending on the season and weather.

[From Tokyo to Kumamoto]
・From Haneda Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes ・From Narita International Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes ・From Tokyo Station to Kumamoto Station: Approx. 5 hours 40 minutes

[From Osaka to Kumamoto]
・From Itami Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes ・From Shin-Osaka Station to Kumamoto Station: Approximately 3 hours ・From Osaka Station (Sunrice) to Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal: Approximately 10 hours

[From Nagoya to Kumamoto]
・From Chubu Centrair International Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes ・From Prefectural Nagoya Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes ・From Nagoya Station to Kumamoto Station: Approx. 4 hours 10 minutes

[From Kyoto to Kumamoto]
・From Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (Sunrise Bus) to Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal: Approx. 12 hours and 10 minutes

[From Hiroshima to Kumamoto]
・From Hiroshima Station to Kumamoto Station: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes ・From Hiroshima IC to Kumamoto IC: Approx. 4 hours 30 minutes

[From Fukuoka to Kumamoto]
・From Hakata Station to Kumamoto Station: Approx. 40 minutes ・From Dazaifu IC to Kumamoto IC: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes ・From Hakata Bus Terminal (Hinokuni Expressway) to Sakuramachi Bus Terminal: Approx. 2 hours

Location of Kumamoto Prefecture

summary

Although it is a simple dish, Hitomoji Guru Guru has a deep flavor that evokes the history and culture of Kumamoto, and it continues to be loved by locals today.

If you visit Kumamoto, be sure to try Ichimoji Guru Guru.

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