This time, we will introduce the history and characteristics of "katsu rice," a local B-class gourmet dish from Shimane Prefecture.

Shimane Prefecture is located in the northern part of the Chugoku region of Japan, and is a place where the original Japanese landscape remains strong.

A famous tourist spot is Izumo Taisha Shrine, which is worshipped as the god of matchmaking and attracts many tourists every year.

There are also many historical and relaxing spots, such as Matsue Castle and Tamatsukuri Onsen. You can enjoy the beautiful coastline facing the Sea of Japan and the spectacular sunsets at Lake Shinji.

Furthermore, the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine ruins, which are registered as a World Heritage Site, are popular for their great historical value and their scenery that harmonizes with the natural environment.

In this article, we will provide a thorough explanation of the charming local B-class gourmet dish of Shimane Prefecture: katsu rice!

What is Katsu Rice?

Katsu rice is a unique local delicacy that is popular mainly in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture.

Unlike a typical katsudon, the rice and pork cutlet are served separately, and the freshly fried pork cutlet is topped with a unique demi-glace sauce, allowing you to enjoy a Western flavor.

Each shop has its own recipe for demi-glace sauce, with an exquisite balance of sweetness, sourness, and richness, so you can have fun visiting different shops to find your favorite.

Additionally, the rice is often served with shredded cabbage or salad, making it a hearty and satisfying dish.

It can be eaten at local restaurants and eateries, and its nostalgic taste is popular with locals and tourists alike.

The history of cutlet rice

The history of katsu rice dates back to the early Showa period.

At the time, Western food culture was spreading throughout Japan, and restaurants and cafeterias in Matsue began serving dishes based on tonkatsu.

Katsu rice is different from Japanese tonkatsu in that the rice is served separately and is simply topped with demi-glace sauce. It is said that this style was created to make it easier to eat quickly even when you are busy.

Another appealing feature is the demi-glace sauce, which is prepared in a unique way at each store, providing an exquisite balance of sweetness, sourness, and rich flavor.

It has been loved by local families and restaurants since the Showa era, and is now a local gourmet dish that represents Matsue City.

Characteristics of Katsu Rice

The distinctive feature of the katsu rice is the exquisite balance of sweetness and sourness of the demi-glace sauce.

By pouring a light sauce over the greasy pork cutlet, it doesn't become too heavy and can be enjoyed by women and children alike.

Another appealing point is that the seasoning varies from restaurant to restaurant, with some sauces being sweeter than others and others being sour, so you can enjoy different flavors with the same katsu rice.

Tourist spots in Shimane Prefecture

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

Adachi Museum of Art

Located in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture, the Adachi Museum of Art is known worldwide for its beautiful Japanese gardens and its collection of masterpieces of modern Japanese painting, including works by Yokoyama Taikan.

Not only is it famous for its many masterpieces, but it is also famous for its gardens where you can enjoy the changing scenery of the four seasons, and it has received high praise, such as being selected as "Japan's Best Garden" for 20 consecutive years by an American garden magazine.

The garden and the exhibits inside the museum are integrated to create a space that gives visitors a sense of "Japanese beauty." As a place where art and nature coexist in harmony, the museum is popular with tourists from both Japan and abroad.

Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Ruins

The Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine Ruins in Oda City, Shimane Prefecture, is a silver mine that was in operation from the 16th century to the early 20th century.

It became the first mining site in Asia to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. This site once boasted one of the world's largest silver production volumes, and had a major impact on the economy and culture of not only Japan, but also Asia and Europe.

Additionally, the surrounding area features streets that will make you feel as if you've traveled back in time to the Edo period, where you can enjoy eating your way through the area.

Please enjoy the scenery of the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine ruins, where nature and history coexist in harmony.

Shimane Aquatic Center

Shimane Aquas Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the Chugoku region, located in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture.

The biggest attraction is the "Beluga Bubble Ring" performance, in which beluga whales make and play with bubble rings, which attracts many visitors.

The facility also houses a large tunnel aquarium and a touch pool, making it an experiential facility that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults.

Furthermore, the aquarium exhibits the diverse marine life that inhabits the Sea of Japan, allowing visitors to learn about the local nature and ecosystem.

Access to Shimane Prefecture

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

The best way to get to Shimane Prefecture from Tokyo is by plane. There are direct flights from Haneda Airport to Izumo Enmusubi Airport, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

To get from Osaka to Shimane Prefecture, we recommend using the Shinkansen and limited express trains. From Osaka to Okayama Prefecture, take the Sanyo Shinkansen, then transfer to the limited express "Yakumo" at Okayama Station to Matsue Station in Shimane Prefecture.

Location of Shimane Prefecture

summary

This time, we introduced the history and characteristics of Shimane Prefecture's local B-class gourmet food, "katsu rice."

As you can see, what sets Katsu Rice apart from regular tonkatsu is the demi-glace sauce.

Shimane Prefecture also has many other fascinating local attractions and tourist spots, so be sure to check them out too!

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