"Oyaki" can be found all over Nagano Prefecture.

Various ingredients are wrapped inside the cute round shape. Oyaki is famous for its rich and unique flavors, making it the perfect memento of your trip to Nagano.

This time, we will introduce the characteristics and history of "oyaki," a dish that is eaten daily in the prefecture.

Characteristics of Oyaki

Nagano Prefecture's oyaki is a type of manju (a type of dumpling) made of dough made from wheat flour or buckwheat flour, stuffed with vegetables and sweet bean paste.

Originally a local dish from northern Shinshu, it was eaten during breaks in farm work, but now its flavor is enjoyed throughout the prefecture.

The ingredients used include Nozawana, eggplant, dried daikon strips, mushrooms, and other seasonal ingredients unique to the region.
Oyaki are nutritious and can be made quickly even when you're busy, so they are useful all year round and are eaten as a snack in the prefecture.

The origin and origin of Oyaki

Oyaki has a long history, and its roots are said to be in the Nishiyama region of Kamiminochi County in the north of the prefecture. Due to the steep slopes and cold climate, wheat and other grains have been cultivated in this area since ancient times. Dishes made with these flours were eaten at least once a day, and served as a staple food in place of rice, providing the local diet.

At that time, oyaki were baked on a roasting pan hung over the hearth, and were eaten after being slowly steamed in the ashes. This is called "charcoal-grilled oyaki," and it seems that this was the mainstream way of eating them in the past.

However, in recent years, as cooking methods have diversified, there are now many ways to make it, including "steamed," "baked," "steamed and then baked," "baked and then steamed," "deep-fried," etc. A lightly baked surface gives it a fragrant flavor, while the inside has a chewy texture.

In addition, adding baking powder to steamed oyaki makes the dough soft and fluffy. As you can see, there are many different ways to make the dough, and the variety of flavors available also varies depending on the ingredients, so you can enjoy a delicious taste that never gets old.

How to make Oyaki

The way oyaki is made varies depending on the region and household.
The main ingredients are strong flour, weak flour (or medium-strength flour), water, lukewarm water, leavening powder, etc. Put the flour and water (or lukewarm water) in a bowl, knead, and when it comes together, cut it into pieces. Wrap ingredients seasoned with miso or soy sauce in it and bake.

Depending on the season, they may be stuffed with pumpkin, sweet potato, red bean paste, etc. Each store sells oyaki with a wide variety of fillings, so be sure to check out the store that catches your eye.

Types of Oyaki

The types of oyaki vary depending on the region.
In the Nishiyama district and around Zenkoji Temple, where oyaki has been made for a long time, seasonal vegetables are wrapped in a wheat flour skin.

Meanwhile, in the rice-producing areas around Azumidaira, people eat "yakimochi," a rice and wheat flour dough wrapped around brown sugar or miso-flavored bean paste. Also, in the Iiyama area, where wheat is difficult to grow, people eat "chanoko," a rice and corn flour dough with mugwort kneaded into it and bean paste wrapped around it, in early spring.

In addition, in Ogawa Village, Kamiminochi District, there is a shop where you can experience making traditional oyaki. The exquisite oyaki you eat in the charming shop, which is modeled after a pit dwelling, is exceptionally delicious. If you are interested, please check out the shop.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Nagano

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

Zenkoji Temple

Zenkoji Temple in Motozencho, Nagano City, is a temple whose principal image is the "Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai," the oldest Buddhist statue in Japan.

It has a history of about 1,400 years and has been widely worshipped by the common people. Once every seven years, it is opened to the public, during which time you can specially worship the "Zenritsu Honzon," which is a substitute for the Gohonzon, and it is said that you will receive good fortune if you touch the 10m-tall wooden pillar in front of the main hall.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park, located in Yamanouchi Town in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, is a rare facility where you can observe wild Japanese macaques.

In winter, you can see the rare sight of Japanese macaques relaxing in the hot springs amidst the pure white snow scenery. The name "Hell Valley" was given to the area by people who saw the steep cliffs and the steam rising from the hot springs everywhere.

In addition to general tourists, the park is also visited by many researchers and photographers from Japan and abroad who are interested in the ecology of Japanese macaques.

Squirrels and the Japanese serow, a protected species, live here, so if you're lucky you might even encounter them. Another big attraction is being able to walk along the promenade and experience the magnificent nature.

Kagami Pond

Kagamiike Pond, located at an altitude of 1,200m on the middle slope of Mt. Togakushi, is one of the most scenic spots in the area.

The mountains change color with the seasons and are reflected beautifully on the lake surface, and during the autumn foliage season from early to mid-October, the contrast between the red and yellow Togakushi mountain range and the tranquil lake is stunning. Many tourists and photographers visit every year to catch a glimpse of this mystical sight.

There are also walking paths around the lake, which are recommended for hiking and mountain climbing.

Access to Nagano Prefecture

If you want to eat yaki in Nagano Prefecture, there are many restaurants in the northern part of the prefecture. The central area, Nagano Station, is easily accessible by train or car.

From Tokyo, it takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, from Shin-Osaka it takes 1 hour on the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya, and from the Chuo Main Line it takes about 3 hours on the express train.

If you are heading from the lagoon, you can go to Takasaki first, then take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station. If you are driving, the nearest interchanges are Nagano IC or Suzaka Nagano Higashi IC.

Location of Nagano Prefecture

summary

This time we introduced Nagano Prefecture's local gourmet food, "Oyaki."

"Oyaki" was originally a precious food that supported the local people's diet, but in recent years it has become more familiar and is a local delicacy that warmly welcomes visitors from inside and outside the prefecture.

You can buy it at service areas, souvenir shops, and convenience stores, so why not give it a try?

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