Hohba miso is a local dish that represents the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. Miso is placed on dried magnolia leaves and slowly roasted over a hearth, giving it a fragrant aroma and deep flavor. Its unique flavor is also popular with tourists visiting the Hida region.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Hoba miso.

Characteristics of Hoba Miso

Hoba miso is made with koji miso, a type of paste unique to the Hida region. It is characterized by its mild saltiness and strong sweetness, and many shops add sugar, mirin, sake, ginger, and other seasonings to create a deeper sweetness. When this miso is spread on a magnolia leaf and grilled, the savory aroma that is born as the leaves burn adds to the richness of the flavor.

It is common to add spring onions and mushrooms, and while it is simple, it has a deep flavor. It goes perfectly with freshly cooked rice, and the savory aroma and sweetness of the miso bring out the natural sweetness of the rice, so much so that it is said that you can have as many bowls as you want. Also, because the miso itself is rich, it is very satisfying even without any other side dishes.

Another popular dish is the Hoba Miso topped with thin slices of Hida beef, a brand of beef that the Hida region is proud of. The high-quality fat of the Hida beef blends into the miso, creating a rich flavor and giving it a luxurious feel. Hoba Miso is loved not only as a side dish for rice, but also as a snack with alcohol.

What does the "Hoba" in Hoba Miso mean?

The "hoba" leaf that is essential to hoba miso refers to the leaves of the magnolia tree. The magnolia tree is a deciduous tall tree of the Magnoliaceae family that grows wild in mountain forests all over Japan. Its leaves are very large, measuring 30-40cm, and have excellent water repellency, making it easy to place ingredients on them and they do not become floppy even when grilled or mixed.

Magnolia leaves have a unique fragrance, and when roasted, the fragrance is transferred to the miso and ingredients, giving the entire dish a rich flavor. Magnolia leaves also have antibacterial and germicidal properties, and have been used since ancient times to wrap and preserve food. In fact, there is a theory that the name "magnolia" comes from a word meaning "to wrap," and it is deeply connected to the cooking method of Magnolia leaf miso.

Many magnolia trees grow wild in the mountain forests of the Hida Takayama region, and large white flowers bloom around the rainy season. In late autumn, the magnolia trees lose their leaves as frost begins to fall. The brown leaves collected during this time are soaked in salt water for about three days, then dried in the shade and preserved for use in Hoba Miso.

The magnolia leaf is not just a cooking utensil, but also plays an important role in supporting the taste and tradition of hoba miso by adding aroma and flavor to the food and improving its preservation with its antibacterial properties. The appeal of hoba miso cannot be discussed without this leaf.

The History of Magnolia Leaf Miso

There are many theories about the history of Hoba miso, but its origins are deeply rooted in the harsh winters of the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. The winters in this region were so cold that the pickles in the pickle barrels froze. Hoba miso is said to have begun when people laid a Hoba leaf over the fire in the hearth, heated the frozen pickles on it, and added miso to them.

Another popular theory is the wisdom of woodcutters who worked in the Hida region, where forestry is thriving. It is said that when eating in the mountains, they would use the leaves of the nearby magnolia tree as plates to make grilled miso, which is said to be the prototype of magnolia leaf miso.

Hoba miso was born from wisdom rooted in life in these mountainous regions, and spread to ordinary households over time. In the 1960s, it began to be sold as a souvenir, and became known nationwide as a representative local dish of the Hida region. In 2007, it was selected as one of the "100 Best Local Dishes of Rural Areas" by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and its existence became even more widely known.

With its fragrant aroma and deep flavor, Hoba miso is a symbol of Hida's food culture and continues to be loved by many people today.

Tourist spots in Gifu Prefecture

Gifu Prefecture, where you can enjoy Hoba Miso, has many tourist spots. This time, we will introduce three particularly popular spots.

Gifu Castle

Gifu Castle is a historic mountain castle known as the symbol of Gifu City. Located at the top of Mount Kinka, it has been called an "impregnable castle" due to its sturdy location. It was originally built as Saito Dosan's castle, Inabayama Castle, and is known for being captured by Oda Nobunaga during the Sengoku period, who renamed the castle and the area "Gifu." Gifu Castle was Nobunaga's base as he aimed to unify the country, and was so important that it was said that "he who controls Mino controls the world," but it fell before the Battle of Sekigahara. It was then abandoned.

The current castle was restored in 1956, and the interior has been developed into an exhibition room and observation deck. From the observation deck you can get a panoramic view of Gifu city, and when it is open at night you can enjoy a beautiful night view. Other highlights include the historical sites related to Nobunaga and the stone walls from the Warring States period.

The old townscape of Hida Takayama

The "Old Townscape" of Hida Takayama is located in the center of Takayama City, which developed as a castle town and merchant town during the Edo period, and is designated as a nationally designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. In particular, "Sanmachi Street" around Kamisannomachi, Kamininomachi, and Kamiichinomachi is a popular walking spot lined with quaint townhouses.

Along the street, there are rows of shops serving Hida beef delicacies and mitarashi dango, so you can enjoy eating your way through the streets. In one corner, you can also experience making traditional crafts at the "Town Experience Exchange Center." Furthermore, nearby is Takayama Jinya, the only remaining district office in Japan, which is a valuable spot where you can feel the history of the Edo Shogunate. Hida Takayama's "old townscape" is the perfect tourist destination for those who want to enjoy history, culture, and fine food.

Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Village

Shirakawa-go Gassho-style Village is the largest Gassho-style village in Japan, located in one of the country's heaviest snowfall areas, and was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1995. Over 100 Gassho-style houses with a history dating back several hundred years remain, and they have maintained their appearance as a "living village" where residents still live today. It is possible to tour the interiors of large Gassho-style houses such as the Wada House and the Nagase House, and in the five-story building, you can get a close-up look at the roof structure, giving you a glimpse into the wisdom of life at that time.

In Shirakawa-go, you can enjoy beautiful scenery in every season. In spring and summer, you can enjoy lush rural scenery, in autumn, vivid autumn leaves, and in winter, fantastic scenery covered in snow. The light-up event held from mid-January to early February is especially popular with many tourists.

How to get to Gifu Prefecture

Gifu Prefecture, which is attractive for its gourmet food and sightseeing, has a variety of ways to access the prefecture, including convenient access from Japan's three largest cities: Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

From Tokyo, it takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to get to Nagoya Station by Shinkansen, then 20 to 30 minutes to Gifu Station by JR Tokaido Main Line or the Hida Express. You can also take a direct bus to Gifu City in about 7 to 8 hours.

From Osaka, it takes about 50 minutes to Nagoya Station from Shin-Osaka Station by Nozomi Shinkansen, then about 20 minutes by JR Tokaido Main Line Limited Express. Alternatively, it takes about 6 hours by highway bus.

Gifu is the closest station to Nagoya, about 20 minutes away on the JR Tokaido Main Line to Gifu Station. You can also use the Hida Express or express buses, and it is convenient for accessing tourist destinations such as Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go.

We also recommend taking a leisurely drive to Gifu Prefecture. Find the best way to get there.

Location of Gifu Prefecture

summary

Hohba miso is a local dish born from the harsh nature and wisdom of the Hida region. Its fragrant aroma and deep flavor go perfectly with rice and will warm your heart.

If you visit Hida, be sure to try the Hohba miso.

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