Fujiyoshida City is the city in Yamanashi Prefecture closest to Mount Fuji.

During the Edo period, this area flourished as one of the leading silk textile production areas in Japan. Have you heard of "Yoshida Udon," a dish made in this town that was selected as one of the "100 Best Local Dishes of Rural Areas"?

This time, we will introduce the charms of "Yoshida Udon," which is served for everyday meals as well as for special occasions such as weddings and funerals.

What is Yoshida Udon?

Yoshida Udon, known for its firm, chewy, and thick noodles, is the hardest in Japan and is served with a broth made from miso and soy sauce. Some restaurants also top the noodles with horse meat and boiled cabbage, and some offer kakiage, kinpira burdock, and raw egg.

It is also often served with a seasoning called "suridane," which is made from red chili peppers with added sesame and Japanese pepper. When added, it imparts a spicy, savory, and rich flavor, adding depth to the taste.

Suridane comes in many different types, including powder and semi-liquid varieties that use chili oil as a main ingredient, and is an item that allows the individuality of each shop to shine through.

The history and origins of Yoshida Udon [Why is it hard?]

Currently, Yoshida Udon is served at over 40 restaurants mainly in the city, but its history dates back to the early Showa period.

At the time, the textile industry was thriving in Fujiyoshida City, and women were often in charge of operating weaving machines, so men would prepare meals in place of the women so that work wouldn't stop at lunchtime. It is said that the men made udon noodles vigorously to create a filling udon, which is how the chewy, firm udon was born.

Fujiyoshida City is located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, and the lava rocks and volcanic ash have made it difficult to cultivate rice or other farming areas. As a result, along with the cultivation of miscellaneous grains, a type of wheat called "mizukake mugi" (water-soaked barley) that uses the underground water of Mt. Fuji and river water became mainstream, and it is said that this is where the flour-based food culture using wheat took root.

How to make Yoshida udon

The most distinctive feature of Yoshida Udon is the firmness of the noodles. The handmade irregular noodles vary from shop to shop, with some being twisted and others being extra thick.

However, the method of making it is quite simple. The noodles are kneaded with salt to give them a chewy texture. Once the dough has come together, it is rolled out to a thickness of about 5 mm, folded in thirds, and cut to the same width again to finish.

They are often made to be roughly the thickness of a chopstick, and when boiled they produce udon noodles with a chewy texture.

The deliciousness and appeal of Yoshida Udon

Yoshida Udon is known for its firmness and is said to be the best in Japan. It is paired with a gentle yet rich broth made from a blend of soy sauce and miso.

The more you chew the noodles, the more you can enjoy the wheat aroma and texture, and slurping up the broth fills your mouth with its delicious flavor. Many restaurants offer simple seasonings so that you can fully enjoy the firmness of the noodles and the deliciousness of the broth, and it has become so popular that people from inside and outside the prefecture visit.

Also, in Fujiyoshida City, where eating horse meat has always been a part of the culture, horse meat simmered in a sweet and spicy sauce made with sugar, soy sauce, sake, mirin, etc. is popular, topped with locally grown cabbage. It's delicious as is, but adding "suridane" (ground soybeans) gives it a tangy spiciness and the rich aroma of sesame and Japanese pepper, which matches perfectly with the mild broth. You can also enjoy the change in flavor.

Recommended sightseeing spots in Fujiyoshida City

From here, we will introduce some tourist spots in Fujiyoshida City.

Fuji-Q Highland: A variety of exhilarating attractions!

The first is Fuji-Q Highland, which boasts one of the largest numbers of thrilling rides in Japan. This amusement park is a must-see for those who love thrilling rides, with attractions such as FUJIYAMA, which has been certified with four world records, and Takabisha, the strongest coaster that offers two types of acceleration. There are also other attractions that even those who aren't good with roller coasters can enjoy, such as Fujifukisha, where you can experience the dynamic, immersive view of Mt. Fuji and the changing surrounding scenery.

If you have small children with you, we also recommend the popular character theme parks "Thomas Land" and "Gaspard and Lisa Town." How about making a memory of your trip?

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine has a history of over 1900 years

Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine is one of the World Heritage sites of Mt. Fuji and is a shrine that represents Fujiyoshida. It has a history of over 1900 years and is also the starting point of the hiking trail at the north entrance of Mt. Fuji.

As you walk along the solemn mountain path lined with cedar forests and stone lanterns, you will arrive at Japan's largest "Mt. Fuji Otorii." Next to the main shrine are the giant "Fujitaro Cedar" and "Meoto Hinoki" trees, both of which are about 1,000 years old, and their vibrant appearance makes them known as power spots.

Access to Fujiyoshida City

From here, we will introduce how to access Fujiyoshida City. Fujiyoshida City, which is close to Mt. Fuji, is conveniently accessible by train or express bus.

If you are traveling by train from Tokyo, you can take the "Fuji Kaiyu" limited express from Shinjuku or Tachikawa to Kawaguchiko without changing trains (about 1 hour 45 minutes). There are also express buses from Shinjuku, and it takes about 1 hour 50 minutes to get to Mt. Fuji Station.

From the west exit of Yokohama Station, there is an express bus bound for Fuji-Q Highland (about 2 hours 20 minutes), and direct buses to Fuji Station run from Meitetsu Bus Center in Nagoya and Osaka Station. The journey takes about 4 hours 30 minutes and about 10 hours 15 minutes, respectively, but it's nice to be able to access Fujiyoshida without having to transfer.

Location of Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture

summary

This time we introduced a Fujiyoshida specialty, "Yoshida Udon."

Yoshida udon is eaten at celebratory occasions such as Obon, New Year's, and weddings, and is popular as an auspicious food.

It is a dish that is full of the unique firmness, the deliciousness of the broth, and the deliciousness of local ingredients such as horse meat, boiled cabbage, and ground sesame. Why not try it at a local restaurant?

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