This site is a web media that delivers all kinds of trivia, from sightseeing and gourmet spots in the six Tohoku prefectures to local, customs, and history.
Iizaka Onsen, a hot spring resort in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture for its "radium egg ." The yolk has a rich, sticky flavor, while the white is smooth and silky to the throat. This unique delicacy is completely different from the onsen egg you might imagine.
This time we will delve deeper into the appeal of radium eggs
What are Iizaka Onsen's radium eggs?
"Radium eggs"...what exactly is this food with such an intimidating name?
They are actually a food commonly known as onsen tamago (hot spring eggs ). However, the radium eggs made at Iizaka Onsen are different from the more popular onsen tamago (hot spring eggs).
Yolk with concentrated umami flavor
The white meat is perfectly melted
Pure taste with no fishy smell
What is particularly noteworthy is the deliciousness of the yolk . When you split it with chopsticks, the sticky orange yolk appears, and just by looking at it, you can easily imagine how rich the flavor is. The white part is smooth and silky. Place the radium egg on top of hot, freshly cooked rice and drizzle with the sauce that comes with it. , allowing you to experience the true flavor of the egg even more than with a raw egg . We hope you will try this delicious treat!
The deliciousness of these radium eggs comes from their meticulous manufacturing process. Abe Tome Shoten, the manufacturer of radium eggs, continues to use the same manufacturing method as when they were first developed, and adheres to the following principles:
We use eggs from chickens that are carefully selected from the feed
We use 100% natural spring water with the temperature suitable for producing radium eggs
Thanks to the highly trained skills of our artisans, the quality remains consistent even when the source temperature or air temperature changes
Each product is hand-wrapped, checking for cracks and breaks
The passion and tireless efforts of these manufacturers bore fruit, and before long, the radium eggs were a staple breakfast item at inns and a popular souvenir. Radium eggs have become Iizaka Onsen's signature product. There are several manufacturers that produce them , so it might be worth trying them all.
By the way, the "radium" in radium eggs is an element discovered by Marie Curie. It is said that Iizaka Onsen was the first place in Japan where radium was confirmed and announced as a radium spring at an academic conference
Why do Fukushima residents have such a strong love for radium eggs?
Monument to the site of Japan's first discovery of radium
For the people of Fukushima, radium eggs are just that, radium eggs. They are distinct from onsen eggs. One of the reasons why Fukushima residents love radium eggs is that they are "so familiar to them .
Generally speaking, when we think of hot spring resort specialties, like hot spring manju, we tend to think of them as "tourist-oriented" and "unusual." However, the people of Fukushima have always had a "close" relationship with radium eggs
Radium eggs are always available in supermarkets in the city. If you have a craving, you can buy one any time. They are even sometimes served in school lunches, so they are "always there." Perhaps they are closer than your average lover. As a native of Fukushima City, I even mistakenly thought that "radium eggs" was a nationwide term until I reached a certain age
The people of Fukushima have a deep relationship with rich, creamy eggs. These luxurious, thick, gooey eggs are sure to be enjoyed on many dining tables in Fukushima today
Iizaka Onsen, the birthplace of radium eggs
Iizaka Onsen
Iizaka Onsen, located in the northern part of Fukushima City, is a hot spring with a long history. It is counted as one of the three famous hot springs in Oshu . Spreading out on both banks of the Surikami River, the hot spring town is full of slopes, as its name suggests.
Iizaka Onsen is accessible by car in about 20 minutes from Fukushima city center or 10 minutes from the Fukushima Iizaka Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway. We also recommend taking the Fukushima Transportation Iizaka Line (commonly known as the Iizaka Train) from JR Fukushima Station. You can enjoy the tranquil scenery while being rocked by the retro silver carriages
Iizaka Onsen Sabakoyu
The spring quality of Iizaka Onsen is a weakly alkaline simple spring. The water has little distinctive flavor. Each ryokan offers day trip bathing, but if you want to enjoy a more "local" experience, you can also use one of the nine public baths . Another great thing about Iizaka Onsen is that they are open from 6am until 10pm.
However, there is one thing you should be aware of: the water at Iizaka Onsen is "hot ." The water may seem comfortable to the locals, but it can be extremely hot for those who are not used to it! This is often the case. Some public baths also offer lukewarm baths. If you are not confident about your heat tolerance, please consider using one of these.
Iizaka Onsen＜Information＞
Name: Iizaka Onsen
Address: Iizakacho, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, 960-0201
Radium eggs have a unique identity that is different from regular onsen eggs. They are incredibly popular in Fukushima City because of their unique taste. If you're visiting Fukushima City and Iizaka Onsen, be sure to give them a try
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