[Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture] Aiming to become a city in love with carp | Koriyama City promotes the local flavor of "carp cuisine"

Koriyama City, located in the center of Fukushima Prefecture, boasts the highest production volume of edible carp in Japan.It is a region with a long-standing culture of eating carp. Currently, in order to increase carp consumption and spread the word about its deliciousness throughout the country, they"Koriyama in Love with Carp Project"and are conducting promotional activities.

This time, we will be looking at the carp eating culture of Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, and introducing its deliciousness and how to enjoy it


Koriyama City's Carp Eating Culture: Its Origins and Characteristics

Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, is a thriving commercial city located in the exact center of Fukushima Prefecture. Carp farming is said to have become popular around the time of the Asaka reclamation project in the Meiji era

The Asaka Reclamation Project was a large-scale reclamation project that utilized the Asaka Canal, which was drawn from Lake Inawashiro. As a result, vast farmland was reclaimed, and the area grew into one of the prefecture's leading rice-producing regions

Carp farming began as a way to utilize irrigation ponds that became unused after the completion of the Asaka Canal, and as a valuable source of protein for the people who reclaimed land. Currently, Koriyama City is number one in the nation in terms of carp production among municipalities

Koriyama City's carp are raised in the pure, mineral-rich waters of Lake Inawashiro. As a result, they have no muddy smell and their flesh is a fresh, firm, cherry-colored color. They are also well-fattened and can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, including sashimi and simmered dishes


How do you eat carp? Introducing some of Koriyama City's most famous carp dishes

Koriyama City has had a culture of eating carp since the Meiji era. Carp is a luxury fish that takes time and effort to prepare, so it is considered a ceremonial dish to be eaten on special occasions rather than an everyday meal

One of the most famous and popular dishes isthe simmered carp. Fillets of carp are simmered slowly for half a day, resulting in a sweet and savory dish that is so tender the bones fall apart. The carp from Koriyama City, known for its mild flavor and lack of strong odor, is cooked to perfection, resulting in a refined and tender texture. It's a truly exquisite dish bursting with flavor.


Introducing restaurants in Koriyama where you can enjoy carp dishes

Currently, Koriyama City is working with the Southern Koi Farming Fisheries Cooperative Association on the "Koriyama Carp Love Project." With the goal of preserving and developing carp culinary culture, the city is carrying out PR activities to increase carp consumption. Through these activities, the number of restaurants offering carp dishes has increased, and new variations of carp dishes have been created

Here are some recommended restaurants

  • New Year's House
  • Izakaya Yasubei
  • Food and Local Sake Morisshu

Now let's take a look at each one

"Shogatsuso" is a luxurious course that lets you enjoy carp to the fullest

Enjoy the carp kaiseki course "Koi Zukushi," prepared by a chef well versed in Japanese cuisine. Enjoy the deliciousness of carefully prepared carp in luxury, including carp scale rice crackers, carp liver appetizers, and carp sashimi. You can also enjoy candied carp at lunchtime

Shogatsu-so <Information>

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Izakaya Yasubei

This izakaya in front of Koriyama Station serves delicious local cuisine. The carp namero is rich and sticky, allowing you to fully enjoy the delicious flavor of the fat, making it a delight for alcohol lovers

Izakaya Yasubei <Information>

Google Map


Food and Local Sake Morisshu

Located inside JR Koriyama Station, this bar offers local cuisine and local sake. The local Fukushima sake paired with carp carpaccio and simmered dishes is exceptional. Why not stop by to make a memory of your visit to Fukushima?

Morisshu <Information>

Google Map


A killer tune that conveys the charm of carp: "The Carp Song - A Sweet and Sweet Carp Song"

"Koriyama Koi Love Project"Official song of"Dokoi Song ~A Sweet and Sweet Carp Song~"We will introduce you to the following

The lyrics, composition, and character design for this song were all done by artists with ties to Koriyama City. The song has a simple, unassuming melody that is sure to stick in your head once you hear it

I hope you'll give it a listen and hum along while snapping your fingers


summary

This time we introduced the carp eating culture of Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture

Koriyama City is a city famous for its thriving carp farming industry, and carp is a beloved local delicacy. Carp raised in pure water have no muddy smell and are delicious. Nowadays, many restaurants in the city serve traditional dishes, as well as new variations, so be sure to give them a try when you visit Fukushima Prefecture


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