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[About 3 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen + Limited Express] Local gourmet food and more to try in Murakame City, Niigata Prefecture
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Murakami City, located in the northernmost part of Niigata Prefecture, is a "treasure trove of food" with a unique food culture. Murakami City is full of gourmet foods that can only be tasted here, such as "salmon" that has been eaten since the Heian period and "Murakami beef", a brand of beef.
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Table of Contents
- Various delicacies from Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture
- 3 Must-Try Local Dishes in Murakami City
- This is also highly recommended! Local food in Murakami City
- How to get to Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture
Various delicacies from Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture
Murakame City, the largest city in Niigata Prefecture, has a beautiful and long coastline, and the majestic Sea of Japan that spreads out beyond it is a treasure trove of fresh seafood. In addition to high-quality seafood such as blackthroat seaperch , flounder , and snow crab , seafood such as flying squid and rock oysters are often caught in the summer, and cod and Nanban shrimp in the winter.
Snow crab is in season in winter
Every year, salmon swim upstream in several rivers that flow through Murakami City. Among them, the salmon caught in the Miomote River are listed in the Engishiki, a book compiled in the Heian period, which describes the close relationship between Murakami and salmon that has continued for over a thousand years. It is said that there are over 100 salmon dishes in Murakami City, and even parts that are usually thrown away, such as innards, fins, and bones, are cooked.
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Murakami specialty "Salted salmon"
Among the Japanese black beef cattle raised in Niigata prefecture, those with a grade of A-3 or B-3 or higher are called "Niigata Wagyu", and among them, those raised in Murakami city, Sekikawa village, and Tainai city with a grade of A-4 or B-4 or higher are called " Murakami beef ". It has won top prizes at national competitions, and its deliciousness is comparable to other brand beef.
Murakami beef steak
In addition, wild plants and nuts can be found in the vast mountainous areas, and a variety of vegetables and fruits, including Iwafune Koshihikari rice , are grown in the Satoyama area. Natural salt is made by boiling down clean seawater along the coastline to the north of the city (around the scenic Sasagawa Nagare).
Murakami city also has many fascinating local foods and gourmet treats, such as Murakami's two major sake breweries, Miyao Sake Brewery (Shimeharitsuru) and Taiyo Sake Brewery (Taiyozakari) , miso and soy sauce with different flavors at each brewery, and Iwafune Fu, whose production method is said to have been brought over by Kitamae ships.
3 Must-Try Local Dishes in Murakami City
Salmon dishes
Murakami's salmon dishes, with over 100 varieties (Restaurant Noto Shin)
If you visit Murakame city in Niigata prefecture, you should definitely try salmon dishes . Murakame city has a deep connection with salmon, and it is said that there are more than 100 salmon dishes. Every part of the fish is cooked and enjoyed deliciously.
Salted salmon is hung under the eaves and left to dry in the cold wind (winter)
Shiobikizake
Among them, the most well-known salmon dishes are "Shiobikizake" and "Sake-no-Sakabitashi." Shiobikizake is made by salting the flesh of male salmon, salting it, desalination, and then hanging it under the eaves of a house to dry for about two weeks. By drying it in the cold wind, fermentation and maturation progresses, creating a deep flavor not found in salted salmon.
Sake-no-Sakabitashi
Sake-no-Sakabitashi is made by drying Shiobikizake for another six months. The salmon meat becomes firm and has a jerky-like texture. It is delicious as is, but it is also delicious when soaked in sake or mirin.
Murakami beef
Murakami beef steak bowl (Edosho, a restaurant specializing in Murakami beef)
Of all the "Niigata Wagyu" that meet strict standards, only black-haired Wagyu beef raised in Murakami city and surrounding cities and villages can be called Murakami beef. The cattle are raised in a natural, low-stress environment, and are fed Koshihikari rice straw as roughage. Chefs also make various efforts to bring out the full flavor of Murakami beef.
Fresh seafood
Isodon (Isobe Japanese Restaurant)
Murakami City has a coastline of about 50 km and is dotted with small fishing ports where a wide variety of fish species are landed. Seafood such as cherry salmon and rockfish in spring, shellfish such as squid and rock oysters in summer, salmon and willow flounder in autumn, and sweet shrimp (Nanban shrimp) and snow crab in winter are often caught. Seafood bowls using seasonal seafood are also popular at the popular event "Murakami Donburi Battle".
This is also highly recommended! Local food in Murakami City
Murakami Tea
Murakami tea is characterized by its low astringency, refreshing aroma and subtle sweetness. In addition to green tea, they also offer black tea and oolong tea made from the same tea leaves. In addition, sweets such as soft serve ice cream, chocolate, baked goods, and candy are also popular.
Local sake
Murakami's two major sake breweries, Miyao Shuzo (representative brand: Shimeharitsuru) and Taiyo Shuzo (representative brand: Taiyozakari), are breweries that are popular not only in Japan but also among sake fans overseas. Rare brands that are only available at local authorized stores are also recommended as souvenirs.
Koshihikari rice from Iwafune
Iwafune Koshihikari is highly regarded as delicious rice, along with rice from Uonuma and Sado. The grains are large, with just the right amount of stickiness and sweetness, and it's delicious even when cold, so we recommend making it into rice balls.
Sasagawa Nagare Natural Salt
Natural salt made from the clean seawater in the northern part of Murakame City. "Moshio" is made by boiling it down with seaweed, and is full of the umami components of seaweed, so it is recommended as a dipping salt for salads, tempura, etc.
Iwafune gluten
Iwafunefu, which resembles an upside-down rice bowl, is also known as manjufu. It is delicious not only as an ingredient in stews and miso soup, but also as a French toast-style dish.
How to get to Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture
The old town area, where old streetscapes remain, is about 2km away from JR Murakami Station, and takes about 20 minutes on foot, making it a good distance for a stroll. Other transportation options include taxis, circular buses, and rental bicycles.
Please take the Uetsu Main Line from Niigata City to Murakame City.
●Niigata Station → (Uetsu Main Line) → Murakami Station ... Approx. 1 hour Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
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Murakami City, located at the northern tip of Niigata Prefecture, has a townscape full of historical atmosphere centered around the ruins of Murakami Castle, as well as the scenic beauty of the Sasagawa Nagare, which boasts a splendid seascape, mountains, rivers, and countryside that bring bountiful blessings, and Senami facing the Sea of Japan. You can spend quality time relaxing in the hot springs while watching the sunset. There are many delicious dishes that can only be tasted in Murakami, such as salmon dishes such as ``salted salmon'', Murakami beef, and Koshihikari rice from Iwafune. We will introduce you to the charms of Murakami, a city of history, tradition, rich nature, and gourmet food.
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