What is Yamanashi's Soul Food "Houtou"?
If you visit Yamanashi Prefecture, you absolutely must try the local dish, "Houtou".
This traditional Japanese dish consists of thick flat noodles simmered with pumpkin and vegetables in a miso-based soup.
"Houtou" is said to be a stamina food eaten by Takeda Shingen between battles and is widely loved as a symbol of Yamanashi's food culture.
It's an especially perfect dish for the cold season, warming both body and soul.
The Charm and Characteristics of Houtou
1. History of Houtou
Houtou is a dish that is said to have been popularized by Takeda Shingen during the Sengoku period as a meal for his soldiers.
The samurai of that time would knead wheat flour into flat noodles, simmer them with miso and vegetables, and eat them to replenish energy between battles.
This simple yet nutritious way of eating is said to be the prototype of today's houtou.
2. Characteristics of Houtou
① Thick and Chewy Noodles
The noodles of houtou are thicker and have a chewier texture than udon.
Also, because they are simmered directly in the soup before boiling, the wheat flavor seeps into the soup, creating a deeper taste.
② Rich Miso-Based Soup
The soup features a rich flavor based on miso.
The richness of the miso combined with the sweetness from the vegetables creates an exquisite soup that warms both the heart and body.
③ Packed with Vegetables and Nutrients
Houtou uses plenty of vegetables such as pumpkin, carrots, potatoes, shiitake mushrooms, napa cabbage, and leeks, making it rich in vitamins and minerals!
Especially, the sweetness of the pumpkin dissolves into the soup, creating a unique flavor that is characteristic of houtou.
3. Recommended Houtou Restaurants in Yamanashi
Yamanashi has many restaurants where you can enjoy traditional houtou.
Here are three particularly popular ones.
① Houtou Fudou (Around Lake Kawaguchi)
- Characteristics: Thick, firm noodles and a rich miso soup that is exquisite!
- Location: Fujikawaguchiko Town, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
② Kozou (Kofu/Lake Kawaguchi Area)
- Characteristics: Traditional houtou with vegetable flavors melding together
- Location: Multiple locations in Kofu City, Kawaguchiko Town, etc., Yamanashi Prefecture
③ Koshu Houtou Kozou (Fujiyoshida)
- Characteristics: Packed with ingredients and very filling! Recommended on cold days
- Location: Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture
All of these shops are long-established and beloved by Yamanashi locals, so be sure to check them out when you visit!
Recipe to Make Houtou at Home
For those who can't visit Yamanashi, here's a simple recipe to make houtou at home!
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- Houtou noodles … 2 servings
- Pumpkin … 1/4 piece
- Carrot … 1/2
- Potato … 1
- Shiitake mushrooms … 2 pieces
- Leek … 1
- Pork … 100g
- Miso … 2-3 tablespoons
- Dashi (kombu and bonito) … 800ml
- Soy sauce … 1 tablespoon
- Mirin … 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Add dashi to a pot and simmer pumpkin, carrot, potato, and shiitake mushrooms.
- Once vegetables are tender, add pork and houtou noodles and continue to simmer.
- Dissolve miso into the mixture, then adjust the taste with soy sauce and mirin.
- Add leek at the end, bring to a boil, and it's ready!
The key is to simmer the houtou noodles directly in the soup.
This increases the thickness of the soup, creating a richer flavor.
Useful Information for Travelers
How to Access Yamanashi
By Train
- About 1.5 hours from Shinjuku Station on the "Limited Express Kaiji" (to Kofu Station)
- About 2 hours from Tokyo Station via Shinkansen and local lines
By Car
- Convenient to exit at "Kofu-Showa IC" on the Chuo Expressway
Best Season to Eat Houtou
Houtou is a dish that can be enjoyed year-round, but the best season is from autumn to winter (September to March)!
Eating warm houtou in the cold season makes it taste exceptionally delicious.
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
- Houtou is a traditional dish of Yamanashi Prefecture and a historical food loved by Takeda Shingen.
- Characterized by thick, chewy noodles and rich miso soup!
- Packed with vegetables and nutrients, it's a healthy food that warms the body.
- Enjoy authentic flavors at famous Yamanashi restaurants (Houtou Fudou, Kozou)!
- Easy-to-make recipe for home cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between houtou and "udon"?
A: Houtou noodles are thicker and chewier than udon, with a rich wheat flavor.
Additionally, houtou is simmered directly in the soup, resulting in a thick and rich flavor.
Q: Where can I eat houtou?
A: There are many houtou specialty shops in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Especially "Houtou Fudou" and "Kozou" are well-known and popular with tourists.
Q: Can vegetarians eat houtou?
A: Yes, there is a "shojin houtou" version with only vegetables, so vegetarians can enjoy it!
When you visit Yamanashi, be sure to taste authentic houtou and feel its warmth and history!
