Akita Food Guide: Kiritanpo, Inaniwa Udon & Hinai Jidori

Kiritanpo Nabe

Akita's signature dish — grilled rice cylinders (kiritanpo) simmered with Hinai jidori chicken, burdock root and vegetables in a light soy broth.

Inaniwa Udon

One of Japan's three great udon styles. Thin, smooth and hand-stretched — the silky texture is best appreciated cold with dipping sauce or warm in broth.

Hinai Jidori Chicken

One of Japan's three great chicken breeds. The chewy texture and intense umami make it the ideal base for kiritanpo nabe stock and grilled skewers.

Shottsuru Nabe

A hot pot seasoned with shottsuru — Akita's unique fish sauce made from fermented hatahata fish. A deeply umami-rich winter dish.

Akita Sake

Akita's premier rice-growing region produces outstanding Japanese sake. Labels like Aramasa, Yukino Bosha and Dewatsuru are celebrated nationwide.

Access

Akita City's Kawarago and Omachi areas have many izakayas and traditional restaurants. Inaniwa udon is best at specialist shops in Yuzawa City.