Atsugi Shirokoro Horumon Savory Charcoal Grilling

Atsugi shirokoro horumon is a long standing local specialty of Atsugi City in Kanagawa Prefecture, an area known for pig farming. Fresh pork large intestine is used whole in tube form, cut into rings without being split open, and its plump round shape gives the dish its name. Grilled crisp over charcoal, it develops a distinctive texture, savory outside and springy within. The rich flavor of the fat and the springy bite have made it a long loved dish among locals. After winning the B-1 Grand Prix in 2008, its name spread widely across the country.

Highlights

• The round plump shape, savory outside and springy within
• The savory aroma rising as it grills slowly over charcoal
• The fun of different seasonings by shop, from miso sauce to plain salt
• A clean savory taste free of odor, thanks to fresh offal used whole in tube form

Enjoying the Seasons

Grilling horumon around a charcoal fire is perfect for lively gatherings, warming body and spirit in the cold season. In hot months the savory grilled pieces pair wonderfully with a cold drink. It is a dish to enjoy year round along with the lively atmosphere of the shops.

Access and Basic Information

• Enjoyed at horumon and yakiniku shops around Hon Atsugi Station on the Odakyu Line
• From Shinjuku Station, Hon Atsugi is roughly 50 minutes by Odakyu express
• Many shops grill over charcoal, giving exceptional savoriness
• Compare each shop seasoning, from miso sauce to salt
• Since freshness matters, a specialty horumon shop is recommended

Practical Travel Notes

• Many shops focus on evening service, so visiting around dinnertime makes it easier to get in
• Popular shops fill up on weekend nights, and an earlier hour often means a seat without a wait
• Budget wise, a few plates of horumon with drinks runs a few thousand yen per person
• The area around Hon Atsugi Station is a lively dining district, handy as a base for bar hopping
• Combining it with sights around Atsugi such as Mount Oyama or Iiyama Onsen makes for an easy day plan

A Quick Tip

Do not overcook it, when the outside takes on color it is ready to eat. The aroma of fat dripping and smoke rising over the charcoal is part of the dish appeal. Order a little of both miso sauce and salt to find the seasoning you like best. Pairing it with rice or a cold drink brings out the savory flavor even more.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Main area where it is served: Within Atsugi City. You can eat it at yakiniku and horumon grill restaurants around the city, and butchers also sell raw shirokoro
• Public facility where you can buy it: Atsugi City Marugoto Shop "Atsumaru," run by the Atsugi City Tourism Association (B1F Amyu Atsugi, 2-12-15 Nakacho, Atsugi City) / 10:00-19:00. Closed over the New Year period. Sells horumon and ton-zuke (miso-marinated pork)
• An example of a long-established shop: Suishoen (3-2-21 Nakacho, Atsugi City) was founded in 1965 (Showa 40). Open 16:00-22:00 (from 15:00 on Saturdays and Sundays), closed on Mondays
• Travel information point: Hon-Atsugi Station Tourist Information Center (1F Mylord East, Hon-Atsugi Station Building, 1-1 Izumicho, Atsugi City) / 9:00-17:00
• Points to note: Some restaurants open mainly in the evening, so check the opening hours in advance

Note: Opening hours and prices vary from shop to shop.

(Sources: Atsugi City Tourism Association "Atsugi Kanko Navi" (Atsugi pork / Suishoen / tourist information center / Marugoto Shop Atsumaru); Atsugi City official website, "Atsugi City Marugoto Shop Atsumaru")

Sources of Information

This article is compiled from Kanagawa Prefecture tourism information and information published by the individual shops. Prices, menus and seasonal offerings may change, so please check each shop's official information for details.

Sightseeing Checklist

• Budget guide: From a few hundred yen to around 1,000 yen per plate
• Where to eat it: Yakiniku and horumon restaurants in Atsugi City
• Best time of day: Mainly evenings, at a yakiniku restaurant
• Avoiding crowds: Popular restaurants get busy at night, so book ahead or shift your timing
• Enjoy it with: A stroll around Atsugi, Nanasawa and Iiyama onsen, and local pork dishes