Taking advantage of a recent break from work, I finally had time to slowly review and organize my trip to Fukuoka with my college friends last year. My impression of Fukuoka is that the city was mostly spent shopping and eating. We specifically arranged a day to take the Yufuin no Mori train from Yufuin. After actually experiencing it, the beef casserole and the century-old soy sauce shop in Yufuin left the deepest impression on me.
❶ "Yubu Mabushi Kokoro" Kinrinko Main Store - Bungo Beef Pot Rice Bowl (Three Ways)
On the way to Kinrin Lake, the aroma of beef stew with rice wafted through the air. After considering many restaurants, we finally chose this one. The queue for Yubu Kamameshi "Kokoro" (Heart of the Pot Rice). The atmosphere while queuing was very enjoyable and relaxing. Surrounded by mountains, the scenery was beautiful that day. Even though we waited for almost an hour, the time seemed to fly by as we chatted and admired the town.
After a period of waiting, it's finally our turn!
Yubu Mabushi's menu only offers three set meals: Bungo beef, eel, and local chicken. Each set meal includes a main course of kamameshi (rice cooked in a clay pot), seasonal appetizers, pickles, and red miso soup. The price is approximately ¥2,700–¥3,200, depending on the item.
Bungo beef from Oita Prefecture is one of the representative high-grade Wagyu beef varieties from Oita Prefecture. To be called "Oita Bungo beef," it must meet the definition of "the longest-raised black Wagyu breed in Oita Prefecture" (the female must be a cow that has never given birth). It is famous in Kyushu and Kansai regions and is characterized by its delicate, soft texture and sweet, but not greasy, fat.
Kamameshi (rice cooked in a clay pot) has three unique ways to enjoy it: 1) Enjoy it plain; 2) Add wasabi, yuzu pepper, and other seasonings; 3) Add dashi broth to make ochazuke (rice with tea). The uniquely tender texture of Oita Wagyu beef paired with the caramelized aroma of the kamameshi is highly recommended if you have the chance to visit Yufuin!
❷ A century-old soy sauce shop
(Source: Yufuin Soy Sauce Shop Main Store)
On the way to Lake Kinrin, there are several traditional soy sauce shops, the most famous of which is Yufuin Soy Sauce Shop. The shop we visited offered samples of almost every type of brewed soy sauce, including yuzu. Spicy , Although I didn't buy lime-flavored soy sauce due to luggage constraints, the flavor of handcrafted, naturally brewed soy sauce is quite different from commercially available soy sauce. Trying different flavors of soy sauce allows travelers to fully experience Japanese hospitality and meticulous service.
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