Try these winter hot pot specialties—how many have you tasted?

This winter has been especially cold, and there’s nothing more satisfying than digging into a steaming hot pot dish. When winter comes, Taiwanese people love to gather with friends and enjoy dishes like spicy duck, mutton hot pot, and spicy hot pot. It not only warms the whole body but also warms the heart. But did you know that Japanese hot pot can even feature blowfish and loaches? Let’s see how many of these you’ve tried.

 

As the name suggests, this is a pheasant hot pot only available in the mountains. Located at Ikeno Onsen in Kumano, P･･ryuusou is a secluded mountain hot spring inn. Their cuisine features wild game, with the rich and flavorful pheasant hot pot (Kiji Ryori) being the most popular. The pheasant meat is firm, tender, and intensely aromatic. Enjoying a hearty bowl helps drive away the chill of the mountains.

 

Ranzan Jersey Land is a farm specializing in raising Jersey cattle (a British dairy breed), selling various fresh dairy products such as yogurt, fresh milk, and pudding. The restaurant offers a cheese fondue made with Jersey beef and fresh milk, priced at ¥1890 per person (minimum two people).

 

The specially made black vinegar pairs perfectly with blowfish hot pot and sashimi, highlighting the unique texture and delicious flavor. Blowfish is a favorite among Osakans. The most famous blowfish dishes are found around Kuromon Market. Once an unattainable delicacy for the nobility, it is now more affordable and accessible to general tourists. Although blowfish innards are toxic, chefs in Japan must go through rigorous certification processes to handle them, so there’s no need to worry when eating. The peak season for blowfish is from November to February, and the most common way to enjoy it is in a hot pot. The broth is made from the fish head, and thin slices of blowfish are briefly blanched before eating. The firm texture, paired with special vinegar sauce, is incredibly sweet and refreshing.

 

Rokko Mountain Ranch is perfect for family outings. In addition to sheep, horses, and rabbits, the ranch offers experiences such as milking, cheese-making, making ice cream, and sausage preparation. Afterward, head to Kobe Cheese Hall to enjoy a rich Swiss cheese fondue, even better when paired with delicious Kobe beef.