Written characters (kanji) are not all the Japanese derived from the Chinese. Within Yamanashi, one can find locals enjoying a dish which, although originating from China, they have made their own.
Houtou, a dish comprised of thick, flat noodles, vegetables (especially pumpkin, potato, carrot, spring onion and shiitake mushroom) and usually meat, is often served in a cauldron-like bowl.
Although houtou is eaten year-round, the piping hot meal is best in the severe cold of Yamanashi’s winter months.
The dish, which is often more food than one can handle, is said to have been a favorite of Yamanashi’s feudal lord Shingen Takeda. Ask any Yamanashi native and you will learn how Takeda and his samurai used to feast on houtou prior to battle!
Battles are no longer fought on Yamanashi soil; the love for houtou, however, still remains. When visiting Yamanashi, stopping at a houtou restaurant is a must! Although houtou does have its own kanji, hiragana is used most. Next time you are in Yamanashi, look for signs that read . Enjoy!