Food of the Gods: Discovering the Bonito Flakes of Mie

Mie Prefecture is famous for its high-quality food and produce. Many of the foods made here are known as “Foods of the Gods”, foods traditionally used as offerings at temples. These were given up to the kami (gods), including this katsuobushi (also known as bonito flakes). This ingredient is also widely used in Japanese cooking to make cuisine with extra umami. The bonito flakes in Mie are so renowned for their flavor that many prominent chefs have traveled to this site to sample it!

Bonito flakes, or katsuobushi, are made from skipjack tuna that has been smoked, fermented, and finely shaved into flakes. During this experience, you will step back in time and visit a traditional katsuobushi production workshop. Welcomed by warm and hospitable staff, you will enter the wooden building and immediately be surrounded by the rich, smokey scent from centuries of producing katsuobushi there. You can learn about the history of katsuobushi and the production process of this ingredient, which takes 6-months from start to finish.

After a tour of the workshop, you will sample some dashi broth made from this high-quality katsuobushi. You will also get the chance to make your very own bonito flakes! Try your hand at shaving the fish flakes using a special cutting board. To finish up this ultimate bonito experience, you will enjoy a simple yet flavorful meal that features katsuobushi. Cooked in a special pot unique to the Mie area, watch as the fish flakes move from the heat of the rice. The katsuobushi, fresh rice, and a little soy sauce combination is simple yet impactful.