The beautiful Nature landscape of the Aso Mountains Unfolds, and it is a mountain towns with a population of about 3,000 people (as of June 2024) with a high elevation overall.
Traditional agriculture is thriving, and in addition to delicious Rice and vegetables, "Gokase Wine" made from 100% Gokase grapes is also popular.
In winter Japan the southernmost natural snow ski resort offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Aso Mountains seen from and Slope.
We look forward to seeing you in Gokase Towns!
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Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Specialty and Souvenir: Four Hundred Million Years of Earth Gion Spring Water Rice
<Taste>
Each grain is firm and flavorful yet refreshingly light. It pairs well with any side dish and stays delicious even when cold, making it ideal for rice balls and boxed lunches.
<Cultivation Commitment>
This rice is grown on terraced paddies irrigated only with the mineral-rich spring water known as Myoken Shinsui, one of the Heisei-era Top 100 Famous Waters.
<Regional Characteristics>
Located along the Kyushu Backbone Mountain Range at elevations of 600–650 meters, the area’s large temperature swings concentrate the rice’s flavor. The region is also known for heavy snowfall in winter.
<Variety>
Hinohikari (rated Special A)
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Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Local Specialties and Souvenirs: Versatile Seasoning and Yuzu Kosho
◎Versatile Seasoning
The ingredients are plenty of garlic, chili peppers, ginger, and bonito stock only. A producer from Korea packed this secret family seasoning recipe full of home-style flavor.
Use it as a hidden flavor in dishes, mix it with soy sauce for a dressing, or blend it with mayonnaise for a vegetable dip. Just adding it makes peperoncino ready in no time!
◎Yuzu Kosho
This yuzu kosho brings out the natural flavors of yuzu, bonito stock, soy sauce, salt, and chili peppers only. The green variety has a fragrant aroma, while the red one is spicier. Be sure to find the taste you prefer.
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Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Local Specialty and Souvenir: Takana Nikuman
Takana nikuman is a local gourmet treat sold only during the winter season.
Its main fillings are takana (pickled mustard greens), bamboo shoots harvested in Gokasecho, and minced pork. The ingredients are stir-fried with sesame oil, sugar, and soy sauce to bring out their deep natural flavors and aromas.
A spicy homemade mustard is also included, recommended for adding a flavorful kick. Loved both within and beyond the town, this is a must-try delicacy. Enjoy!
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Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho specialty souvenir: Hanameguri (yokan and yuzu yokan)
Hanameguri is a handmade yokan made from Gokase-grown azuki beans that are slowly simmered over time and carefully kneaded by hand for many hours.
You can taste the full flavor of the azuki beans, and the exquisite balance of sweetness and saltiness reveals a profound flavor that opens your eyes the moment you bite into it.
Enjoy a peaceful moment with this Gokasecho specialty paired with the rare kama-iri tea, a local prized tea.
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Specialties and Souvenirs of Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture: Gokase Yamame
Gokase Yamame are fish raised in the yamame village at the source of the Gokase River, skewered and charcoal-grilled until golden and seasoned to perfection.
Varieties include lightly sweet-and-salty simmered yamame (yamame kanroni), ginger-flavored simmered yamame (yamame shiguren), yamame slowly stewed with sansho pepper (yamame sanshoni), and yamame gently simmered wrapped in kombu seaweed so the fish broth soaks into the kelp (yamame kombu-maki).
The bones are soft, making them safe and easy to eat for children and older adults.
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Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho local product and souvenir: Babba Club’s karinto
Karinto made by the Kawanochi district processing group Babba Club
These additive-free snacks focus on safety and peace of mind.
They also make Adam cookies and longevity senbei.
Handmade pickles are also popular.
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Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Specialty and Souvenir: Log-grown shiitake mushrooms
These "log-grown shiitake" thrive in clear air, fertile soil, and mineral-rich water
They are a local specialty prized for their rich aroma and texture
They also make a recommended gift for someone special.
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Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Specialty Products and Souvenirs: Gokase Wine
Nestled in rich nature atop a hill at 660 meters stands Gokase Winery.
A climate with large temperature swings and pure water nurtures grapes with an exquisite balance of sugar and acidity.
“We wanted to make wine using 100% locally grown grapes.”
With that wish, the winery opened in 2005.
Wines made from freshly harvested grapes have a juicy, fruity character.
Please enjoy wines made from 100% Gokase-grown grapes, filled with the scent of the earth.
Wine Introductions
■ Niagara (white, sweet — most popular)
Grape variety: Niagara
This white wine made from the table grape Niagara has a beautiful golden color.
Aroma reminiscent of osmanthus with added fresh notes makes for a pleasantly refreshing sweet wine.
■ Delaware (white, slightly sweet)
Grape variety: Delaware
The pale yellow hue of Delaware is easy on the eyes in this white wine.
Its citrus-like aroma and fresh acidity pair well with a wide range of meat dishes.
■ Chardonnay (white, medium dry)
Grape variety: Chardonnay
Chardonnay shows a lovely pale yellow-green that evokes Gokase’s spring buds.
Its lively acidity is refreshing and leaves a clean finish.
This crisp, slightly dry style pairs well with fish-based Japanese cuisine.
■ Campbell Early (rosé, slightly sweet)
Grape variety: Campbell Early
This slightly sweet rosé locks in the grape’s fresh fragrance and natural sweetness.
Its vivid color is as striking as a sunset pouring over Kuwanochi.
■ Yuhi (red, dry)
Grape varieties: Merlot, Petit Verdot
Merlot and Petit Verdot were aged carefully in barrels for one year.
This light-bodied red balances gentle acidity and tannin for easy drinking.
■ Juju (sparkling, white)
Grape variety: Niagara
Keeping Niagara’s characteristic aroma, this sparkling version transforms it into a crisp Niagara.
It has a refreshing mouthfeel.
■ Oubu (sparkling, rosé)
Grape variety: Campbell Early
A sparkling wine made from the table grape Campbell Early.
Enjoy its mature, developed flavor.
■ Ryoka (sparkling, white)
Grape variety: Chardonnay
A sparkling wine made from Chardonnay, featuring youthful, fresh fruit aromas and moderate acidity.
It is dry and sharp in taste and pairs excellently with fish dishes.
■ Akane (red, dry)
This is a half bottle (360 ml).
Named Akane to evoke the beautiful autumn sunset skies visible from Gokase Winery.
A Merlot-dominant red.
Akane, finished dry, rested in stainless tanks for a light taste.
It features gentle tannins and clean acidity.
Other options include half (360 ml) bottles of Niagara, Rosé, and Chardonnay.
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[Miyazaki Prefecture, Gokasecho] Local Specialty and Souvenir: kama-iri tea
Kama-iri tea is made by pan-frying tea leaves instead of steaming them.
This method, similar to the process used for oolong tea, brings out the tea’s natural aroma. Compared with standard steamed teas, it boasts a light, refreshing flavor and excellent fragrance that make it easy to drink cup after cup.
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Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Gourmet: Hinatamichi
Hinatamichi is an izakaya in the Kuraoka area
This izakaya, where you can also sing karaoke, fills up with locals
In summer, guests can enjoy a beer garden as well
Because the restaurant has irregular holidays, it’s best to call ahead before visiting
Hours: Contact for details
Closed: Irregular holidays
Contact
3263 Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture 882-1201
Phone: 0982-83-2360
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