Kushikatsu, or deep-fried food served on skewers, is one of the signature street foods around Chiyoho Inari Shrine in Kaizu City, Gifu Prefecture. Visitors can enjoy these freshly fried treats in a lively atmosphere, often standing at counters outside the shops.
Chiyoho Inari Shrine is widely known as a shrine where people pray for business prosperity. Affectionately called “Ochobo-san” or “Ochobo Inari”, it is beloved by residents of Gifu’s Seino region and the Owari region of neighboring Aichi Prefecture.
The shrine is especially famous for its bustling monthly night market, held at the end of each month. The crowds can be so large that the event resembles the busy New Year shrine visits known as hatsumode. It is a well-known local attraction for those familiar with the area.
Approximately 150 shops line both sides of the approach to the shrine. Many sell lucky charms and other auspicious items, while the food stalls and restaurants offer a variety of local specialties.
Popular treats include kusa mochi (rice cakes flavored with Japanese mugwort), freshwater fish dishes, kushikatsu, doteni (ingredients simmered in a rich miso-based sauce), and pickled vegetables.
Among the many food stalls, kushikatsu shops are particularly popular, often attracting crowds of hungry visitors. The skewers are available one at a time, making them easy to sample while exploring the shrine approach.
Two common varieties are offered: skewers served with a savory miso-based sauce and those accompanied by a tangy dipping sauce. Visitors can also enjoy doteni, making it easy to experience several local flavors during a single visit.
With its lively street-food culture, traditional shopping street, and welcoming atmosphere, the area around Chiyoho Inari Shrine is an excellent destination for travelers who want to combine a visit to a popular place of worship with a taste of Gifu’s local cuisine.