Kakamigahara Kimchi Hot Pot is a local specialty from Kakamigahara City in Gifu Prefecture, inspired by the city’s friendship with Chuncheon, South Korea. Kakamigahara and Chuncheon established a sister-city relationship in 2003, fostering cultural exchange between the two communities.
In the winter of 2004, an event was held to celebrate the first anniversary of the sister-city relationship. During the event, handmade kimchi prepared by Korean residents of Japan became extremely popular.
Recognizing the enthusiasm for this traditional Korean food, Kakamigahara City launched a community revitalization initiative centered on kimchi in 2005. The project aimed to promote the city through local food culture while strengthening its ties with South Korea.
One of the distinctive features of Kakamigahara Kimchi is its use of two regional ingredients: carrots, a specialty of Kakamigahara City, and pine nuts, a specialty of Chuncheon. This combination gives the kimchi a local identity while reflecting the friendship between the two cities.
More than 50 shops and restaurants throughout Kakamigahara offer Kakamigahara Kimchi and dishes made with it. Visitors can enjoy a variety of preparations inspired by authentic Korean flavors, including the warming kimchi hot pot.
The Kakamigahara Kimchi Nabe Bugyosho, a community organization whose name playfully evokes officials overseeing the preparation of hot pot, works to promote the city through Kakamigahara Kimchi Hot Pot. Its members pay close attention to the quality and preparation of the dish while helping introduce the region’s food culture to a wider audience.
For visitors to Gifu Prefecture, trying this spicy, comforting hot pot offers more than a satisfying meal. It is also a chance to experience how local ingredients, international friendship, and community pride have come together in a distinctive regional specialty.