Why Fujiyoshida City & Kawaguchiko Town love “Basashi” | Raw Horse Meat Sashimi

Hi, it’s Daichi from KOKO Journey!

When you visit the Mt. Fuji area, you probably expect beautiful lakes, shrines, and amazing Mt.Fuji view.
But here’s also something that might surprise you:

Fujiyoshida City and Kawaguchiko Town have a long-standing horse meat food culture.

Yes — horse meat.

It may sound unexpected, but this tradition has deep historical roots connected to Mt. Fuji itself.

What is “Basashi”?

Basashi (“馬刺し” in Japanese Characters) is raw horse meat sashimi, thinly sliced and served chilled.

It is typically eaten with:

• Soy sauce
• Grated ginger or garlic
• Finely sliced green onions

The taste is surprisingly mild and slightly sweet, with a clean, lean texture. Many first-time visitors say it is more delicate than beef and less “gamey” than they expected.

In Japan, Basashi is carefully handled and served according to strict hygiene standards, and it is considered a delicacy in certain regions — including parts of Yamanashi, Fujiyoshida.

If you are open to trying something unique and truly local, Basashi is one of the most authentic food experiences you can have near Mt. Fuji.

I like Basashi very much that I always keep plenty in my freezer so I can enjoy it anytime.

Mt. Fuji Climbers and Horses

Fujiyoshida City has long been a gateway town for climbing Mt. Fuji.

In the past, before modern transportation, large numbers of pilgrims and climbers visited the mountain every year. To carry supplies, luggage, and goods up the steep trails, many horses were raised in the area.

Because horses were commonly kept for transporting climbers’ belongings, horse meat became relatively affordable and accessible. Over time, this led to the development of a local horse meat food culture in Fujiyoshida.

Today, that tradition continues — not only as basashi (raw horse sashimi), but also in everyday local dishes.

Yoshida Udon Often Includes Horse Meat (Not Basashi)

One of the best examples of this culture is Yoshida Udon, the local noodle specialty of Fujiyoshida.

In many Yoshida Udon shops, you will find horse meat as a topping.

However, this is not basashi (raw horse sashimi). It is usually simmered horse meat, cooked in a slightly sweet soy-based sauce, and served on top of thick, chewy udon noodles.

The rich, slightly sweet flavor of the meat pairs perfectly with the firm texture of Yoshida Udon — creating a truly local taste of Mt. Fuji.

So even if you are not ready to try raw basashi, you can still experience horse meat in a more approachable way.

Where You Can Try Horse Meat in Fujiyoshida

If you are visiting the Fuji Five Lakes area (Lake Kawaguchi, Fujiyoshida City), you have several options:

Yes! from a vending machine.

It’s a uniquely Japanese experience: 24-hour access to a local specialty at the foot of Mt. Fuji.

＼This is the one.／