Tōno Jingisukan (Grilled lamb with dipping sauce)
The secret is in the special sauce—Tōno’s soul food, Tōno Jingisukan

About Tōno Jingisukan (Grilled lamb with dipping sauce)

Tōno Jingisukan, a specialty of Tōno City in Iwate Prefecture, is a local dish made with lamb and beloved by visitors and residents alike. Its story began in 1947, after the war, when Umekichi Abe returned from Manchuria and introduced people to the appeal of lamb dishes. This gave rise to Tōno’s distinctive jingisukan culture. Sheep were mainly raised for their wool in the area, but lamb gradually became part of the local food culture. Today, Tōno-style jingisukan is known throughout Japan.

The defining feature of Tōno Jingisukan is its dipping-sauce style. While lamb for jingisukan is commonly marinated before grilling, in Tōno it is usually grilled first and then dipped in a special sauce. This lets you savor the natural flavor of the meat.

The sauce is a special soy sauce-based blend with garlic and ginger, and pairs exceptionally well with freshly grilled lamb. As the meat cooks in the center of the jingisukan grill, its juices run into the vegetables arranged around the edges, adding depth of flavor.

In Tōno City, you can enjoy authentic jingisukan at specialty restaurants such as Jingisukan Ambe and Jingisukan House Tōno Shokuniku Center. For outdoor dining, a distinctive style called bucket jingisukan is also popular: a jingisukan grill is placed on a tin bucket and used for cooking.

Lamb is high in protein and low in fat, and contains iron and B vitamins. It is also noted for its L-carnitine content and is considered suitable for preventing anemia and for weight loss, as well as a food that may help promote fat burning.

Dry sake made locally in Tōno pairs well with jingisukan. Its clean finish brings out the richness of the lamb and leaves a refreshing aftertaste.

Tōno is a beautiful rural town surrounded by the landscapes of Japan’s countryside. Sharing a jingisukan meal with family or friends amid its rich natural surroundings is a truly special experience. Enjoying bucket jingisukan beneath the stars, with the sound of a nearby stream, can make a memorable part of a trip.

When you visit Tōno, be sure to try this local specialty, Tōno Jingisukan.

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