Basashi (Thinly sliced raw horse meat)
A deeply savory Yamanashi specialty shaped by Kai’s history

About Basashi (Thinly sliced raw horse meat)

Basashi, a local dish of Yamanashi Prefecture, is a specialty shaped by the region’s long history and local culture. During the ritsuryō era, Yamanashi was known as the “land of tribute horses” (Kume no Kuni), and horses were presented to the nobility. “Kai no Kurokoma,” a fine black horse from Kai, was admired by aristocrats. Horses were also raised in large numbers to carry supplies for climbers making pilgrimages to Mount Fuji, and horse meat dishes came to be enjoyed as everyday fare. Against this background, basashi became deeply rooted in Yamanashi’s food culture.

Basashi is a simple dish of fresh horse meat sliced thin and served with soy sauce and condiments such as grated ginger, grated garlic, and green onions. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, rich fat offer a distinctive flavor unlike other meat dishes. Horse meat is also high in protein and low in calories, and contains abundant iron, vitamins, and minerals, making it a suitable ingredient for health-conscious diners.

A slightly dry sake from Yamanashi pairs well with basashi. It brings out the savory flavor of the horse meat and helps balance the meal.

When visiting Yamanashi, be sure to enjoy the local pairing of basashi and sake.

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