Horse Sashimi
Did you know the Japanese eat raw horse meat Sashimi? It is not a common dish and there are few restaurants that specialize in horse only even away from the famous horse-meat area of Kumamoto, Kyushu. You won’t find horse meat in the supermarket, but even in Tokyo there are places to try it out. Sometimes a general Japanese Izakaya (pub) will have it on the menu.
| The Good | The Not-So Good |
| Taste and texture is unique | Fairly expensive |
| Raw or cooked, either is fine | It’s horse-meat?!?! |
“When Japan” has been to this restaurant in Tokyo and found the quality of the meat high. You can just order a set course for ¥5,000 or ¥5,500 yen that is better than ordering single items. “Basashi” should be eaten with soy sauce and is fairly lean meat, depending on the cut, so you can eat your fill without feeling sick (unlike Wagyu Steak).
Of course, the best place to go is where the horses are bred – Kumamoto, Kyushu. Specifically, Aso City, located in the center of the Aso Caldera. Here you can find some places to buy fresh horse meat (although as a tourist why would you?).
