Botan nabe (boar meat hot pot)

In mountainous regions, "botan nabe," a hot pot using boar meat, has long been enjoyed as a seasonal dish in winter. It came to be called "botan" (peony) hot pot since boar meat pieces are arranged on a plate like a peony flower before being put into the pot. The sweetness of the boar meat fat and the richness of the meat highly enhance the taste of ingredients boiled in the pot. The prefecture has designated the meat of wild birds and animals as "gibier" and a prefectural brand called the "delicacies of forests". Staff are taking initiatives to popularize these local products.