[Ibaraki/Ishioka] I Never Knew My First Wild Boar Hot Pot Would Be This Delicious! Yasato's Famous Shishi-nabe at "Hourokuya"
The evening after exploring Fukuroda Falls, we headed out to try "wild boar hot pot", something I'd wanted to eat for a long time.
We visited a spot located in the Yasato district of Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture,
"Inaka no Aji Hourokuya" (Taste of the Countryside Hourokuya).
In Yasato, "shishi-nabe" is a famous regional dish that makes use of wild boars caught in the local woodlands as part of the area's food culture.
This is a popular restaurant where you can enjoy that very shishi-nabe.
Step inside, and you're greeted by a traditional sunken hearth and antique furnishings, creating an atmosphere that feels exactly like "rural Japan."
Then came my very first wild boar hot pot.
Honestly, before trying it, I was wondering,
"Will wild boar meat be tough? Will it have a strong gamey smell?"
but I couldn't have been more wrong...
I was completely surprised when I took a bite!
I barely tasted any of the gaminess or odor I had imagined. Instead, the savory flavor of the meat expanded in my mouth the more I chewed.
It has a slightly bolder taste than pork, but the fat isn't greasy, making it incredibly easy to eat.
It pairs perfectly with the rich, miso-based soup, and even though it was my first time eating wild boar, I instantly thought, "This is delicious!"
The hot pot was also loaded with so many vegetables that the meat was completely hidden beneath them.
When I first saw it, I thought,
"Can we actually finish all this!?" 😂
But once they simmer, the vegetables soften up, and when infused with the wild boar's umami and savory broth, you find yourself eating them surprisingly fast.
This is a true taste of Yasato that I want people to try at least once, even if they're a bit hesitant about game meat.
Also, the owner left just as lasting an impression on me as the food 😊.
He was incredibly kind and talkative, sharing all sorts of stories with us—like how wild boar hot pot has changed over the years and the history behind his restaurant.
It's not just the delicious food; encounters and conversations like these on a trip are what truly make lasting memories ✨.
I'm so glad I had my first wild boar hot pot here.
It’s a Yasato specialty that everyone should experience at least once 😊.
This restaurant offered a wonderful, travel-defining time, not only through its cuisine but also through its cozy atmosphere and engaging conversation with the owner ✨.
I highly recommend extending your trip from Fukuroda Falls just a bit to savor this local Ibaraki delicacy ✨. Be sure to combine it with your visit to Fukuroda Falls 😊.
📍 Inaka no Aji Hourokuya
935-1 Omi, Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture
☎️ 0299-44-3471
Shishi-nabe requires a minimum of 2 servings; advance reservations are recommended.
According to the 2025–2026 Yasato Shishi-Nabe Map,
it is priced at 2,700 yen per serving.
Currently, the official Tourism Ibaraki website lists the shishi-nabe season as running from November 15 to March 15.
Please note that contents, pricing, and serving periods may change, so it's best to confirm when booking.