Akita Natto-jiru

At a glance

NameAkita Natto-jiru (Natto-jiru)
PrefectureAkita
RegionHokkaido & Tohoku
TypeWinter miso soup thickened with ground fermented soybeans

What is it?

Natto-jiru dissolves finely ground natto into miso soup with tofu, wild vegetables, mushrooms and other preserved winter ingredients, creating a thick, deeply savory bowl.

History and local context

Known in Akita and other parts of Tohoku, it supplied warmth and protein during the snowy season by combining fermented soybeans with foods kept from earlier harvests.

How to enjoy it

Add the ground natto near the end and heat gently rather than boiling hard, then eat the soup hot with rice while its aroma and viscosity are pronounced.

Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Akita Natto-jiru from?

It is associated with Akita, in the Hokkaido & Tohoku region of Japan.

What kind of food is Akita Natto-jiru?

This guide classifies it as winter miso soup thickened with ground fermented soybeans. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.

Can I order Akita Natto-jiru online?

Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.

Order from Japan

Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.

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