At Nishinomiya Shrine’s Toka Ebisu festival, all kinds of food stalls appear every year, but this year, incredibly, “legendary black pork” has come all the way from Amami Oshima. Even better, it’s said to be a special black pork raised on sake lees from Nishinomiya, so you definitely won’t want to miss it.
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How to Get Around the Shrine Grounds and the Full Shrine Visit Route
If you’re visiting the shrine, use this map as a reference↓
After paying your respects at the Ebessan main shrine, head toward the exit on the left side as you face the main hall. If you keep going, the route will take you past all of the following shrines.
Hyakudayu Shrine: A historic shrine dedicated to the deity of puppeteers. For those wishing to improve or succeed in the performing arts
Okuninushi Nishi Shrine: Enshrines the deities of medicine, Onamuchi-no-Mikoto and Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto. For those praying for health and medical care
Oki Ebisu Shrine: A shrine dedicated to the rough, powerful Ebisu deity known as “Araebisu-san.” For those wishing for a fresh start or change
Nangu Shrine: An ancient shrine connected to Hirota Shrine. For those praying for good luck in competition and better fortune
Along this route, you can also stop by the Amami Oshima food stall on the way〜
This Is the Famous Amami “Legendary Black Pork”
Here it is, the much-talked-about “legendary black pork” booth!
At this Amami Oshima booth, appearing here for the first time, you can try black pork raised on sake lees from Nishinomiya!
The savory aroma of grilling black pork filled the shrine approach, and plenty of visitors stopped in their tracks saying, “That smells so good!”
Grilled salted pork↓
Just from the look of it, this legendary black pork! grilled salted pork (1,000 yen) looks incredibly juicy.
It’s finished with Amami salt, and the more you chew, the more the umami spreads.
The black pigs raised on sake lees from Nishinomiya grow over 11 months, and thanks to their improved gut health, the gamey smell is said to disappear. That’s where the sweetness and umami come from! So that’s the secret behind the “legendary black pork.” Apparently, only a small amount can be produced, so it almost never makes it to the market… which means now is your chance!
And then this made us look twice↓
This is the smoked tartar fried horse mackerel loaded with green onions (1,000 yen).
The green onions are crisp and fresh. The fried horse mackerel is thick and fluffy! There’s no fishy taste at all, and the smoked tartar sauce is so good you could eat it on its own. The tartar is packed with chunky ingredients, and it’s guaranteed to be addictive.
They also have rare brown sugar shochu “Ryugu”↓
Amami Oshima’s brown sugar shochu “Ryugu” is an ultra-rare find that’s not often available in Kansai.
They also offer a set with shochu mixed with hot water and your choice of one of three snacks (1,000 yen). The smoked nuts are said to be rich in flavor and irresistible for shochu lovers.
A Chance to Get Half Off by Playing Rock-Paper-Scissors with the Owner?!
At this stall, you can taste black pork raised by Mr. Niino of “Amami Meat,” who came from Amami Oshima. PayPay is accepted, too. Plus, if you say “I saw it on Nishitsu,” you’ll get 200 yen off, and if you beat the owner at rock-paper-scissors… you might even get half off?! You’ve got to test your luck!
Finally
When you visit Toka Ebisu, bring your bamboo branch and be sure to try these amazing Amami Oshima specialties. Warm yourself up with the legendary black pork, smoked tartar fried horse mackerel, and brown sugar shochu “Ryugu,” and pick up some good fortune while you’re at it〜
