Experience Basashi—Horse Sashimi, Also Known as “Sakura Meat” (Cherry Blossom Meat): A Local Guide’s Introduction！

0. Intrigued? Give it a try and discover a flavor even Wagyu can’t match

Welcome to a clear and captivating introduction to Basashi—horse sashimi, a traditional Japanese delicacy made from raw horse meat. High in protein, low in fat and calories, and rich in minerals like iron, horse meat has been enjoyed for centuries as a nourishing tonic.

With its vibrant reddish-pink hue, horse meat is poetically called “sakura meat,” or cherry blossom meat. Curious why it shares a name with Japan’s most cherished flower? Just one bite may open up a whole new window into Japanese culture—through taste.

If this description has piqued your interest, why not give this one-of-a-kind dish a try? As local guides, we’re excited to introduce you to a truly unforgettable side of Japanese cuisine.

1. Does This Intrigue You?

For those unfamiliar with this traditional dish, here’s a brief yet flavorful introduction to the fascinating world of basashi—horse sashimi. Known for its unique tenderness and subtle sweetness—qualities that even premium fish and top-grade Wagyu beef can’t quite match—this culinary experience might just pique your curiosity.

1.1 A Unique Tenderness & Sweetness Unlike Fish or Wagyu Beef

• This is called basashi—horse sashimi—a traditional Japanese dish made from raw horse meat, typically eaten in regions where horses were raised. It’s usually served with thinly sliced onion, grated ginger, garlic, and other garnishes, and enjoyed with sweet soy sauce for dipping. Its unique tenderness and subtle sweetness, unmatched even by premium fish or high-grade Wagyu beef, may become the most unforgettable flavor of your visit to Japan.
• 👉 Comment:To begin, we’re introducing basashi using a classic approach that emphasizes its sensory appeal—especially its taste.

1.2 A Low-Fat, Low-Calorie Tonic for Travel Fatigue?

• Basashi, or horse sashimi, is a popular dish among drinkers—thinly sliced raw horse meat served on a plate, typically enjoyed with your favorite soy sauce and condiments, much like raw fish sashimi. High in protein, low in fat and calories, and rich in minerals like iron, horse meat has been consumed for centuries as a nutritious tonic. It’s a delicious way to pair bold flavors with sake while recharging your energy after a long day of exploring Japan.
• 👉 Comment:This section’s for health-conscious travelers and sake enthusiasts like you. Craving clean energy and bold flavor in one bite? You’re not dreaming—it’s basashi.

２．Do the following messages convince you?

If the previous section didn’t capture your interest, fear not! I’ve delved deeper into each theme. If any of these messages intrigue you, please give it a try again!

2.1 Architecture and Craftsmanship

👉Beware of Horse Meat While Admiring Traditional Architecture?

• In many areas where horse sashimi is served, you’ll still find well-preserved castles and samurai-era streets. After strolling through these historic sights and taking in the traditional architecture with your eyes, you can savor horse sashimi with your taste buds at a local tavern. Some of these taverns are even housed in traditional buildings themselves, offering not only delicious basashi but also a feast for the eyes with their intricate, artisan-crafted interiors. Just be careful—don’t let the beautiful decor distract you from the exquisite flavors on your plate!
• 👉 Comment:Curious where to go? Try searching for Kumamoto, Matsumoto, Takayama, or Fukushima—they’re known for both scenic charm and mouthwatering basashi.

2.2 Fashion

👉Should You Bring a Dark-Colored Handkerchief for Horse Sashimi? Absolutely. Here’s Why.

• If the restaurant serving horse sashimi is housed in a converted traditional home, it’s the perfect chance to snap photos with a uniquely Japanese atmosphere. Surrounded by elements like shoji screens, paper lanterns, and lacquerware, you can play with a variety of aesthetic patterns and compositions. But don’t get too caught up in the photo ops—watch out for soy sauce drips from the basashi! To enjoy the full experience without worry, bringing a dark handkerchief might be a smart move.
• 👉Comment:This isn’t theory. Many of us local guides have learned this the hard way. Trust us—nothing ruins a perfectly curated aesthetic like a glossy soy streak.

2.3 Art

👉Is Your Artistic Eye Getting in the Way of Your Appetite?

• The artful presentation of horse sashimi on the plate evokes a distinctly Japanese aesthetic, reminiscent of ikebana flower arrangements or suiboku-ga ink paintings. The contrast between the deep red of the meat and white marbling, set against the vibrant greens and yellows of condiments like shiso leaves, green onions, ginger, and garlic, creates a composition that resembles a painting—carefully balanced atop a thoughtfully chosen plate. And yet, this visual harmony may stir a delicious dilemma within you: the desire to preserve its beauty clashing with the irresistible urge to savor it!
• 👉 Comment:If you find yourself staring at the photos in this blog thinking, “It’s too beautiful to eat!”—congratulations. You’ve got an artistic spirit entirely deserving of tasting it. But seriously, no screen does it justice. Come see it in person.

2.4 Food

👉 Basashi: Not Just for Gourmet Bragging Rights?

• Horse sashimi is also a great option for those who are sensitive to the raw smell of fish, as it’s known for having virtually no odor. Among the most popular cuts are marbled varieties like loin, and lean cuts like fillet and thigh, prized for their delicate tenderness and sweetness reminiscent of premium tuna. One particularly distinctive part is the subcutaneous fat from beneath the mane—known as ‘cornet’—which has a surprisingly crisp texture that defies its fatty nature and has earned a devoted following. For a gourmet experience, some connoisseurs recommend layering the cornet with lean red meat to amplify the flavor. Just keep in mind: the taste may double, but so does the price!
• 👉 Comment:You could say cornet is simply “fat under the neck.” But don’t worry—it won’t become your neck fat bottleneck. This indulgence doesn’t judge.

2.5 The Japanese

👉 What Does Horse Sashimi Have in Common with Japan’s Beloved “Sakura”?

• Horse meat, with its vivid reddish-pink hue, is poetically known as ‘sakura meat’—cherry blossom meat. However, it’s also said that this elegant name was originally a kind of coded language that emerged in pre-modern Japan, when meat consumption was taboo for over a thousand years due to Buddhist influence. Other examples of such euphemisms include wild boar as ‘mountain whale,’ deer as ‘maple leaf,’ and chicken as ‘kashiwa’—oak leaf. But aren’t you curious what horse meat tastes like, to have earned a name inspired by Japan’s most beloved flower? With just one bite, you might find yourself understanding Japanese culture in an entirely new, flavorful way.
• 👉 Comment:Perhaps there’s another reason it’s called sakura meat—like the blossoms, it’s best enjoyed in its short window of peak freshness. So come while it’s in full bloom! Miss it, and you’ll have to wait another season.

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Thank you & Afterwards

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