Kokonoe Mirin: Discover the Wonders of Mirin, a Must-Have in Japanese Cooking

Have you ever savored the distinctive caramel-like glaze and natural sweetness of Japanese grilled dishes like teriyaki chicken and wondered how they're achieved?

The secret often lies in mirin, a sweet rice-based cooking ingredient. This seasoning, along with soy sauce and cooking sake, is a staple in many Japanese households.

Hekinan, a city in Aichi Prefecture, is well-known for its mirin production, home to four distinct manufacturers. Among them, Kokonoe Mirin holds a special place as the originator of Mikawa mirin, boasting a history that spans over 250 years.

At Kokonoe Mirin, you can delve into the history and production process of mirin through a guided factory tour. Afterwards, at their on-site cafe restaurant K-AN, you can experience firsthand the remarkable qualities of this versatile ingredient by sampling delicious dishes and desserts made with mirin.

What Is Mirin? Brief History of Kokonoe Mirin

Mirin is made by adding shochu (distilled liquor) and rice malt, which has been inoculated with koji mold (Aspergillus oryzae), to steamed glutinous rice and non-glutinous rice, and then allowing the mixture to mature for over six months, resulting in its characteristic flavor and umami.

Basic ingredients of mirin. Picture courtesy of Kokonoe Mirin

Hon-mirin has an alcohol content of around 14%.

Mirin is a versatile ingredient used in many Japanese dishes, ranging from simmered cuisine to fried meat, seafood, and vegetables. Its natural sweetness, derived from the glutinous rice, not only enhances the overall sweetness of the dish but also creates a beautiful caramel-like glaze that makes the food visually appealing and appetizing. The alcohol content in mirin helps to eliminate any undesirable odors from meat and seafood, thereby enhancing their inherent flavors.

Established in 1772 by Ishikawa Hachiroemon Nobuatsu, who owned a shipping agency in what is now Hekinan City, Kokonoe Mirin has been dedicated to the art of mirin making since its inception.

For many generations since 250 years ago, Kokonoe Mirin has upheld a tradition of quality, employing time-honored brewing methods. They carefully select the finest glutinous rice, ideal for producing hon-mirin, and use rice malt crafted with the expertise of seasoned brewers. Their shochu is meticulously distilled using techniques akin to sake production, ensuring the highest quality in every bottle.

Picture courtesy of Kokonoe Mirin

Kokonoe Sakura, their flagship hon-mirin, has been crafted since the factory's founding in 1772 and has earned numerous awards for its exceptional quality. The continuous production of this mirin has allowed for the refinement of inherited techniques, always striving for perfection.

Fascinating Discoveries Await! Join a Factory Tour at Kokonoe Mirin

Picture courtesy of Kokonoe Mirin

To truly understand the art of mirin making and the intertwined history of Kokonoe Mirin and Hekinan City, a factory tour is highly recommended.

The tour begins with an explanation of the mirin-making process using informative illustrated panels. Through a viewing window, you can observe the staff at work inside the factory.

*Please note that there may be times when no work is being conducted during your visit.

As a hands-on experience, you'll even have the opportunity to lift a sample bag of the moromi mixture before it's pressed to extract the mirin, giving you a sense of its weight. After pressing, the resulting liquid becomes mirin.

Mirin lees, a byproduct, contains proteins that act like resistant starch, a type of dietary fiber beneficial for gut health. This sweet residue is often used in pickles and was reportedly a substitute for sweets during the Edo period.

This part of the tour highlights the precision required to balance the ingredients for mirin production and the high level of skill needed to handle the koji mold, which is essential for the fermentation process. You'll also gain an appreciation for the significant manpower involved in these traditional techniques.

The next part of the tour leads you to the Kokonoe Mirin Jidaikan (Kokonoe Mirin History Hall), an exhibition room showcasing the company's rich heritage. Here, you'll find a fascinating array of artifacts, from tools and containers used in mirin production during the Edo period (1603-1868) to historical maps and documents.

One notable map illustrates the Mikawa region during the Edo period, revealing its connection via water routes along Mikawa Bay to Edo, the de facto capital of Japan at the time. These very waterways inspired Kokonoe Mirin's founder to begin producing mirin for sale in the bustling city of Edo.

Also on display are impressive certificates recognizing Kokonoe Mirin's participation in World Exhibitions held in Paris and London in the late 19th century. During this era, mirin was enjoyed as a liqueur, and one can easily imagine its delicate sweetness and aroma captivating people abroad.

The knowledgeable staff at Kokonoe Mirin are available to explain the significance of any object that sparks your curiosity. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to delve into Japanese history through the perspective of mirin manufacturing.

Finally, the tour takes you outside to view the expansive warehouse where the mirin tanks are stored. This distinctive structure, with its black painted walls, was built over 300 years ago and holds the prestigious designation of an Important Cultural Asset of Japan.

During the Edo period, the seashore extended right to the warehouse foundations, allowing for direct shipment of mirin containers onto boats that traveled out from Mikawa Bay. Evidence of this maritime past can still be seen in the seawater marks on the foundations!

This historic warehouse has been meticulously preserved and renovated over the centuries and remains an integral part of Kokonoe Mirin's enduring legacy.

Taste Mirin in Japanese Cuisine and Sweets at Restaurant & Cafe K-AN

Located next to the Kokonoe Mirin factory is Restaurant & Cafe K-AN. With its elegant ambiance and beautiful wooden interior, K-AN offers a delightful setting to relax and savor exquisite Japanese cuisine.

It operates as a restaurant during lunchtime, from 11:00 to 14:00, and as a cafe in the afternoon, from 14:00 to 17:00.

Moromi-Grilled Fish Gozen set. Picture courtesy of Kokonoe Mirin

The lunch menu features delectable options such as the Mirin Kakuni (braised pork) Gozen set, richly flavored with generous amounts of Kokonoe Sakura hon mirin. Another highlight is the Moromi-Grilled Fish Gozen set, showcasing fish grilled in moromi, the fermented rice mash left after the mirin is pressed.

For younger diners, there's a special children's lunch set with spaghetti and other kid-friendly side dishes.

For a truly special occasion, the luxurious K-AN Omotenashi Gozen includes both the braised pork and the moromi-grilled fish.

Mikawa Pudding. Picture courtesy of Kokonoe Mirin

The dessert menu at K-AN offers exquisite treats such as the Mikawa Pudding, a sweet and smooth delight made with mirin and served with a rich, caramel-like sauce created by simmering mirin. Its delicate sweetness and smooth texture are sure to leave a lasting impression!

We also highly recommend the Cheesecake with Mirin Lees. This soft and creamy dessert allows you to appreciate how the lees enhance the cheese's aroma. The natural sweetness of the mirin lees provides just the right touch of sweetness to this delightful cheesecake, making it a perfect accompaniment to coffee or black tea.

Mirin miso caramel soft cream DX. Picture courtesy of Kokonoe Mirin

K-AN also offers a selection of parfaits featuring mirin ice cream combined with fresh seasonal fruits, coffee jelly, and other delightful ingredients. Keep an eye out for the cafe's seasonal desserts, available for a limited time, for an extra treat.

Dining at K-AN provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the versatility of mirin. Experiencing its nuanced flavors in these dishes will undoubtedly inspire you to incorporate this ingredient into your own culinary creations.

Shop for Kokonoe Mirin Products

Adjacent to Restaurant & Cafe K-AN is the Kokonoe Mirin souvenir shop. Here, you can purchase their renowned mirin products, including Kokonoe Sakura, the classic variety cherished for centuries. You'll also find other types of mirin, such as versions that were aged three years, boasting an even richer color and deeper flavor.

The shop also offers a variety of products made with mirin, including sweet snacks, baumkuchen, and salad dressings, as well as other unique items. For those who enjoy home cooking, mirin lees, perfect for making pickles, are also available.

Many of the Kokonoe Mirin products come in elegant packaging, making them ideal gifts for friends and colleagues.

In one corner of the shop, you'll find a tasting area where you can compare the distinct flavors of different types of mirin.

Near the entrance, a display of containers on the wall illustrates how the color of mirin deepens over time, highlighting the value of aged varieties.

Be sure to visit the Kokonoe Mirin shop to purchase some of their exceptional mirin products and bring the authentic taste of Japanese cuisine to your own kitchen.

Summary

As one of Japan's oldest and most respected mirin producers hailing from Aichi, Kokonoe Mirin offers a unique opportunity for those interested in Japanese cuisine. A visit to their facility provides invaluable insights into the world of mirin, culminating in a chance to savor its nuanced flavors in expertly prepared dishes at their on-site restaurant.

Conveniently located, Kokonoe Mirin is just a short 5-minute walk from Hekinan Station on the Meitetsu Line.

Kokonoe Mirin

447-8603 2-11 Hamaderacho , Hekinan City, Aichi Prefecture