What is Okaribayaki ?
It is called "Okariba-yaki" because it is "grilled and eaten" in the "hunting grounds."
In Semboku City, various stores offer a variety of Onkariba-yaki dishes.
Here is a list of stores where you can eat Okaribayaki.
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The history of Okaribayaki
Over 300 years ago, the Satake clan, lords of Kakunodate Castle, ruled over Kakunodate and the entire Kitaura region.
According to the 21st head of the Satake clan, during times of calm, he would lead his retainers on hunting expeditions to areas he governed, including present-day Semboku City, Misato Town, and Daisen City.
At that time, falconry was mainly carried out using falconers, and birds such as ducks and pheasants were often hunted.
The ducks and pheasants that were caught would be butchered on the spot, grilled with Japanese pepper miso, and enjoyed as part of a holiday meal, and banquets would also be held.
Apparently, they sometimes procured seasonal vegetables from nearby farms to serve as side dishes.
The first head of the Satake Northern family was from the Takakura family, an aristocratic family of Kyoto, and the wife of the second head was a daughter of the Sanjonishi family, so they lived a life based on the broad and deep aristocratic culture.
When we look at ancient documents, we learn that people appreciated the changing seasons through food, enjoying the wild vegetables they had in their domains, what they caught by hunting, and delicacies from the mountains and the sea.
This food culture of the Satake Kita family spread to townspeople and rural areas, and local cuisine was cultivated.
From the stories of these heads of the family, "Okariba Okaribayaki," was revived in modern times.
Sake that goes Okaribayaki
Now on sale at stores in Semboku City! 
Sake that goes Okaribayaki
Junmai Ginjo Sake (photo left)
Junmai sake (photo right)
Beer that goes Okaribayaki
Rich Alto (photo left)
Refreshing Pilsner (photo right)
Approved by the head of the Satake Kita family!
It is with great pleasure that the traditional taste of this family has been revived in modern times as "Okaribayaki" and is served in restaurants in Kakunodate Town.
Currently, there are 17 stores, each selling their own unique version of Okaribayaki.
In the townscape around Kakunodate Castle, be sure to try Kakunodate's new specialty, "Okaribayaki," while imagining what life was like back then.
