Did you know there's a tofu in Naganuma Town, Yubari District, that's been causing quite a stir? It's sold at Naganuma Onsen and is called "Gensen Tofu." It's said to be incredibly high in sugar content, making it surprisingly sweet and rich. I visited Naganuma Town in search of this intriguing tofu.

Naganuma Town is a major producer of soybeans, so much so that it once boasted the largest harvest in Japan. Furthermore, Naganuma Onsen has one of the highest outputs of hot spring water in Hokkaido, a land famous for its onsen. Gensen Tofu is the delicious result of combining these two local treasures: soybeans and onsen water.

Believe it or not, the secret ingredient added to the soy milk is the natural spring water from Naganuma Onsen. The salt content of this highly saline spring water enhances the natural sweetness of the soybeans, creating a uniquely rich flavor. When you go to buy some, you'll definitely want to pick up the basics: the "Momen" (firm) and the "Chokinu" (extra silken).
The photo above is the Momen tofu. You can almost see its dense, satisfying texture and the strong soybean flavor just by looking at it. On the other hand, the Chokinu, whose name implies it's "silkier than silk," has a delightfully smooth texture that will make you swoon.
For true tofu lovers, I recommend the "Yose-dofu" (large size) and the "Taberu Tonyu" (Edible Soy Milk).
The Yose-dofu has an even more concentrated soybean sweetness, and its rich soy flavor is simply irresistible. Once you experience this deep richness, other tofu might just not satisfy you anymore!
As for the Taberu Tonyu, you'll first be amazed by its new, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It's truly a product worthy of the name "Edible Soy Milk." I've heard that some people even enjoy it as a dessert by drizzling it with brown sugar syrup or honey.
Let me also introduce a more unusual item. It's called "The Shio-en," a product made by further draining water from Gensen Tofu using the osmotic pressure of salt.
This one has a completely different texture from the Edible Soy Milk. It crumbles in your mouth, making it perfect as a snack on its own or as a topping for salads. It comes in two varieties: "Momen" (firm) and "Kinu" (silken).
And we can't forget the "Te-age" (hand-fried tofu). The dough is made by hand and then carefully deep-fried twice, so there's no way it isn't delicious!
The best way to enjoy this plump, rounded Te-age is to toast it until crispy and eat it with ginger and soy sauce. ...But the idea of putting it in a stew to soak up all the juices for a succulent bite is also hard to resist!
Furthermore, when you eat any of the tofu or fried tofu products I've introduced, I highly recommend pairing them with the special "Dashi Shoyu" (dashi-flavored soy sauce). This slightly sweet soy sauce is an amazing match for the Gensen Tofu. I'm not kidding, it elevates the deliciousness by one or two levels, so be sure to give it a try.
These products can be purchased in Naganuma at the Naganuma Onsen gift shop or at the Michi-no-Eki "Maoi no Oka Park." Even if you're not a big fan of tofu, I'm sure you'll be surprised by the deliciousness of Gensen Tofu and it will bring a smile to your face!

They are all highly recommended, so take your time and have fun choosing.

＜取材協力＞
ながぬま とうふ工房
所在地：北海道夕張郡長沼町東６線北４番地
電話：0123-76-9102
公式サイト：http://www.nitto-sougyou.co.jp/naganuma/gensen-tofu/