Keichan is a hearty local dish from the Gujo and Hida areas of Gifu, consisting of chicken marinated in a savoury sauce, usually miso-based but sometimes soy or salt, then grilled together with cabbage and other vegetables on a hot plate, frequently cooked at the table. Originally a home-style farmhouse dish, its bold, garlicky-miso flavour and satisfying, communal cooking style have made it a beloved regional comfort food, served at restaurants and sold as marinated packs to cook at home.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Gujo and Hida areas, Gifu |
| Hours | Restaurant hours vary |
| Admission | Typically ¥1,000–1,800 |
| Time needed | 45–60 min for a meal |
| Best time | Year-round |
What to Try
- Keichan, chicken marinated in savoury miso and grilled.
- Grilled together with cabbage and vegetables on a hot plate.
- The bold, garlicky-miso flavour, often cooked at the table.
- A home-style farmhouse dish turned beloved comfort food.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Gujo Hachiman water town.
- Pair with Hida Beef for a fuller meat-lover’s tour.
- Read our Gifu overview .
Getting There
- By train: restaurants around Gujo-Hachiman and the Hida region.
- By car: offers flexibility for reaching specialist restaurants and farm shops.
Tips
Keichan is often cooked at the table on a hot plate, making it a fun, communal meal to share, and its bold miso-garlic flavour pairs well with rice or a cold drink. Marinated packs are sold at local shops for those who want to cook it at home, making a practical, distinctly local souvenir.
