[2023 edition] Yamagata's autumn traditions! Let's enjoy "Imoni" at "Japan's No. 1 Imoni Festival"

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Speaking of Yamagata's autumn tradition, "Imoni party". “Imoni” is a local dish loved by the people of Yamagata prefecture. Every year in September, an event called "Japan's Best Imonikai Festival" is held, attracting many people from inside and outside the prefecture. This time, I would like to int...

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Yamagata City

Yamagata City is the prefectural capital of Yamagata Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains, the city offers beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. Famous sightseeing spots include "Zao", which is popular for its frost-covered trees and hot springs, and "Yamadera", a place related to Basho Matsuo. In terms of food culture, dishes that make use of Yamagata's abundant ingredients, such as ``Yamagata imoni'', ``cold ramen'', ``dashi'' and ``ball konjac'', have been passed down. Yamagata City has many images of such nature and history, but in fact, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants, and there are many places where you can relax. On this page, we will post recommended spots and articles to introduce the attractions of Yamagata City, such as popular spots, hidden attractions, and delicious restaurants, in more detail and in an easy-to-understand manner! (Images and videos on this page: Provided by Public Relations Division, General Affairs Department, Yamagata City)

The basic ingredients for imoni are taro, beef, konjac, green onions, etc., but the ingredients and seasonings used differ depending on the household and region. Imoni has been popular for a long time and has been established as a part of Yamagata's culture. It is also on the school lunch menu.

Japan's No. 1 Imonikai Festival

"Japan's No. 1 Imoni Festival" is a festival of "Imoni" held every year in September on the riverbed of the Mamigasaki River that flows through Yamagata City. It has been held since 1989 with the goal of disseminating the charm of Yamagata's food culture and autumn imoni party to the whole country. The cast iron large pot Nabetaro, which has supported the festival, is now in its third generation. It is made using traditional Yamagata casting techniques, and is a very large pot with a diameter of 6.5 meters and a weight of 4 tons. The appearance of cooking imoni using a “mobile crane specification machine / backhoe” that can handle this huge pot is a masterpiece.

“Japan’s Best Imoni Party Festival” Official Website: https://imoni-fes.jp/

Guinness record too!

At the "30th Japan's Best Imonikai Festival" held on September 16, 2018, 12,695 people were counted as "Most soup served in 8 hours" in 8 hours, Guinness World Records achieved.

Overview of the 35th Japan's Best Imonikai Festival

[Event name] Yamagata Specialty 35th "Japan's Best Imoni Party Festival"

[Date] September 17, 2023 (Sunday) *May be canceled in case of rain

[Location] Mamigasaki Riverbed, Yamagata City (near Sogetsu Bridge)

[Holding time] Delivery start 9:30 ~ (ends as soon as it runs out)

[Reservation ticket]

・You can use the electronic ticket service "teket".

*Tickets will end as soon as they are sold out. Please note.

・ Sales period: Until 12:00 on Saturday, September 16, 2023

[Numbered ticket on the day] One sponsorship ticket of 600 yen or more will be exchanged for one numbered ticket.

・ Numbered ticket distribution start time 8:30 ~ (ends as soon as it runs out)

[Distribution quantity (planned)] Approx. 30,000 meals

[Inquiries] Japan's No. 1 Imonikai Festival Council Secretariat TEL: 023-622-0141

summary

The sight of imoni being cooked in a 6.5-meter large pot is impressive and worth seeing. It is a spectacle that can only be seen at this event. The piping hot imoni that everyone eats while enjoying the autumn scenery on the riverbed is exceptionally delicious. Why don't you visit "Japan's No. 1 Imonikai Festival" this fall?

Image source in this article: Yamagata City Tourism Association

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Yamagata City

Yamagata

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