[Until December 31, 2024] Only while it's in season! Taste Murakami's specialty, roe rice bowl, at the "Murakami Roe Rice Bowl Festival"!!

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"Harako" is the local dialect for salmon roe in Murakami, Niigata Prefecture. In Murakami, salmon roe is soaked in soy sauce and eaten over rice. Come to this event to try this delicious treat, only available now when salmon roe are available.

Written by

Murakami City Tourism Association

Murakami City, located at the northern tip of Niigata Prefecture, has a townscape full of historical atmosphere centered around the ruins of Murakami Castle, as well as the scenic beauty of the Sasagawa Nagare, which boasts a splendid seascape, mountains, rivers, and countryside that bring bountiful blessings, and Senami facing the Sea of Japan. You can spend quality time relaxing in the hot springs while watching the sunset. There are many delicious dishes that can only be tasted in Murakami, such as salmon dishes such as ``salted salmon'', Murakami beef, and Koshihikari rice from Iwafune. We will introduce you to the charms of Murakami, a city of history, tradition, rich nature, and gourmet food.

Table of Contents
Murakame City and Salmon
What is "Harakodon"?
How to enjoy the event
Murakami Harakodon Festival 2024

Murakame City and Salmon

Salmon fishing has been popular in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture since ancient times, and salmon fishing takes place in various rivers during the salmon migration season (usually from late October to mid-December). Every part of the salmon caught is carefully eaten, and the bones, skin, and internal organs are not thrown away, and are carefully cooked and enjoyed. Among these, "harako" (salmon eggs) is a delicacy that can only be enjoyed during this salmon-catching season, and is a salmon dish that is popular with adults and children alike.

What is "Harakodon"?

In Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, salmon eggs are called "harako." When fresh harako are obtained, they are carefully loosened one by one and soaked in a pre-mixed seasoning (a mixture of soy sauce and dashi stock) to make soy sauce harako. Soy sauce harako is poured over freshly cooked rice to make "harako donburi" (a bowl of rice topped with rice cake). It is also used as a garnish for special occasions, such as ozōni. Fresh harako has no fishy smell, so it pops in your mouth, releasing only its delicious flavor.

How to enjoy the event

21 restaurants in Murakami City are participating in the "Murakami Harako Donburi Festival 2024." Shoyu Harako tastes different depending on the maker and store, so enjoy trying different varieties at different stores to find your favorite "Harako Donburi." The only time you can eat a delicious "Harako Donburi" is now (late autumn to early winter) when salmon fishing is in full swing. Please give it a try!!

Of the 21 participating stores, 14 are within walking distance from JR Murakami Station. There are also taxi and bus stops in front of the station. If you have any questions, please ask at the Murakami Station Tourist Information Center in front of JR Murakami Station.

Murakami Station Tourist Information Center "Murakami Tabinavikan"

Murakami Harakodon Festival 2024

Event period: October 20th (Sun) to December 31st (Tue), 2024

Date and time: According to the business hours and holidays of participating stores

Location: 21 participating stores in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture

Murakami Harakodon Festival 2024

Written by

Murakami City Tourism Association

Niigata

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