{"id":19070,"date":"2018-04-06T12:09:34","date_gmt":"2018-04-06T11:09:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=19070"},"modified":"2018-04-06T11:50:54","modified_gmt":"2018-04-06T10:50:54","slug":"food-drink-festivals-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2018\/04\/06\/food-drink-festivals-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 6 food and drink festivals in Japan\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F19070&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F19070\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F19070&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F19070&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F19070%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F19070\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F19070\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p>Japan stands out as a must-visit destination for so many reasons\u2026 stunning scenery, slick technology and a culture unlike any other. But for many, the biggest draw is undoubtedly the food. <!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Sushi-lovers salivate over the freshest seafood in the world, the snap-happy marvel at intricate <em>kaiseki<\/em> dishes, exquisitely presented in lacquer-ware\u2026 and the health-conscious? They can breathe a sigh of relief too &#8211; Japanese food is amongst the most nutritious in the world. Much like everything else, when it comes to cuisine, Japan has pretty much nailed it.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19087 size-medium-plus-size\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_0009-510x680.jpg\" alt=\"Food in Japan - noodles\" width=\"510\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_0009-510x680.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_0009-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_0009-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_0009-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_0009-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_0009-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_0009-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_0009-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_0009-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_0009-780x1040.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>So if you\u2019re one of those people who goes on holiday to eat\u2026 and eat\u2026 and eat, you won\u2019t be disappointed. After all, Tokyo is the city with more Michelin stars than anywhere else in the world.<\/p>\n<p>We can point you in the direction of the best restaurants in every corner of Japan, but there\u2019s only one way to know for sure that you\u2019re experiencing the best of the best\u2026 try it all of course!<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s our guide to the best 6 food and drink festivals you can visit in Japan this year.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Food and drink festivals in Japan<\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">1) Ramen Expo Osaka<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-half-width wp-image-19084\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2205-720x569.jpg\" alt=\"Food and drink festivals in Japan - ramen\" width=\"720\" height=\"569\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2205-720x569.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2205-300x237.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2205-768x606.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2205-1024x809.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2205-564x445.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2205-1200x948.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2205-900x711.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2205-1440x1137.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2205-390x308.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2205-780x616.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2205-510x403.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>One of the first things you should try when you touch down in Japan is ramen; a steaming bowl of noodles drenched in a thick, rich broth, laden with juicy meat and topped with a soft-boiled egg. Japanese comfort food at its very best.<\/p>\n<p>Whilst there\u2019s no shortage of incredible ramen restaurants to try in Tokyo (trust us &#8211; our insiders have tried and tested the very best), there are a surprising amount of variations of this simple dish. If you want to count yourself a true ramen connoisseur, there\u2019s only one place to go \u2013 the Ramen Expo in Osaka.<\/p>\n<p>Started in 2013, the festival is still in its infancy, but its popularity is increasing rapidly. Some might be dubious about an outdoor event in December, but rest assured a few warming bowls of ramen will have you nice and toasty in no time.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>When: <\/strong>Every Friday \u2013 Sunday throughout December<br \/>\n<strong>Where:<\/strong> Expo Commemoration Park, Osaka<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">2) Sapporo BeerFest<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_19081\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19081\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-19081 size-medium-plus-size\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Sapporo-Beer-Festival-e1523010622216-510x913.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"510\" height=\"913\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Sapporo-Beer-Festival-e1523010622216-510x913.jpeg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Sapporo-Beer-Festival-e1523010622216-168x300.jpeg 168w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Sapporo-Beer-Festival-e1523010622216-768x1374.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Sapporo-Beer-Festival-e1523010622216-572x1024.jpeg 572w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Sapporo-Beer-Festival-e1523010622216-315x564.jpeg 315w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Sapporo-Beer-Festival-e1523010622216-900x1611.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Sapporo-Beer-Festival-e1523010622216-720x1288.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Sapporo-Beer-Festival-e1523010622216-390x698.jpeg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Sapporo-Beer-Festival-e1523010622216-780x1396.jpeg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Sapporo-Beer-Festival-e1523010622216.jpeg 912w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19081\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>\u00a9 John Pritchard<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Hokkaido is widely (and wrongly in our opinion!) thought of as a winter destination. Indeed, Sapporo is best known for its winter snow festival; an annual extravaganza of snow and ice sculptures. But few people realise its annual summer beerfest is just as enjoyable.<\/p>\n<p>From July to August every year, Odori Koen, the park which runs through the heart of the city, is transformed into one huge beer garden for the Sapporo Summer Festival. Each of Japan\u2019s major brewers set up a bar and outdoor seating area, and an international tent provides a wide selection of brews from around the world.<\/p>\n<p>For anyone looking to enjoy a taste of Japanese urban life, there are worst places to be. Beer and sunshine \u2013 works for us!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>When:<\/strong> Mid July \u2013 Mid August 2018<br \/>\n<strong>Where:<\/strong> Odori Park, Sapporo<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">3) Saijo Sake Festival<\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19073\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ot_0001_ag-510x765.jpg\" alt=\"Sake festival taster\" width=\"350\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ot_0001_ag-510x765.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ot_0001_ag-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ot_0001_ag-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ot_0001_ag-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ot_0001_ag-376x564.jpg 376w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ot_0001_ag-1200x1800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ot_0001_ag-900x1350.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ot_0001_ag-720x1080.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ot_0001_ag-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ot_0001_ag-390x585.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/ot_0001_ag-780x1170.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>If you like a drop of the clear stuff, this is the festival for you. Sake has been produced in Saijo, near Hiroshima, since 1650 and with over 10 traditional breweries, it\u2019s renowned as one of Japan\u2019s leading sake brewing towns.<\/p>\n<p>Every October, Saijo hosts a sake festival where visitors are free to walk from brewery to brewery sampling various types at each one. On entry you are handed a tiny sake cup, which can be refilled at any of the stands\u2026 you are on holiday after all. <em>Kanpai<\/em> (cheers)!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>When:<\/strong> The second Saturday and Sunday in October<br \/>\n<strong>Where:<\/strong> Sanjo Town, nr Hiroshima<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">4) Miyajima Oyster Festival<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_19078\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19078\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-19078 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/21451958423_3de400c251_k-720x378.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"378\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/21451958423_3de400c251_k-720x378.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/21451958423_3de400c251_k-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/21451958423_3de400c251_k-768x404.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/21451958423_3de400c251_k-1024x538.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/21451958423_3de400c251_k-564x296.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/21451958423_3de400c251_k-1200x630.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/21451958423_3de400c251_k-900x473.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/21451958423_3de400c251_k-1440x757.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/21451958423_3de400c251_k-390x205.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/21451958423_3de400c251_k-780x410.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/21451958423_3de400c251_k-510x268.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/21451958423_3de400c251_k.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-19078\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>\u00a9 Andy Wilson<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Most visitors travel to Hiroshima to reflect upon the devastation caused by the atomic bomb. But after travelling to the museum and Peace Park, it\u2019s worth experiencing the vibrancy of the city today, including the impressive food scene.<\/p>\n<p><em>Okonomiyaki<\/em> (a savoury pancake) is a local speciality, but this area is also known for fresh oysters. There\u2019s an abundance of oyster farms around Miyajima Island, just off the coast of Hiroshima, and for two days every February, a festival is held in celebration of the mighty aphrodisiac.<\/p>\n<p>Not keen on raw oysters? Not to worry, amongst the offerings are oyster <em>dote nabe<\/em> (hot pots), hot oyster stews, and oyster <em>okonomiyaki<\/em> washed down with cups of hot sweet <em>amazake<\/em>. Delicious.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>When:<\/strong> 9th-10th February 2019<br \/>\n<strong>Where:<\/strong> Miyajima Pier, Miyajima<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">5) Furusato Food Festival<\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium-plus-size wp-image-19076\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_3341-510x680.jpg\" alt=\"Yatai food stall in Japan\" width=\"510\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_3341-510x680.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_3341-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_3341-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_3341-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_3341-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_3341-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_3341-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_3341-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_3341-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_3341-780x1040.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>If you are in Tokyo in March and seeking a little respite from the eager <em>sakura<\/em>-fawning crowds, you might like to check out the two-day Furasato Food Festival in Yoyogi Park.<\/p>\n<p>This festival brings together the very best of Japanese food and offers an opportunity to try a whole host of regional specialities, without leaving the city limits. Held in the Tokyo Dome there\u2019s no escaping the crowds, but with offerings ranging from sake to sashimi, and donburi to craft beer, at least you\u2019ll be well-fuelled to pitch in with the masses.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>When:<\/strong> Mid-March<br \/>\n<strong>Where:<\/strong> Yoyogi Park, Tokyo<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">6) Mochi-tsuki<\/h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19072 size-medium-plus-size\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2223-510x680.jpg\" alt=\"Pounding mochi in Japan\" width=\"510\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2223-510x680.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2223-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2223-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2223-423x564.jpg 423w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2223-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2223-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2223-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2223-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2223-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/IMG_2223-780x1040.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/h2>\n<p>Whilst you may be more familiar with spending the days between Christmas and New Year (twixmas) slumped in front of the television in a turkey\/alcohol\/chocolate-fuelled stupor, the scene over in Japan is quite different.<\/p>\n<p>In the days leading up to New Year, the Japanese spring into action pounding rice to make <em>mochi<\/em> (rice cakes), a speciality traditionally eaten at New Year. Making <em>mochi<\/em> is a pretty laborious process that usually spans a couple of days and involves multiple people, so many local communities seize this as an opportunity to have a bit of a knees-up.<\/p>\n<p>In fact, this celebration has become so ingrained in the social calendar that many see <em>mochi-tsuki<\/em> as much an iconic symbol of Japan as <em>sakura<\/em> and sumo. Grab your wooden mallet and get involved!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>When:<\/strong> 25th-31st December every year<br \/>\n<strong>Where:<\/strong> Throughout Japan<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>If you want to time your trip to Japan with one of these food and drink festivals, check out our\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/When-to-Travel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">When to Travel<\/a> guide for the very best events throughout the year.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/bit.ly\/contactusJapan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get in touch with our team<\/a> to start planning!<\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F19070&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F19070\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F19070&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F19070&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F19070%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F19070\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F19070\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! Japan stands out as a must-visit destination for so many reasons\u2026 stunning scenery, slick technology and a culture unlike any other. But for many, the biggest draw is undoubtedly the food. Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":92,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2365,2366],"tags":[1521,3710,3713],"class_list":["post-19070","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-festivals-events-in-japan","category-japanese-food-and-drink","tag-food-in-japan","tag-food-festivals-in-japan","tag-festivals-in-japan"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19070","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/92"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19070"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19070\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19091,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19070\/revisions\/19091"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19070"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19070"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19070"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}