Local cuisine

What is the appeal of Watari Town's local dish, "Harako Meshi"? [Miyagi Prefecture]

Autumn, from September to November, is the time of year when salmon swim upstream to spawn, and many restaurants in Miyagi Prefecture serve a local dish called "harakomeshi."

Also, at the autumn festival, "harako rice" and salmon soup are served to locals and visitors. "Harako rice" is a colorful local dish topped with plenty of salmon fillets and salmon roe. Why not try this delicious way of eating that is unique to Miyagi Prefecture?

The origin of "harakomeshi" (salmon roe rice), which uses the famous salmon roe off the coast of Sanriku in Miyagi Prefecture

The Tohoku region is famous for its seafood, and the delicious salmon roe caught from autumn salmon off the coast of Sanriku. Salmon swim upstream in the Abukuma River, Kitakami River, and Naruse River in Miyagi Prefecture to spawn from September to November

A popular dish eaten during this time is "harako rice," a local dish topped with plenty of salmon fillets and salmon roe

The "harako" in this "harako rice" comes from the meaning of the salmon roe in its belly. It was originally a fisherman's meal eaten by fishermen who caught salmon that migrated upstream in the Abukuma River. It is said that the seasoning varies from household to household, and each has its own unique taste

It is said that this "harako-meshi" (salmon roe rice) became famous after it was presented to Lord Date Masamune when he inspected the canal construction in Arahama

"Harako Meshi": Past and Present

Comparing the history of "harako rice," it is said that in the past it was a "mixed rice" dish that mixed salmon and salmon roe

Nowadays, salmon is boiled and rice is cooked in the broth to make takikomi gohan. After putting the takikomi gohan in a bowl, fillets or flaked salmon are placed on top, followed by salmon roe that has been dipped in the salmon broth, and it is complete. The vivid contrast between the colors of the salmon and the salmon roe makes "harako rice" look appetizing

Recently, the appearance of the bowl has also been emphasized, leading to the development of a colorful "harako rice." The salmon roe on top is shiny and crunchy, while the boiled salmon is fluffy. The appeal is being able to enjoy the deliciousness of each

It has become so popular that tourists come in autumn to try the "harako rice"!

And now, what has become famous throughout Japan is "harakomeshi," a dish that Watari Town in Miyagi Prefecture is proud of

In the fall, the "Harakomeshi Stamp Rally" will also be held. In 2026, it will run from October 1st to November 30th. Collect two types of stamps from restaurants that serve harakomeshi and from stores that sell local specialties, and you'll be entered into a prize draw

For more details, please check the Watari Town tourism website "Buratto Watari" at the link below

the"Harakomeshi Stamp Rally,"is located about 26 km south of Sendai City. It's about a 30-minute ride from Sendai Station on the JR Joban Line local train to Watari Station, so it's a great place to visit to enjoy the flavors of autumn.

Link – Buratto Watari

Top 3 popular "harako rice" restaurants in Watari Town

Another feature of Watari Town's "harako rice" is that many places offer takeaway. The following restaurants are particularly popular and are worth trying

"Shun-gyo Sushi no Mise Arahama," harako-meshi (salmon roe rice) is served from early September to early December. Also,"Hama Sushi,", you can enjoy harako-meshi in the autumn.

Furthermore"Minshuku Hamamatsu," and from early autumn until the end of November, you can enjoy "Okamaze no Harako Meshi." Instead of cooking the rice together, they make a broth from salmon bones and then add that broth to the cooked rice. This dish is characterized by its enjoyable texture.

There are many restaurants in Watari Town, Miyagi Prefecture that serve harako rice, so it's a good idea to try out the harako rice at a variety of restaurants

Arahama, a restaurant specializing in seasonal fish and sushi. <Information>

  • Name: Arahama Watari Branch, a restaurant serving seasonal fish and sushi
  • Address: 183-8 Arahama Nakano, Watari-cho, Watari-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, 989-2311
  • Phone number: 022-335-2585
  • Official URL:https://www.arahama.jp/

Google Map

    Hama Sushi <Information>

    • Name: Hamazushi
    • Address: 18-2 Okuma Tazawa Hayakawa, Watari-cho, Watari-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, 989-2383
    • Phone number: 022-334-3101

    Google Map

    Minshuku Hamamatsu <Information>

    • Name: Minshuku Hamamatsu
    • Address: 44-2 Arahama Fujihirabashi, Watari-cho, Watari-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, 989-2311
    • Phone number: 022-336-9711
    • Official URL:https://www.minshuku-hamamatsu.com/

    Google Map

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