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What is the appeal of Watari Town's local dish, "Harako Meal"? [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 "harako meshi."

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

This "harako rice" became famous when it was presented to Date Masamune, who was inspecting the construction of the canal at Arahama, so it is a historic dish

"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"!

Now, Harakomeshi, the pride of Watari Town in Miyagi Prefecture, has become famous nationwide. In the fall, a Harakomeshi Stamp Rally is held, with 22 participating restaurants in 2021, and the popular event of eating and collecting stamps proved popular. The stamp rally was held every year from October to November, but has now been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check the latest situation.

the Harako Meshi Stamp Rally , is located about 26 km south of Sendai City. It is about 30 minutes from Sendai Station by local train on the JR Joban Line to Watari Station, so if the rally is held, it is recommended that you go and check it out.

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

Arahama, a restaurant serving seasonal fish and sushi , serves harako rice from early September to early December. You can also eat harako rice in the fall at Hamazushi

Furthermore, Minshuku Hamamatsu serves lunch, where you can enjoy "Okamaze no Harako Meshi" from the beginning of autumn until the end of November. This style is not cooked as rice, but rather a broth made from salmon bones, which is then mixed with cooked rice. This dish is characterized by the enjoyable texture of the rice.

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

about the Harako Meshi Stamp Rally, please contact the Watari Town Tourism Association

Arahama, a restaurant serving 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
  • URL: https://www.arahama.jp/
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Hamazushi <Information>

  • Name: Hamazushi
  • Address: 18-2 Okuma Tazawa Hayakawa, Watari-cho, Watari-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, 989-2383
  • Phone number: 022-334-3101
  • URL:ー
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Minshuku Hamamatsu <Information>

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