The Tohoku region is located in northern Honshu and consists of six prefectures: Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, and Fukushima. The region is known for its agricultural traditions, high-quality rice, and seasonal cuisine.
Tohoku food includes famous regional dishes such as kiritanpo, gyutan (grilled beef tongue), wanko soba, and various traditional hot pot meals. Many of these dishes reflect the colder climate and the strong farming culture of the region.
Explore traditional foods from the Tohoku region and discover the ingredients and culinary traditions that define northern Japan’s cuisine.
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Gyutan (牛タン)
Gyutan is a Sendai specialty made from grilled beef tongue, usually served with barley rice, oxtail soup, and pickles. It is one of the best-known regional dishes of Miyagi Prefecture and an important part of the city's food culture. Qui... -
Harako Meshi (はらこ飯)
Harako meshi is a traditional Miyagi rice dish from Watari Town. Cooks simmer salmon, use the broth to season the rice, then top it with salmon and ikura. People eat it mainly in autumn, especially from September to November. Rice is a s... -
Ichigoni (いちご煮)
Ichigoni is a luxurious local dish of Japan. It is soup made of fresh sea urchin and abalone. Even for Japanese, "Ichigoni" may be a weird name for a dish as it literally means "stewed strawberries". So what kind of dish is Ichigoni, wha... -
Babahera Ice (ババヘラ)
INTRODUCTION TO BABAHERA ICE Babahera Ice is a type of ice cream that is a local gourmet of Akita in Tohoku prefecture. It is a local cold sweets that is popular with Akita residents and tourists visiting Akita, especially children. It i... -
Ankou Nabe (あんこう鍋)
Introduction to Ankou Nabe In Japan, they are improving their food and always make it as healthy as possible. An example of this is by having nabe during the winter season, and they also gain plenty of collagen that makes their skin beau... -
Mugimaki (麦巻き)
Do you like snacks? If yes, what's your favorite snacks? Do you like it sweet or salty? Then, how often do you eat snacks? Are all snacks not healthy? Is Mugimaki a snack? Is Mugimaki a snack? Mugimaki "麦巻き" is a snack. It's one of th... -
Tonburi (とんぶり)
Tonburi is an Akita specialty made from the seeds of Kochia scoparia. Locals call it field caviar because of its glossy green grains and popping texture. People eat it as a vegan garnish on rice, tofu, and salads. This tiny ingredient lo... -
Hatahata Sushi (ハタハタ寿司)
What Is Hatahata Sushi? Hatahata sushi (ハタハタ寿司) is a traditional fermented sushi from Akita Prefecture in northern Japan. It uses hatahata, the Japanese sandfish, as its main ingredient. Unlike modern sushi, this dish belongs to th... -
Inaniwa Udon (稲庭うどん)
Inaniwa Udon "稲庭うどん" is one of the best and oldest local food in Japan. Without a doubt, it is a great comfort food for many locals. This type of udon stands out from the rest. (You might want to check Sanuki Udon from Kagawa Prefec... -
Sakata Ramen (酒田ラーメン)
Yamagata Prefecture is the ramen kingdom with Japan largest ramen consumption. The number of stores per capita is also the fiercest battleground in Japan. Most of the residents of the prefecture love ramen so much that it can be said tha...
