1. What is Japan's largest Imonikai Festival?

Japan’s Largest Imonikai Festival is known as an autumn tradition in Yamagata City, and is a large-scale event held every September on the banks of the Mamigasaki River.

The highlight of this event is the spectacular sight of Imoni being cooked using heavy machinery in a giant pot called “Nabetaro,” which is 6.5 meters in diameter.

Every year, 30,000 servings of imoni are made at once, and all participants get to enjoy the beef and soy sauce-based imoni served from the large pot.

Various events were held at the venue, and at the 2024 event, you could enjoy events that can only be enjoyed on this day, such as booths from various organizations and companies sponsoring the festival, local food souvenirs, and stage events.

2. The road to the venue

There is no parking lot at the event venue.

There are several ways to get to the venue, including parking in the designated parking lot and taking a shuttle bus, taking a local bus from Yamagata Station, or taking a bus tour.

This time, I took a shuttle bus from the Yamagata Prefectural Office and headed to the venue, the banks of the Mamigasaki River.

Due to the rain, we were expecting traffic jams, but there were many shuttle buses running and they ran smoothly, so we arrived at the venue in about 15 minutes, including waiting time.

There were many tourists and locals lined up to board the bus, but everyone was enjoying conversation while waiting. I could feel their excitement for the event, and it made me happy too.

When I got off at the bus stop nearest to the venue, I saw a lot of people on the riverbank.

“Even though it’s raining, there are so many people here… amazing!”
I’m a Yamagata resident, but this is actually my first time participating in this event.

It makes me really happy to see the riverbank bustling with people coming to buy Yamagata’s imoni stew.

Now, let’s go inside the venue.

3. Overall view of the venue

When we arrived at the venue, a large crowd had already gathered and the riverbank was filled with people enjoying imoni.

Everyone is enjoying imoni under umbrellas.

A long queue formed at the venue as people waited to get their hands on imoni, which was cooked in a giant pot that had been specially set up.

The pot is 6.5 meters in diameter, and the sight of the potato stew being stirred using heavy machinery is truly impressive.

I’ve seen footage and photos on the local news, but seeing it in front of me really makes a huge impact…

I would like all the people of Yamagata Prefecture to see it.

While we’re here, we’d like to show you how to serve imoni from the big pot.

First, the pot attached to the drum (which looks small compared to the large pot, but is generally large) is transported using a hand lift.

A large pot of taro root is scooped up using the bucket of a heavy machinery machine.

“Splat!!”
Transfer the potato stew from the bucket to the pot.

The sight was so impressive that not only adults but also children gathered around to watch.

The children in particular had shining eyes as they watched, and it was clear to see that this is a popular event with families too.

The taro root is then transferred from the pot into individual serving containers.

The taro stew was transferred very smoothly from the large pot to the pot and then to the container.

By the way, one bucket apparently holds 100 servings.

4. IMONI LOUNGE

① Inside the tent

“What, this is the riverbed?!”
Imoni Chaya and IMONI LOUNGE are located a short walk from the imoni venue.

Imoni Teahouse

At regular Imoni parties in Yamagata, people usually sit on blue tarps or straw mats, so it’s nice to have long tables and metal chairs like those at Imoni Chaya, but at IMONI LOUNGE, the luxurious tables and chairs are installed, creating a special atmosphere as if you were on a stylish terrace overseas.

IMONI LOUNGE

Sturdy tents are set up so that you can stay comfortable even in rainy weather, and the Spot coolers are also in place, so you can relax without getting wet.

Yamagata is usually hot even at this time of year, so having air conditioning is a real help.

② Food

“Oh, can I drink all of this?”
Amazing! At IMONI LOUNGE you can enjoy all-you-can-drink local Yamagata sake, local wine, juice, and more.

Yamagata local sake

Yamagata Wine

Yamagata is famous for its sake and wine, both of which have been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) designation.

This all-you-can-drink Yamagata sake and wine option is irresistible for alcohol lovers.

And not only the alcohol, but the juice lineup was amazing…

“Yamagata Daihan,” a 100% fruit juice from the fruit kingdom of Yamagata, and “Yamagata Pine Cider,” which has been loved in Yamagata for many years.

These are also 100% fruit seaweed apple juice and La France pear juice.

It’s so luxurious to have so much 100% fruit juice!

You can also compare the taste.

Yamagata Prefecture is not only a fruit producing region, but also a rice producing region.

There was also brown rice tea made from “Tsuyahime rice” grown in Yamagata.

By the way, there is also a local cider in Yamagata called “Adult Pineapple Cider” which contains alcohol from Kinryu, a shochu maker in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture. Please try this one too.

This is a strong carbonated drink, so be careful not to let it splash out when you open the lid.

The drinks section alone is packed with so much of Yamagata’s charm that you’ll have trouble deciding what to drink.

While this was going on, the potato stew arrived.

Imoni is a popular local dish with different seasonings and ingredients even within Yamagata Prefecture, and it is often the case that “imoni wars” break out over which seasoning people like best.

The dish we will be tasting this time is a type of imoni that is common inland, with beef and taro in a soy sauce-based soup.

The imoni has arrived, so let’s start with a toast!

Imoni eaten at home or in a restaurant is delicious, but eating it outside is something special.

I remember when I was a university student, we used to hold potato stew parties at the Naruto riverbed every autumn.

At an Imoni Kai, it takes time to prepare the food so you can’t eat the imoni right away, but at IMONI LOUNGE they will bring the imoni to your seat.

“The chunky taro is delicious.”
You can have as many refills of potato stew as you like, so you can enjoy it to your heart’s content!

Next, Yamagata beef steak and Yamagata pork tsukesoba were brought out.

The food is brought out one after the other like a course meal. Amazing.

The ability to enjoy freshly grilled meat is a luxury that can only be enjoyed at IMONI LOUNGE.

This is pork soba.

Soba is so popular in Yamagata that there are several Soba roads within the prefecture.

When you are sightseeing, be sure to stop by a soba restaurant.

And then, when we ran out of alcohol, we asked for more.

Yamagata Liqueur

As I’ve said many times before, it was truly an amazing experience.

I’ve had more than 10 Imoni parties so far, but this was the first one I’ve had that was so comfortable.

“Cheers!”
The customers at the next table also seemed to be having fun.

This is a great place to enjoy Yamagata cuisine without having to wait in line, so it’s also recommended for tourists from overseas.

You can also enjoy all-you-can-eat light meals, a dish unique to Yamagata.

Shine Muscat and

Tamakon: soul food of Yamagata Prefecture residents

There are a variety of light meals unique to Yamagata, such as the addictively flavored “Smoked Egg Sumotchi.”

You can bring as many light meals and drinks as you like from the table.

If you find something you like, you can purchase it at the souvenir shop in Yamagata City to take home with you.

③ Events

“Yaasho makashō!”
Another attraction of IMONI LOUNGE is that you can watch the traditional Yamagata Hanagasa Dance while enjoying your meal.

The dancing started right in front of the dining area, and it was incredibly realistic.

Even in the rain, the dancers were full of energy and put on a powerful performance.

After the Hanagasa performance ended, there was a huge round of applause from the audience seats, and the entire venue was filled with an atmosphere of unity and enjoyment.

I am really impressed by the wonderful space.

I felt like I had experienced not only Yamagata cuisine, but also the culture that is deeply rooted in Yamagata.
This is also something unique to IMONI LOUNGE.

5. Summary

This time, we introduced IMONI LOUNGE, a top-notch imoni teahouse.

This plan allows you to enjoy delicious food and drinks in a comfortable space, even in the rain, and experience traditional Yamagata, so it is highly recommended for those who want to create special memories.

The Imoni Kai is a casual event that can be enjoyed with family and friends, but at the IMONI LOUNGE you can have an even more luxurious time.

Why not come and enjoy autumn in Yamagata in this special space?