Satisfy your appetite and enjoy autumn at Sendai's autumn tradition "Imonikai"

The autumn tourist season finally begins in September, when a refreshing breeze blows even in the lingering heat. Speaking of autumn excursions in Sendai City, it is "Imonikai". “Imoni” is a local dish made by simmering taro, meat, vegetables, konnyaku, etc. in a pot. On holidays, the riverbed is crowded with groups who build stoves out of stones, burn firewood, and enjoy imoni parties where they cook and eat imoni in large pots.

Imoni in Sendai uses pork as an ingredient and is mostly served with miso. On the other hand, in neighboring Yamagata Prefecture, beef and soy sauce is the mainstream. The appeal of local cuisine is that the ingredients and seasoning vary depending on the region.

At this time of year, supermarkets and home centers set up special "Imoni Party Corners" where they sell sets of ingredients for Imoni, firewood, and rent out large pots. Firewood is also sold at a convenience store near the Imoni venue, showing how popular the Imoni party is with Sendai residents.

The Hirose River and Nanakita River, which flow through the city, are famous as spots for imoni parties, but there are also leisure facilities that offer plans to enjoy imoni parties empty-handed, and some places even allow you to choose between Sendai-style imoni and Yamagata-style imoni. If you're having a large group of people, we recommend making and tasting both.

Imonikai season is generally from September to November. Eating imoni under the clear autumn sky has a special taste. Please enjoy the autumn season of appetite and sightseeing that only Sendai can offer.