68th Mie Prefecture Food Fair: A Taste of the Season
Discover Seasonal Delights from Mie at the Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
The annual spring "Mie Exhibition" returns for its 68th iteration, offering a curated selection of culinary specialties from Mie Prefecture at the Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store. This event provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to sample regional delicacies, with several eat-in options available for enjoying freshly prepared food and drinks on site. Notably, this year’s exhibition features numerous vendors making their first appearance, presenting unique products and flavors previously unavailable at this event. Consider visiting to experience the distinct tastes of Mie.
Featured Vendors and Offerings:
〈Shima/Sato Aquaculture – Tekiya Oyster Terrace -〉 (First Appearance)
Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, Sato Aquaculture, founded in 1925, makes its debut at the exhibition. Renowned for their commitment to safe and secure oysters—a reputation that has earned them the trust of many Tokyo restaurants—they utilize a patented purification method to produce their "Clean Tekiya Oysters." An eat-in space will allow visitors to enjoy these oysters steamed, prepared as nigiri sushi, or fried. Freshly harvested live oysters are delivered directly from the farm. Complementing the oyster feast is Mie’s Junmai Ginjo sake, "Hanzō Shikō."
- Clean Steamed Tekiya Oysters: ¥990 (2 pieces)
- Clean Tekiya Oyster Nigiri Sushi: ¥550 (1 piece)
- Clean Fried Tekiya Oysters: ¥770 (2 pieces) (Fried oysters also available for takeout)
- Sake "Hanzō Shikō": ¥550 (80ml)
〈Matsuzaka/Yanagiya Hōzen〉 (First Appearance)
With a remarkable history spanning 450 years, the long-established confectionery Yanagiya Hōzen also makes its first appearance. This presents a rare chance to purchase their traditional sweet, "Oinotomo," in Tokyo. This confection features yokan (sweet bean jelly) poured into uniquely crafted monaka (crispy wafer) shells, offering a delightful contrast between the refreshing shell and the mild sweetness of the smooth yokan. Visitors can also observe a demonstration of "Oinotomo Hyakkei," where intricate designs of seasonal flowers and scenery are rendered within clear 錦玉羹 (kanten jelly).
- Oinotomo: ¥729 (3 pieces)
- [Demonstration] Oinotomo Hyakkei "Yamato Kokoro": ¥594 (1 piece) [Limited to 30 pieces per day]
- [Demonstration] Oinotomo Hyakkei "Kachōfūgetsu": ¥594 (1 piece) [Limited to 30 pieces per day]
[Demonstration] 〈Ise/Tonkatsu Yonjūsanban〉 (First Appearance)
Named after the former jersey number (43) of owner Tomoaki Egawa—a former SoftBank Hawks player who now operates a pig farm—Tonkatsu Yonjūsanban makes its debut. A highlight of their menu is the thick katsu sandwich, prepared using thigh meat from Mie Prefecture’s signature brand pork, "Isshi SP Pork." The pork cutlet is fried at a low temperature to maximize its inherent flavor, reflecting the establishment’s involvement in the entire process, from farm to table. Enjoy the tender and juicy result.
- Katsu Sandwich (Sauce): ¥1,080 (3 slices)
〈Mie-gun Komono/Hinodeya Seika〉 (First Appearance)
Founded in 1957, Hinodeya Seika brings Yunoyama Onsen’s famous confectionery, "Yunohana Senbei," to the exhibition for the first time. These crispy carbonated rice crackers are a long-selling favorite in Mie. For this event, a special collaboration package featuring the beloved character MOOMIN has been created. This limited-time item is particularly appealing for collectors of unique packaging.
- MOOMIN × Yunohana Senbei: ¥1,301 (24 pieces, 120g)
〈Ise/Akafuku Chaya〉 (Eat-in Available)
Experience Ise’s famous "Akafuku Mochi," known for its smooth anko (red bean paste) and gentle sweetness. Enjoy it paired with matcha or hojicha in the eat-in space. Also available are seasonal cornets.
- Akafuku Mochi "Bon" with Matcha: ¥800 (2 pieces)
- Akafuku Mochi "Bon" with Hojicha: ¥400 (2 pieces)
- Azuki Cornet with Wasanbon Cream and Azuki Tea Set: ¥700 (1 piece)
- Strawberry Cornet with Azuki Tea Set: ¥700 (1 piece)
〈Matsuzaka/Kaida Seimenjo〉 (Eat-in Available)
No discussion of Ise’s cuisine is complete without mentioning "Ise Udon." Kaida Seimenjo offers the classic Jukusen Ise Udon (¥693, 1 serving). For a more indulgent experience, try the Matsuzaka Beef Ise Udon (¥1,650, 1 serving), which tops the thick, soft noodles with Mie Prefecture’s renowned Matsuzaka beef, allowing you to savor two authentic regional flavors simultaneously.
〈Ise/Akafuku Isuzu Chaya〉
Offering seasonal delights, Isuzu Chaya presents a spring cornet. A crispy shell, baked on-site, is generously filled with a white bean cream containing strawberry puree.
- Strawberry Cornet: ¥350 (1 piece) [Limited quantity available]
〈Ise/Akafuku〉
The iconic "Akafuku Mochi" represents the clear stream of the Isuzu River, which flows through the Ise Jingu shrine grounds—the shape of the koshian (smooth red bean paste) evokes the river’s flow, while the mochi pieces symbolize pebbles on the riverbed.
- Akafuku Mochi: ¥1,300 (12 pieces) [Limited quantity available]
〈Ise/Akafuku Isuzu Chaya〉
Another offering from Isuzu Chaya is the Mochi Dorayaki, featuring soft mochi and Hokkaido azuki bean koshian enveloped in a fluffy, freshly baked dorayaki pancake skin.
- Mochi Dorayaki: ¥350 (1 piece) [Limited quantity available]
〈Tsu/Meat Shop Ōsato〉
Indulge in premium meat preparations from Meat Shop Ōsato. Their luxurious minced cutlet is packed with Matsuzaka beef, while the rich croquettes combine fluffy potatoes with the distinct flavor of Matsuzaka beef.
- Matsuzaka Beef Minced Cutlet: ¥540 (1 piece)
- Matsuzaka Beef Croquette: ¥324 (1 piece)
Important Notes:
- All listed prices include tax. Standard (10%) and reduced (8%) tax rates apply as appropriate.
- Some items are available in limited quantities; availability is not guaranteed.
- Product information is subject to revision or change without prior notice.
- Due to various circumstances, event details such as business days, hours, and planned activities may be subject to change or cancellation.
- The consumption of alcohol by individuals under 20 years of age is prohibited by law. Please refrain from drinking alcohol if you are under 20 or will be operating a vehicle.
Basic Information
- Location/Nearest Station:
- Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
- Mitsukoshimae Station (1-minute walk)
- Nihonbashi Station (5-minute walk)
- Shin-Nihonbashi Station (7-minute walk)
- Tokyo Station (10-minute walk)
- Address:
- 〒103-8001 Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Nihonbashi Muromachi 1-4-1
- MAP
- Venue:
- Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, Main Building 7th Floor Event Space
- Event Period:
- Wednesday, April 9, 2025 – Monday, April 14, 2025
- Time:
- Follows store operating hours.
- The event closes at 18:00 on the final day (April 14).
- Last order for eat-in options is 30 minutes before closing each day.
- Official Website:
Published content may be subject to change. Please consult the venue’s or organizer’s official website for the most current information.
What is Mie Prefecture known for?
Mie Prefecture, situated in the Kansai region of Japan, is notable for its cultural heritage and culinary offerings. It is home to Ise Jingu, a significant Shinto shrine that draws many visitors annually. The prefecture also features attractive coastlines, mountains, and landscapes that complement its culinary traditions.
Mie is recognized for its seafood, including Ise-ebi (spiny lobster) and abalone, sourced from the Pacific Ocean. Matsusaka beef, known for its marbling and flavor, is another highlight. The region also produces high-quality green tea, with its tea fields yielding some of Japan’s finest leaves.
The culinary scene in Mie combines tradition with innovation, offering a mix of flavors that reflect its history and modern influences. Visitors to the Mie Prefecture Food Fair can enjoy these seasonal dishes and exclusive treats, experiencing the authentic taste of Mie’s gastronomy.
