Savor the Flavors of Hokkaido This Winter in Ikebukuro! ❄️
Escape the ordinary and embark on a culinary adventure to Japan’s northernmost island without leaving Tokyo! The "Gourmet Tour: Grand Hokkaido Exhibition (Winter)" arrives at the Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro Main Store, bringing with it the freshest flavors and award-winning ingredients Hokkaido has to offer.
With approximately 90 vendors, some rotating between weeks one and two, you’ll discover a delicious array of exclusive treats you won’t find anywhere else. From champion Tokachi Wagyu beef steak lunch boxes to seafood overflowing with premium Yuho brand salmon, and from decadent mature sweet potato pies to rich cheese and corn breads, there’s a Hokkaido delight waiting for every palate. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in creamy parfaits showcasing the rich flavor of fresh Hokkaido milk!
Hokkaido’s Finest, Handpicked Just for You
This isn’t just any food fair; it’s a celebration of Hokkaido’s culinary excellence. Tobu’s expert buyers have carefully curated a selection of exceptional ingredients and artisanal products, many available exclusively at this event. Here are just a few of the highlights:
- Award-Winning Wagyu: Sink your teeth into a steak lunch box featuring prized cuts of Tokachi Wagyu, the Grand Prize winner at the 40th Tokachi Wagyu Carcass Encouragement Exhibition. [Sapporo Toyohirakan Kitchen]
- Premium Salmon: Experience the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Yuho brand salmon, selected from the finest wild silver salmon caught off the coast of Okumu, each weighing over 3kg and boasting exceptional marbling. [Hokkaido Seafood Umi no Sato]
- Sweet Potato Perfection: Indulge in the natural sweetness of mature Benikansetsu sweet potatoes, transformed into delectable pies. [Okashi no Honda]
- Artisan Cheese: Discover the unique flavors of Tokachi Raclette Morbier Washed Cheese. [Il Mattone Albero]
- Fresh Milk Delights: Treat yourself to the creamy richness of Chie no Wa raw milk, the star ingredient in irresistible parfaits. [Maruyama Milk Shop]
(Photos are for illustration purposes. Some ingredients may be from outside Hokkaido.)
Event Details:
- Location: Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro Main Store 8th floor Event Space & Basement 1st floor Area 3 Concourse
- Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro Main Store
- Nearest Station: Ikebukuro Station
- Address: 〒171-8512 Tokyo, Toshima-ku, Nishi-Ikebukuro 1-1-25
- MAP
- Dates:
- Week 1: January 9th (Thu) – January 17th (Fri), 2025
- Week 2: January 18th (Sat) – January 26th (Sun), 2025
- Time:
- 8th floor Event Space: 10:00 – 19:00
- Basement 1st floor Area 3 Concourse: 10:00 – 20:00
- Website: Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro Main Store
(Published content may have changed. For the latest information, please check the venue’s or organizer’s official website.)
What is Hokkaido Cuisine Known For?
Hokkaido cuisine is distinguished by its diversity and the fresh, quality ingredients reflective of the region’s agricultural and maritime wealth. As Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido’s cooler climate and fertile soil contribute to its reputation as an agricultural center. This environment supports the production of premium dairy products such as milk, cheese, and butter, which are well-regarded throughout Japan.
Seafood is integral to Hokkaido’s culinary identity due to the surrounding cold, nutrient-rich waters. The island’s seas yield a variety of seafood, including crab, sea urchin, and salmon roe. These are celebrated for their freshness and flavor, featuring prominently in both traditional and modern dishes.
The cuisine of Hokkaido also includes hearty dishes suitable for its cold winters. Dishes like jingisukan, a grilled mutton specialty, and soup curry, a spiced stew, highlight the comforting nature of the region’s culinary offerings. The use of locally grown potatoes, and seasonal produce like asparagus and corn, underscores Hokkaido’s agricultural capabilities.
In essence, Hokkaido cuisine is marked by its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, offering bold flavors that appeal to food enthusiasts worldwide.
