A pilgrimage to a holy place! Imoni: Tour of Nabe Taro

  • Yamagata
  • Sightseeing
Tired of the standard Yamagata trip? How about a slightly maniacal pilgrimage to a holy place?
Imoni" is the soul food of Yamagata Prefecture. In autumn, people in Yamagata gather at company social gatherings, friends, relatives, etc., and have a taro stew party on a riverbank. There are even people who attend imoni parties every weekend. Every September, the "Japan's No. 1 Imoni Festival" is held, and the giant pot used for the festival is called "Nabetaro" and is well known to everyone. The Nabetaro currently in use is actually the third generation. Where in the world are the previous generation of Nabetaro?

The first Nabetaro is here!

The first Nabetaro stands proudly in Namekawa, Yamagata City
The first Nabetaro, used from 1989 to 1991, is located in Namekawa, Yamagata City, a bit far from JR Yamagata Station, but it is in a peaceful, unexplored area and is especially recommended for those who are tired of the standard Yamagata trip. There is also a nearby shrine called "Karamatsu Kannon" (Karamatsu Goddess of Mercy), which is just the right location for sightseeing.

The second Nabetaro is here!

Nabetaro II quietly resides in Yamadera, Yamagata City
The second Nabetaro, used from 1992 to 2017, is located in Yamadera, which, to my surprise, is one of the most popular places for sightseeing in Yamagata! If you have been to Yamagata for sightseeing, you may have visited Yamadera, but did you notice Nabetaro! As a popular tourist attraction in Yamagata, Nabetaro II was chosen to sit here because of its ability to spread the imoni culture to the world as it attracts not only Japanese but also foreign tourists. The introduction is also written in English, so the imoni culture will soon be introduced to the rest of the world.

The current Nabetaro III is usually found here!

The third generation Nabetaro, by far the biggest!
The third generation Nabetaro, which is currently used for the "Japan's No.1 Imoni Festival," is located in Midorimachi, Yamagata City, except on festival days. This location is along the Umamigasaki River, where the "Japan's No.1 Imoni Kai Festival" is held, and it looks as if it is anxiously awaiting its next appearance. The Umamigasaki River is also a popular walking course for Yamagata citizens, and in spring it is known as a cherry blossom viewing spot with a tunnel of cherry blossoms. Why not take a walk along the Umamigasaki River while sightseeing?
Nabetaro III awaits his turn in Midorimachi, Yamagata City
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