[autumn][ Hokkaido Hakodate City]Hakodate Squid Festival An autumn festival using local ingredients
The Hakodate Squid Festival is a local food event held annually in Hakodate, Hokkaido, and is loved by both locals and tourists. The biggest feature of this festival is that it offers dishes that make full use of seasonal local ingredients, with the theme of squid, the fish that symbolizes Hakodate. Many food stalls are lined up at the venue, Hakodate Green Plaza Block B, where visitors can enjoy the arrival of autumn while tasting fresh squid dishes. In past events, specialty dishes such as "Morning Squid Bowl" and "Grilled Squid Tentacles" have been popular, and the simple yet delicious menu that makes the most of the original flavor of the ingredients has been well-received. In addition, the style of local fishermen serving freshly caught squid directly sets it apart from other events. In addition to squid, the festival also features a large number of seafood and agricultural products unique to Hakodate, allowing visitors to enjoy Hokkaido's rich food culture. For tourists, the festival is also a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of the local climate and ingredients, and the local cuisine is especially special when enjoyed in the clear autumn air. Due to a poor squid catch this year, a unique operating method will be adopted in which the menu and prices will be decided on the day. However, this also provides a special experience that connects producers and consumers, and it can be said that there is special value that can only be experienced locally.
The appeal of the Hakodate Squid Festival: an event that combines local ingredients with autumn flavors
The Hakodate Squid Festival is a local food event held annually in Hakodate, Hokkaido, and is loved by both locals and tourists. The biggest feature of this festival is that it offers dishes that make full use of seasonal local ingredients, with the theme of squid, the fish that symbolizes Hakodate. Many food stalls are lined up at the venue, Hakodate Green Plaza Block B, where visitors can enjoy the arrival of autumn while tasting fresh squid dishes. In past events, specialty dishes such as "Morning Squid Bowl" and "Grilled Squid Tentacles" have been popular, and the simple yet delicious menu that makes the most of the original flavor of the ingredients has been well-received. In addition, the style of local fishermen serving freshly caught squid directly sets it apart from other events. In addition to squid, the festival also features a large number of seafood and agricultural products unique to Hakodate, allowing visitors to enjoy Hokkaido's rich food culture. For tourists, the festival is also a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of the local climate and ingredients, and the local cuisine is especially special when enjoyed in the clear autumn air. Due to a poor squid catch this year, a unique operating method will be adopted in which the menu and prices will be decided on the day. However, this also provides a special experience that connects producers and consumers, and it can be said that there is special value that can only be experienced locally.
Fresh squid dishes are the highlight! Recommended menu at the Hakodate Squid Festival
The menu offered at the Hakodate Squid Festival changes every year, which is a great attraction. In particular, dishes using fresh squid procured directly from the local fishing port attract the attention of visitors. In past festivals, the "Morning Squid Bowl" menu was well received by many tourists. This bowl is a simple dish of freshly caught squid cut into sashimi and served on rice with wasabi soy sauce, but its freshness and plump texture provide a special experience that cannot be found anywhere else. In addition, the "Grilled Squid Tentacles" is a dish of fragrantly grilled squid legs seasoned with sauce over charcoal, further livening up the atmosphere of the festival. In addition to squid, the 2024 festival will feature limited menus using seasonal local ingredients, which are not to be missed by those who want to enjoy the taste of autumn. In particular, soups using local specialty vegetables and dishes using plenty of seafood from Hokkaido are scheduled to be added to the lineup. These menus are created by local craftsmen and chefs, and play a role in directly conveying Hakodate's food culture to visitors. The greatest attraction of this festival is being able to experience the bounty of Hakodate's sea and land through a diverse menu like this.
Interacting with locals at the Hakodate Squid Festival
The Hakodate Squid Festival is a special event not only for enjoying the food, but also for interacting with the local people. At the festival venue, local fishermen, farmers, and chefs run stalls themselves, offering their signature dishes while engaging in conversation with visitors. This allows tourists to hear directly about the background of the ingredients and the thoughts of the producers, deepening their understanding of the food. In particular, you can hear local information such as how to cook and preserve squid, and even the current state of the fishing industry, so you can learn and be moved in ways that you cannot get by simply visiting tourist spots. In addition, local traditional arts and music are performed on the festival stage, allowing visitors to experience the cultural aspects of Hakodate. For example, brass band performances by local junior high and high school students and dances seen at local festivals further liven up the festival atmosphere. Through these interactions with local residents, visitors will be able to experience the warmth that makes them want to come back. In this way, the Hakodate Squid Festival is a very attractive event where you can enjoy not only the food, but also connections with the local people.
[Autumn Festival]Other recommended spots
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Take the Chuo Bus from Sapporo Terminal to "Ishikari Onsen-mae" or the last stop, then walk for about 5 minutes.
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Hakodate Squid Festival An autumn festival using local ingredients
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Take the Akan Bus from Kushiro Station on the JR Nemuro Main Line to Lake Akan Bus Terminal and get off at the last stop
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Approximately 5 minutes by car from JR Furano Station
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About 5 minutes walk from JR Iwamizawa Station
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From JR Hakodate Main Line "Hakodate Station" take the 82 Hakodate Bus for about 40 minutes, get off at "Kosetsuen" and walk for 1 minute