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Explore the 'Ibaraki MEGURIP' Fair: A Celebration of Ibaraki's Rich Culture

From September 1 to November 30, 2025, JR East Cross Station invites you to participate in the 'Ibaraki MEGURIP' fair, a captivating celebration aimed at highlighting Ibaraki's unique food, culture, and products. Hosted across various JR East venues, including Gransta Tokyo and NewDays, this fair aims to bring the flavors of Ibaraki directly to Tokyo.

What is MEGURIP?

The term 'MEGURIP' combines '巡り' (meguri, meaning to traverse or visit) with 'トリップ' (trip), encapsulating the joy of discovering new adventures and experiences through local food and products in the station.

Festivities to Look Forward To

Ibaraki Direct Market

One of the fair's main events is the Ibaraki Direct Market, featuring the region's renowned agricultural products, confections, and specialty foods, all showcased in the Square Zero event space in Tokyo Station. Visitors can expect to find delicious offerings that celebrate the region's agricultural richness.

From October 4 to October 8, attendees can meet 'Oofuna Ton', the beloved mascot from Ofunato City, who represents the city’s tourism and recovery efforts following the recent wildfires.

Exciting Promotions

In collaboration with various retailers, special discounts will be available for customers traveling to Ibaraki. For instance, those who book Shinkansen tickets to Ibaraki will receive a 10% off coupon usable at participating NewDays stores within the prefecture. This limited-time offer runs from September 5 to November 30, 2025, encouraging visitors to explore Ibaraki while enjoying savings.

Moreover, there will be limited availability of Ibaraki-themed exclusives, including original merchandise featuring the beloved Suica penguin, inspired by the classic design of the region's ironware.

Local Culinary Highlights

The fair spotlights Ibaraki's culinary delights, including:

• - Ibaraki's Premium Rice 'Ginga no Shizuku': Known for its sticky texture and sweet flavor, dishes using this rice will be featured in multiple menus across NewDays locations in Ibaraki.
• - Seasonal Confections: Exclusive items utilizing local ingredients crafted by renowned patisseries, allowing visitors to indulge in Ibaraki's sweet side between November 11 and November 24.
• - Shrimp and Seaweed Noodles: Local soba shops will offer noodles topped with delicious seaweed from Sanriku, sure to evoke the coastal flavors of Ibaraki.
• - Delicious Onigiri: From October 21 to November 10, onigiri made with 'Ginga no Shizuku' rice will be rolled out at NewDays locations, promising a taste of Ibaraki in every bite.

Cultural Experience

In addition to food, cultural booths will be set up, sharing Ibaraki’s rich traditions and tourism opportunities. Whether it’s sampling local brews like 'Nanbu Bijin' sake or enjoying the fresh local seafood in a bento meal, there's something for every palate. The 'Tohoku Fukko' bento box, representing ongoing recovery efforts post-disaster, is a must-try.

Throughout the festival, there will be continuous engagement with events and experiences, providing a taste of travel without leaving the city. The event aims to not only highlight Ibaraki's offerings but also encourage sustainable tourism and local economic recovery.

Conclusion

The 'Ibaraki MEGURIP' fair is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to experience the diverse and vibrant culture of Ibaraki prefecture right from the heart of Tokyo. Don’t miss out on this celebration of local food, unique products, and engaging events, running until the end of November.
Mark your calendars and join us in exploring the delightful flavors and attractions Ibaraki has to offer!