#Japan #Tokyo #Oden #Nabe

Tokyo Local Gourmet Festival 2026: Nabe vs Oden Battle

Event Overview
The much-anticipated Tokyo Local Gourmet Festival returns in 2026, showcasing a vibrant culinary showdown from February 20 to March 1 at Ueno Park's Shinobazu Pond. This year, the theme is "Hearty Nabe vs Delicious Oden," promising to warm hearts and stomachs during the chilly winter season.

Taking hints from the roaring success of the previous "Gyoza vs Karaage Festival," the upcoming event will bring together some of Japan's finest and most comforting foods, featuring a range of warm nabes and richly flavored oden from across the country. Food enthusiasts can expect to savor a variety of unique dishes made from carefully selected local ingredients.

Hearty Nabe Varieties

At the festival, attendees will find an array of delicious nabes, including:

• - Hakata Motsunabe: A rich and flavorful beef tripe hot pot that is a specialty of Fukuoka.
• - Fukaya Negi Chicken Nabe: A unique and flavorful chicken hot pot that includes luscious green onions from the Fukaya region.
• - Chanko Nabe: Known for being the favorite of sumo wrestlers, this hearty soup is packed with protein-rich ingredients and vegetables.

These warm dishes promise to be a perfect antidote to the winter chill, bringing warmth and comfort to all visitors.

Delicious Oden Selections

On the oden side, participants can enjoy a range of delectable options, such as:

• - Sapporo Miso Oden: A classic dish that showcases fresh ingredients simmered in a savory miso broth.
• - Dosanko Kubo Dashi Oden: Famous for its rich, clear broth that highlights the true flavors of the ingredients.

With each dish exquisitely crafted to bring out the natural flavors, both nabe and oden promise an unforgettable culinary experience.

Family and Friend Festivities

This festival is designed to cater to everyone. Those inclined towards the warming effects of hot sake and other alcoholic beverages will find beautiful pairings to complement their food selections. Whether you prefer nabes, oden, or a soothing drink to warm you, there’s something for everyone.

Additionally, visitors can delight in live music performances and vibrant entertainment showcased on an outdoor stage, enhancing the festive atmosphere and allowing you to relish each flavorful bite alongside exciting entertainment. Specific details about the performances can be found on the festival’s website.

Event Details

• - Location: Ueno Onshi Park, Shinobazu Pond, Tokyo (2-10 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
• - Dates: February 20 (Friday) to March 1 (Sunday), 2026
• - Times: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM weekdays, and 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekends and public holidays.
• - Entrance Fee: The food and drink area is free to enter, though food items and special events will incur charges. The live area is expected to have an entrance fee. Please visit the official website for complete details.
• - Organized by: The Tokyo Local Gourmet Festival Executive Committee, in collaboration with Good Choice Entertainment Co., Ltd.
• - Supported by: Taito City (pending confirmation) and with cooperation from Nico Co., Ltd.
• - Expected Stores: Approximately 20 stalls featuring food, drinks, and desserts will be available.
• - Anticipated Attendance: Over 20,000 visitors are expected, although this does not account for adverse weather or natural disaster-related decreases.

Join us at this vibrant festival and experience the warmth of Tokyo through its varied and delicious local cuisines as winter sets in!