#Japan #Tokyo #Ofunato Fair #Ethical Dining #Sustainable Cuisine

Experience the Bounty of Ofunato Through Ethical Dining

The Ofunato region of Miyagi Prefecture is making headlines, not just for its picturesque coastal landscapes and abundant fisheries, but for its commitment to ethical and sustainable dining practices. From October 1 to November 30, 2025, the Sazanta Dining at the Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower in Tokyo will host a culinary fair showcasing the rich marine and mountainous blessings of Ofunato through a delectable French-inspired course menu.

This event, titled Ofunato: The Blessings of Sea and Mountain Culinary Fair, aims to deepen connections through food while promoting ethical consumption. It contributes to food sustainability, offering guests an opportunity to relish expertly prepared dishes from the region.

Emphasizing Local Ingredients

The fair builds upon the success of last year’s Ofunato Seafood Fair, which focused solely on local fish, aiming to reduce food loss. Ofunato, known for its rich natural environment along the Rias Coast, is home to thriving aquaculture activities for oysters, scallops, and salmon, ensuring that a variety of seasonal marine delights are available all year round.

For those unfamiliar, Ofunato is one of Japan’s essential fishing townships. Its sheltering bays yield a rich variety of fish from the renowned Kinkasan fishing ground, making it an attractive destination for food enthusiasts seeking fresh seafood experiences.

Highlighted Dishes of the Fair

The Ofunato Fair features a carefully curated menu aimed at reducing food waste and promoting ethical consumption.

Lunch Course Highlights

• - Starter: A beautifully arranged plate showcasing the best of Ofunato’s local ingredients.
• - Soup: A standout dish named Sanma (Pacific Saury) Quenelle Soup, where flavor meets conservation. This rich fish soup incorporates economically under-utilized fish such as sardines and finished with quenelles made from locally sourced sanma, demonstrating the fair’s ethos of sustainability.

Dinner Course Highlights

For dinner, the fish dish features Silver Salmon and Seafood Nage — a combination of exquisite local seafood that embodies the spirit of Ofunato. Salmon, raised in the region, is complemented by the flavors of the sea, continuing the fair's commitment to ethical dining.

• - Main Dish: The highlight of both lunch and dinner is the Miyagi Venison Hamburger, made from local deer sourced from hunter Toru Shimada. Renowned for its tenderness and rich taste, the venison is a perfect representation of ethical game meat utilization — an approach that affirms the restaurant's dedication to responsible sourcing and minimizing ecological impact.

Commitment to Sustainability

The Sazanta Dining aims to uplift ethical and sustainable dining experiences through meticulous sourcing, where even the venison served is processed at a local facility to ensure 100% utilization of the deer, including the meat, hide, and antlers. This holistic approach echoes a larger trend across Japan in addressing wildlife overpopulation and its consequences on local agriculture and ecosystems.

Through participating in this fair, guests not only indulge in culinary delights but also support a movement towards a balanced ecosystem and increased awareness of food systems and waste management.

Event Details

Venue: Sazanta Dining (20th Floor, Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower)
Duration: October 1 (Wednesday) - November 30 (Sunday), 2025
Opening Hours:

• - Lunch: 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Last Order: 3:00 PM)
• - Dinner: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Last Order: 9:00 PM)

Menu Pricing and Offerings:

• - Lunch Course: ¥4,958 (includes service charge and tax)

- Includes a four-course meal with dishes like the Sanma Quenelle Soup, Miyagi venison hamburger, and an autumn parfait.

• - Dinner Course: ¥7,024 (includes service charge and tax)

- Features a four-course meal including Silver Salmon and Seafood Nage and a luxurious dessert.

Special dietary requests can be accommodated, with alternatives like a Thick-Cut Roast Beef with Mushroom Sauce available for those not wishing to try the venison.

Discover Ofunato and Its Cultural Ties

The Ofunato region, characterized by its gorgeous coastal views and rich seafood heritage, has also faced challenges, including the aftermath of the Eastern Japan Earthquake. Still, it showcases resilience through environmental conservation and culinary excellence. This fair showcases a unique blend of flavors while giving back to the community and nurturing a more substantial connection with nature. Keep an eye out for this remarkable event and embark on an ethical dining journey while savoring the best of Miyagi prefecture’s bounty.

For inquiries, please contact the hotel reservation desk at 03-5354-2172 (Operating hours: 9 AM - 6 PM).