Exclusive for Taiwanese living in Japan｜Yamagata Imo Cooking Club in Shibuya: Come to Tokyo to eat authentic local cuisine + drink local sake!

Experience the true taste of Yamagata in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

On the evening of Friday, July 17, 2026, the mayor and residents of Tozawa Village in Yamagata Prefecture will come to Tokyo to personally share Yamagata rice, mountain vegetable dishes, pork miso soup, local sake, and stories about village culture.

We warmly invite Taiwanese friends who live in Japan, or those who are visiting Japan for travel, work, or family, to discover a side of Yamagata that is not only about Ginzan Onsen through food.

Event Introduction

Enjoy generous servings of Yamagata’s traditional rice “Sawanohana,” taste rare local mountain vegetable dishes, and share a few glasses of Yamagata local sake.
This evening, we invite Taiwanese residents in Japan to gather around the dining table and begin discovering the climate, culture, and local character of Tozawa Village in Yamagata Prefecture through taste.

Last year, we held our first Yamagata local food sharing event in Shibuya, Tokyo. Many participants not only created precious memories, but also met new friends who are also building their lives in Japan.

This year, the mayor and residents of Tozawa Village in Yamagata Prefecture will once again come to Tokyo, bringing the local dishes they are most proud of directly to the table. Hearing that Taiwanese friends truly know and love good food, they have specially prepared their hometown specialties, hoping to introduce everyone to a Yamagata village that is not often seen in ordinary travel, starting from taste.

Getting to know a place does not always have to begin with sightseeing spots. Through each dish on the dining table, let us discover a Yamagata that is not only about Ginzan Onsen.

Why Tozawa Village, Yamagata Prefecture?

Tozawa Village is located in the Mogami region of Yamagata Prefecture. It is a village rich in nature, mountain vegetable culture, and rural scenery. For many Taiwanese travelers, Yamagata may bring to mind Ginzan Onsen or the snow monsters of Zao, but the true charm of Yamagata is also hidden in the everyday dining tables of its villages and in the stories told by the people who live there.

Through Yamagata rice, mountain vegetable dishes, pork miso soup, local sake, and stories shared by villagers, this event hopes to give participants the chance to experience the food culture and local life of Tozawa Village in Yamagata Prefecture while staying in Tokyo. 

What Can You Experience at This Event?

• Taste Yamagata local cuisine: Enjoy the hometown flavors of Tozawa Village, including Yamagata rice, mountain vegetable dishes, pork miso soup, and pickles.
• Try Yamagata local sake: Taste Yamagata sake and drinks such as Hanauyo, Sonmin Kangen, and Kinryu.
• Listen to village stories: Hear stories about life and culture from the mayor of Tozawa Village, local residents, and a grandmother from a local farm stay.
• Connect with Taiwanese people in Japan: Eat, chat, and meet cultural travel companions with Taiwanese friends who live in Japan or happen to be visiting Japan.

This event is limited to 30 participants. The food will be freshly prepared on the day of the event, and Yamagata local sake will be served in limited bottled quantities.

Menu for the Day

This event will feature Yamagata hometown flavors personally prepared for Taiwanese guests by Farm Stay Anshoku from Tozawa Village. The menu will focus on Yamagata rice, Tozawa Village’s local branded pork, mountain vegetable dishes, and local sake, allowing participants to experience the climate, culture, and local character of Tozawa Village in Yamagata Prefecture through each dish.

Food

• Yamagata traditional rice “Sawanohana”: A local Yamagata rice variety, perfect for slowly savoring its aroma and texture.
• Tozawa Buta Ichiban Sodachi Pork Miso Soup: Pork miso soup made with Tozawa Village’s local branded pork.
• Local mountain vegetable dishes: Traditional vegetables commonly found in mountain villages of the Tohoku region.
• Pickles: A familiar Tohoku home-style flavor enjoyed together with rice and other dishes.

Drinks

• Shochu, Yamagata local sake: Yamagata sake such as Hanauyo and Kinryu is scheduled to be served.
• Sonmin Kangen Wine: A unique local wine available only in the area.
• Non-alcoholic drinks: Drinks such as pineapple soda and grape juice will be available.

※Actual menu items may change depending on ingredient availability, purchasing conditions, and preparation on the day of the event.

Event Information

• Date: Friday, July 17, 2026
• Time: 19:00–21:00
• Check-in: Starts at 18:30
• Venue: Patia Yotsuya
• Address: 1-17 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, MEISTER YOTSUYA 104
• Who Can Join: All Taiwanese friends who live in Japan, or who happen to be visiting Japan for travel, work, or family, are welcome to join.
• Capacity: Limited to 30 participants
• Fee: 2,000 yen per person
• Early Bird Discount: Register by June 30 to enjoy the early bird price of 1,500 yen per person.

Event Schedule

18:30　Check-in and admission

19:00–19:05　Official opening and greeting from the organizer

19:05–19:30　Introduction to Yamagata cuisine by the mayor of Tozawa Village and the organizers

19:30–19:45　Sharing of Yamagata Prefecture’s natural attractions and local specialties

19:45–20:00　Sharing session by the grandmother from local Farm Stay Anshoku

20:00–20:40　Networking time for Taiwanese participants in Japan

20:40–20:50　Lucky draw

21:00　Event ends

Recommended For

• People who want to join a Taiwanese networking event in Tokyo
• People interested in Yamagata Prefecture, Tohoku travel, and local culture
• People who enjoy Japanese local cuisine, mountain vegetable dishes, and local sake
• People who want to discover the charm of Yamagata beyond Ginzan Onsen
• Taiwanese residents in Japan who want to meet more Taiwanese friends

FAQ

Can I join alone?

Yes. This is a networking-style event suitable for solo participants, and free conversation time will also be included.

Can I join even if I do not speak Japanese?

Yes. This event mainly welcomes Taiwanese participants, and Chinese-language support will be provided on site.

Can I join even if I do not drink alcohol?

Yes. In addition to Yamagata local sake, shochu, and wine, non-alcoholic drinks will also be prepared.

Will dinner be provided?

The event will provide Yamagata rice, pork miso soup, mountain vegetable dishes, pickles, and drinks. Please note that this is a networking dining event, not a regular restaurant course meal.

Can I meet other Taiwanese people living in Japan?

Yes. This event includes networking time for Taiwanese participants. Everyone is welcome to eat, chat, listen to stories, and meet fellow Taiwanese friends who are also living in or traveling in Japan.

Important Notes

• Photos and videos will be taken during the event. Images may be used by the organizer for future promotional promotion and event records. By registering for this event, participants are considered to have agreed to the use of their image rights. If you do not wish to appear in photos or videos, please inform the staff on site and be mindful to avoid being filmed or photographed.
• Actual menu items may change depending on ingredient availability, purchasing conditions, and preparation on the day of the event.
• This event includes alcoholic beverages. Participants under the age of 20 are not allowed to drink alcohol. Please do not drink and drive.
• Our company reserves the final right to make changes to event content, confirm participant eligibility, and determine event rules.

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