The All-Japan Shimotsukare Contest returns this year after a five-year hiatus, and it serves as a celebration of this traditional dish from Tochigi Prefecture. With a history dating back to the Kamakura period, shimotsukare is typically made on the second day of the lunar calendar.
The dish consists of grated daikon radish, salmon heads left over from New Year’s, soybeans from Setsubun, and sake lees, creating a hearty and sustainable meal using leftover ingredients. Though its appearance may be off-putting to some, shimotsukare is known for its nutritional value and was once believed to promote long life and good health.
What to expect at the event
From 9:30 AM, numbered tickets will be distributed, with the contest running from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. During the event, participants will taste and vote on different variations of shimotsukare prepared by 11 local vendors, with the winner being crowned the "Iron Chef of Shimotsukare" in an award ceremony starting at 2:00 PM.
This is a fantastic opportunity to taste a unique and historic dish while enjoying the atmosphere of Nikko, a city rich in culture and tradition. The contest is open to the first 400 applicants, and tickets will be available on-site.
