Local Trip Info offered by
Washington Hotel and Hotel Gracery

Enjoy autumn dishes in Watari-cho, Miyagi Prefecture, the birthplace of “Harako-meshi.”

Harako-meshi originated in Watari-cho, Miyagi Prefecture. Harako-meshi is a dish made with rice cooked in a broth made from salmon and topped with plump salmon meat and salmon roe. Miyagi Prefecture is home to many rivers, including the Abukuma River, where salmon return every autumn to spawn. Harako-meshi, a local dish using all of the salmon, is a well-known specialty of Watari-cho, and many people from all over Japan visit there to eat. In this issue, we will introduce three famous restaurants serving Harako-meshi that you must try if you visit Miyagi Prefecture in autumn. 

Denen, a popular restaurant that can have people waiting in line every day.

田園 亘理店(Denen)
Photo by @nobuo_hang

A restaurant that focuses on seasonality and carefully selects ingredients to create Miyagi Prefecture’s local dishes. It is popular not only with tourists but also with locals, so even on weekdays, there can be a huge line of people waiting in line. Be sure to visit with plenty of time to spare. It is popular not only with tourists but also with locals, so even on weekdays, there can be a huge line of people waiting in line. Be sure to visit with plenty of time. The Harako-meshi menu offers many varieties, and you can also order a set of sashimi or tempura. Harako-meshi can be made into a large portion for an additional charge, so we recommend going with an empty stomach and having a large portion. You will surely love the rice topped with fresh salmon roe and the flavor of the salmon broth. Each seasonal dish is available here, so you can enjoy the taste of Watari-cho even in different seasons.

Opening hours11:00AM – 3:00PM、5:00PM – 8:00PM(Closed on every Wednesday, irregular holidays on Thursday, and New Year’s Day)
Address147 Okuma-kamigoori, Watari-cho, Watari-gun, Miyagi Prefecture.
Access25 minutes walk from Watari Station or okuma Station which is 26 minutes from JR Sendai Station, the nearest station to Sendai Washington Hotel on the Joban Line.
URLhttps://www.denen-miyagi.com/

Kaisen, Harako-meshi here made with crispy rice is delicious!

海仙(Kaisen)
Photo by @izumi.47

Located near Watari Arahama, this restaurant is known for its fresh seafood dishes. Reservations can be made by phone, so if you want to be sure of having Harako-meshi, don’t forget to make a reservation! Harako-mesh of this restaurant is made with rice cooked in a broth made from salmon and topped with plump salmon meat and rich salmon roe. In addition, the crispy rice is a special feature of this dish. Harako-meshi with crispy rice is rare, so many people come to “Kaisen” for this taste. It is located just off the Joban Expressway, Torinoumi PA, so visiting by car is also recommended.

Opening hours11:00AM – 3:00PM(Closed on Tuesday)
Address57-6 Okuma-koyakura-higashi, Watari-cho, Watari-gun, Miyagi Prefecture.
Access5 minutes walk from Watari Station which is 26 minutes from JR Sendai Station, the nearest station to Sendai Washington Hotel on the Joban Line.
Or 40 minutes by car from Sendai Washington Hotel.
URLhttp://www.kai-sen.com/

Arahama, Seasonal Fish and Sushi Restaurant.

あら浜(Arahama)
Photo by @kengohkiji

Originally founded as a sushi restaurant, Arahama has been serving fishermen’s meals with fresh seafood. Harako-meshi here is the most popular menu throughout the year. From spring to summer, Harako-meshi using Miyagi Prefecture’s silver salmon is also available, offering a different taste from the autumn Harako-meshi. Harako-meshi is so photogenic that you might be tempted to take a picture of it. The flavor of the broth is very mild and the salmon meat is plump and thick. The salmon roe can be ordered in large portions, so you can enjoy the overflowing amount of roe. Try this harako-meshi that will make you full of happiness! There is a store not only in Watari-cho, but also in Asuto Nagamachi, a facility in Sendai City so you can enjoy Arahama’s Harako-meshi at either restaurant.

Opening hours(Watari)11:00Am – 2:00PM, 5:00PM – 8:00PM(Closed on every Monday and irregular holidays)
(Asuto Nagamachi)11:00~14:00、17:00~21:30(Closed on every Wednesday and irregular holidays)
Address(Watari)183-8, Arahama-nakano, Watari-cho, Watari-gun, Miyagi Prefecture.
(Asuto Nagamachi)1-4-30, Asuto-nagamachi, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture.
Access(Watari)10 minutes walk from Watari Station which is 26 minutes from JR Sendai Station, the nearest station to Sendai Washington Hotel on the Joban Line. Or 45 minutes by car from Sendai Washington Hotel.
(Asuto Nagamachi)3 minutes walk from Nagamachi Station which is 4 minutes from JR Sendai Station, the nearest station to Sendai Washington Hotel on Tohoku Main Line.
URLhttps://www.arahama.jp/

Base of this trip