Shimotsukare
A traditional local dish that is now easier to find.

About Shimotsukare

Shimotsukare (しもつかれ) is a ceremonial dish traditionally offered to Inari Shrines on "Hatsuuma," the first Horse Day of February, alongside red rice. This auspicious dish is believed to ward off evil, protect from misfortune, and promote good health.

It is made by simmering salmon heads, soybeans, root vegetables, and sake lees. While many may have never heard of Shimotsukare, it is a cherished traditional and home-cooked dish in Tochigi Prefecture and the northern Kanto region of Japan. There is even a saying that eating Shimotsukare from seven different households will keep illness away.

In recent years, Shimotsukare has gained more recognition with events like the "All-Japan Shimotsukare Contest" and the release of Shimotsukare-flavored potato chips, showcasing its growing popularity.

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