Discover the Flavors of Japan’s Mountain Heartland

Surrounded by towering mountains and home to 15 of Japan’s 3,000-meter peaks, Nagano is one of Japan’s most mountainous prefectures. Its highlands, cool climate, and abundant mountain water have shaped a unique food culture, from fragrant Shinshu soba and hearty oyaki dumplings to fresh fruits, vegetables, and other regional specialties.

This year, Uwajimaya is bringing the flavors of Nagano to the Pacific Northwest with our Nagano Fair! Explore a selection of regional favorites and discover the foods and traditions that make this mountainous region of central Japan so special.

What to Expect:

• Shinshu Soba: Enjoy one of Nagano’s most famous specialties. The prefecture’s cool climate is ideal for growing buckwheat, producing the fragrant, flavorful noodles known as Shinshu Soba.
• Oyaki: These rustic stuffed dumplings are a true taste of Nagano. Made with a wheat or buckwheat dough and filled with everything from savory vegetables to sweet fillings, oyaki have long been a staple of mountain communities.
• Fruity Treats: Nagano’s highland climate and large temperature differences between day and night help produce an abundance of flavorful fruits and vegetables, including apples, strawberries, and more.

Mark Your Calendars!

Don’t miss this chance to explore the flavors of Nagano at Uwajimaya! The Nagano Food Fair runs from October 21 through November 3, with special items available while supplies last at Uwajimaya locations. We look forward to seeing you at the fair!

Our Top Picks

Photo: Watanabe Seimen

Watanabe Hannama Zenkoji Soba A signature product from Watanabe Seimen, this “Zenkoji Soba” is an officially authorized product of Nagano Prefecture’s Zenkoji Temple. Made as a 50/50 blend of buckwheat and wheat flour, these semi-fresh noodles are crafted for a fragrant, authentic soba flavor with a smooth, easy-to-enjoy texture. Comes with broth for your convenience! While supplies last.

Photo: Kawakami Farm

Kawakami 100％ Apple Juice Made with 100% juice from fully ripened apples grown at Kawakami Farm in Nagano, these juices capture the natural sweetness, acidity, and rich flavor of Japanese-grown apples. Each variety offers its own unique taste, while the farm’s low-pesticide, environmentally conscious practices help bring out the best of Nagano’s fruit. Come Try Samples: Seattle: October 30-31 Renton: November 1 While supplies last. Schedule subject to change.

Photo: Irohado

Irohado Oyaki Dumplings A beloved specialty of Nagano, oyaki are rustic dumplings made by wrapping flavorful fillings in a chewy wheat-flour dough. Irohado carries on this traditional food culture with carefully crafted oyaki inspired by the flavors of Nagano. Enjoy them warm for a comforting taste of the region, with savory fillings tucked inside every handmade-style dumpling. Come Try Samples: Beaverton: October 23-25 While supplies last. Schedule subject to change.

Photo: Inoue Torao Nouen

Inoue Strawberry Amazake Smoothie Made with 2.5 times more strawberries than amazake, this smooth, fruity drink is packed with sweet strawberry flavor. Amazake, a traditional Japanese drink made from fermented rice, is blended until silky smooth for an easy-to-enjoy texture. Refreshing and naturally sweet, it’s a delicious introduction to amazake—even if you’ve never tried it before. Come Try Samples: Bellevue: October 23-24 While supplies last. Schedule subject to change.

…and many more products and samples available while supplies last each weekend at all locations!