Mochi (Rice Cake) Ichinoseki is known as "Home of Mochi." Rice cake is made for every occasion: New Years Day, birthday celebrations for the gods, Japanese festivals, etc. The full course mochi dinner served at celebrations and funerals is unique to this region. Rice cake is served in various combinations with sweet bean paste, sesame, ginger, zunda (green soybean paste), or natto (fermented soybeans).

Imonoko (Potato Soup) Imonoko, or taro potatoes are cooked in soup stock to a boil. Then pork, konnyaku (starch paste), tofu, and seasonal vegetables are added to the soup with miso (fermented soybean paste) or soysauce for flavor. This simple dish is enjoyed by over 10,000 people every fall at the Imonoko Party held at Iwai River Park.

Freeze-dried Tofu This type of tofu could be made by simply hanging one-serving size tofu outdoors during the winter. Freeze-dried tofu has become a rare specialty but would serve as a perfect ingredient for many Japanese dishes.