Osechi Ryori is a special part of Japanese culture, a culinary masterpiece that adds a touch of hope and tradition to New Year festivities. Awaji Island, celebrated for its cuisine, cultural tapestry, and time-honored traditions, adds its unique touch to Osechi Ryori, offering a distinctive and delectable experience. Join us as we introduce you to Osechi Ryori, and guide you to the finest Osechi dishes on Awaji Island.
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What is Osechi Ryori?
Osechi Ryori is a traditional Japanese New Year’s cuisine characterized by a meticulously crafted assortment of symbolic dishes in multi-tiered jubako boxes. Osechi Ryori originated in the Yayoi period (B.C.300~250) when people offered harvested produce to the god to thank for a good harvest. This produce was later cooked and eaten by people. Then the tradition of eating special food to wish for good health and longevity at a ceremony at a season’s turning point began during the Heian period (794~1185), evolving over the centuries to become a cornerstone of Japanese New Year celebrations. The term “ryori”, meaning “cooking or those cooked” in Japanese, was later added to “Osechi”.
In modern times, the tradition of celebrating the New Year with specially prepared dishes, spread to a general public during the Edo period (1603~1868) and came to be presented in multi-tiered boxes at the end of Edo period. After World War II, the term “Osechi” became even more widespread as department stores began selling Osechi, making this culinary tradition more accessible to those who opt not to cook at home. While fewer households now make their own Osechi Ryori, it remains a cherished tradition enjoyed by many during the New Year’s holidays.
Osechi Ryori Meaning
The meticulous preparation of Osechi Ryori reflects a profound respect for customs and an appreciation for the symbolism inherent in each dish. Each component of Osechi Ryori is thoughtfully selected for its auspicious meanings, with Osechi dish kazunoko (herring roe) symbolizing fertility and Osechi dish kuromame (black soybeans) representing diligence, just to name a few.
As the first meal of the year, Osechi Ryori embodies a sense of continuity, linking the present to the past. Families across Japan eagerly anticipate the unveiling of these Osechi dishes, as they come together to share in the joyous occasion, reinforcing bonds and expressing gratitude for the previous year’s blessings while welcoming the promises of the year to come.
The Charm of Osechi Ryori on Awaji Island
Awaji Island, nestled in the scenic Seto Inland Sea between Shikoku and Honshu, is celebrated for its culinary excellence and cultural vibrancy. The island’s chefs, inspired by the abundant harvests of the surrounding seas and fertile lands, create a captivating culinary scene with fresh and flavorful offerings. We will introduce you to some of the restaurants on Awaji Island and their Osechi Ryori offerings.
Adorable Hello Kitty-themed Osechi
At Hello Kitty Smile’s “Restaurant Tamatebako”, you can try the “Smile Osechi” featuring over 10 varieties of New Year’s Osechi dishes, including tiger prawns, candied chestnuts, and Hello Kitty kamaboko, available for a limited time from January 1st to 8th, 2024. It is offered in both dine-in and takeout options. The Osechi has a distinctive Hello Kitty design, perfectly complementing its delectable offerings
Dine-in Option: Osechi (tiger prawns, candied chestnuts, eel and shrimp roll, Hello Kitty kamaboko, barbecue pork, steamed chicken, simmered bamboo shoots in soy sauce, jellyfish, seasoned grilled redfish, shishamo fish roe, herring roe, chili shrimp) / Chinese-style okowa / Shark fin soup with dumplings / Oshiruko soup.
[Price] Dine-in option (2 or more servings) / Starting from 4,000 yen.
*Advance reservation required by the day before
Takeout Option: Osechi (tiger prawns, candied chestnuts, eel and shrimp roll, Hello Kitty kamaboko, barbecue pork, steamed chicken, simmered bamboo shoots in soy sauce, jellyfish, seasoned grilled redfish, shishamo fish roe, herring roe, chili shrimp, marinated pork shank, peach-shaped mochi, walnut candy)
[Price] Takeout option (4 or more servings) / Starting from 10,000 yen.
*Advance reservation required by the day before
| Location | HELLO KITTY SMILE |
|---|---|
| Address | 985-1 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| Access | 10 minutes by car from Awaji IC or Hokudan IC on Awaji-Kobe-Naruto Expressway. |
| Parking | Free parking available |
| Operating Hours | Weekdays 11:00~19:00 Sat., Sun, & Public Holidays 10:00~19:00 Please note that each restaurant/café has different operating hours. |
| Closed | Tuesdays |
| Website | https://awaji-resort.com/hellokittysmile/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d15190676-Reviews-Hello_Kitty_Smile_Garden_Terrace-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| Phone Number | 0799-70-9037 |
Click here for details of HELLO KITTY SMILE
Festive Feast of Osechi Ryori at Aman no Shokutaku
Awaji Island has a culinary heritage dating back to ancient times, and it is currently offering a limited edition “Aman no Shokutaku Special Osechi” at Aman no Shokutaku, one of the most popular restaurants on the island. This meticulously crafted New Year’s feast showcases traditional Osechi dishes and luxurious high-quality ingredients, utilizing an abundance of Awaji Island’s local produce.
Try the “Aman” single-tiered Osechi box, featuring 25 traditional Osechi dishes like black soybeans, herring roe, and tataki burdock. This limited-edition set encapsulates the essence of longevity with the special prawn simmered in soy sauce, and conveys heartfelt wishes through its unique simmered octopus. It is only available in 30 sets (33,000 yen for 3 servings), so make sure to book beforehand.
Reservation Period: until 7:00 p.m. on December 30th (Saturday)
Pick-up Date and Time: December 30th (Saturday) from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM, December 31st (Sunday) from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Click here for reservations Utage Click here for reservations Sajiki
| Name | Aman no Shokutaku １F Utage ２F Sajiki |
|---|---|
| Address | 1042 Nojima-Tokiwa, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1726 |
| Tel | "Utage” 0799-70-9089 “Sajiki” 0799-70-9090 |
| Operation Hours | “Utage”: Weekdays 11:00~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) / Sat., Sun. & Holidays 10:30~21:00 (L.O. 20:00) “Sajiki” 11:00~15:00 / 17:00~21:00 (L.O.19:30) Closed: Tuesdays |
| Website | https://amannoshokutaku.jp/ |
| Reservations: Utage | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/aman-utage/reserve |
| Reservations: Sajiki | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/aman-sajiki/reserve |
Click here for details of Aman no Shokutaku
Closing
Osechi Ryori is a longstanding culinary art in Japan, and Awaji Island offers its unique take on this tradition. Differing slightly from the conventional Osechi Ryori, Awaji Island’s version is a must-try for those seeking a distinctive culinary experience. Renowned for its cuisine, Awaji Island boasts a diverse array of dishes beyond Osechi that you can savor during the winter season. If you have a fondness for delicious gourmet, Awaji Island is sure to captivate you.
