23rd Castle Town Shibata National Ozoni Battle

About this event

The 'Castle Town Shibata National Ozoni Battle' is a food competition event where traditional and creative ozoni (New Year's mochi soup) from across the country compete against Shibata's own richly topped local ozoni to determine Japan's number-one ozoni. The event features around 30 to 50 vendor stalls, showcasing an array of inventive ozoni recipes. One major highlight is that the winning ozoni (awarded the title of Seii Taishogun) is decided by visitor votes. At the venue, mochi made from Niigata's top-grade 'Koganemochi' sticky rice—processed from rice harvested through a parent-child rice planting experience—is served. Aiming to be an environmentally friendly event, measures are taken to reduce waste and exhaust emissions, including promoting container recycling and running free shuttle buses. Stage events will also enliven the venue with an Ozoni Battle Ambassador contest, sweet tossing, and more. It is one of Japan's largest ozoni festivals, allowing you to fully savor Shibata's winter together with warm ozoni.

Venue

Shibata City Hall

3-3-3 Chuomachi, Shibata, Niigata 957-8686