Furusato Matsuri: Bring Your Appetite (and yen) to Tokyo Dome!

The ultimate Japan food/foodies' event at Tokyo Dome

Furusato Matsuri is one of those more "mainstream" events you'll see in and around Tokyo, which features both traditional festival dances and food from all over Japan.  Perhaps not all are interested in traditional dance, but everyone has some degree of interest in food... right?

However, as I wasn't able to figure out how to get into the seating areas for watching the dancing (it seems extra "admission" is required to get to the stands to be able to watch), my focus here will be on the food.  And, there is a lot of it, and from seemingly every region of Japan as previously mentioned.

Scallops and oysters from the Hokkaido area booths

At the food booth areas, every region of Japan is represented and grouped together (such as Hokkaido, Okinawa, Kyushu, Kanto Plain, etc) so going around it can feel like taking a food tour around Japan, all in one place.  The food is all served/prepared as one would typically find it in its respective region.  For example, tropical fruits and similar dishes can be found in the southern regions of Japan, especially Okinawa:

Wifey enjoying some mango in the Okinawa area (with Orion Beer lanterns in the background)

From the two times I've attend this event, Hokkaido is the most popular and crowded area of all.  From seafood to fruits to desserts, they seem to attract a lot of interest and traffic every time.  I can't really disagree, as Hokkaido's offerings at Furusato Matsuri appealed to me the most of all as well.  As a result, I end up spending the most there especially on their scallops, crab, and melon ice cream dish!

If you have dreamed of travelling all around Japan but haven't been able to for whatever reason(s) (like me), Furusato Matsuri will at least let your taste buds take the tour all in one place.  Enjoy the food of all of Japan!

Recommendations:
- Dress in layers; this event is during the cold of the Tokyo winter but the air can get very warm inside of Tokyo Dome because of the amount of people there (and the heat of lots of cooking).
- If possible, go on a weekday during this ten-day event for lesser/lighter crowds.
- Food is plentiful here but not very cheap; if you're on a budget, recommend planning to have snacks/appetizers here and perhaps go out into Tokyo for your real meal afterwards.
- Seating near the food booths can be tough to find.  The bleachers (up the stairs) provide for a lot more seating (and a nicer view!) if you can bring your food/drink up there with you.

Specifics:
Furusato Matsuri
Admission: 1700 yen (but special "tourist/foreigner" admission is available online for 1000 yen)
Held annually, for ten (10!) days in January, at Tokyo Dome
Location: