The Staff’s Determination to Create a Giant Pot Serving 500 People Another area of trial and error involved the food offerings, which were designed to create a festive atmosphere and satisfy the guests’ appetites. Initially, catchy menu items modeled after overseas harvest festivals—such as giant pizzas, paella, or whole roasted pork (porchetta)—were considered. However, autumn nights in Yatsugatake get extremely chilly. No matter how stylish or visually appealing they might be, dishes that cool down quickly cannot truly warm the guests. Furthermore, if the food didn’t convey a sense of “the unique culture of this region,” there would be no point in holding the event at Risonare Yatsugatake. “We wanted a warm, stewed dish that reimagined Yamanashi’s traditions.” After much deliberation, the team arrived at “Wine Hōtō”—a fusion of the traditional dish hōtō and wine. However, the hurdles to turning this vision into reality were high. One challenge followed another. A large crowd was expected on the day of the event, so the team had to ensure they could cook enough for a large number of people at once. So, the team set out to prepare a “giant pot” capable of cooking 500 servings at once. However, they struggled to find a supplier capable of providing a pot that large. In fact, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of manufacturers serving the event industry had declined, making it extremely difficult to even secure a pot. The team scoured the country for suppliers, persistently negotiating without giving up, and finally found a supplier willing to lend them the giant pot that would become a symbol of the festival. They also paid meticulous attention to the culinary details. To bring out the best flavor of the miso-based hōtō and ensure it was safe for everyone from children to adults to eat, they deliberately chose “white wine” as a secret ingredient instead of red wine. By completely evaporating the alcohol, they embodied the festival’s philosophy of “leaving no one behind” through taste as well. They maximized the festival’s energy through a short, intensive three-day event. The team pulled together as one and poured all their passion into those three days. And so, the “Yatsugatake Wine Festival 2025” was held.
© Source travel watch