The Uono River in Niigata is a tributary of the Shinano River - Japan's longest and widest river - and is also a popular spot for fishing. One of the most prolific catches here is ayu, or sweet fish, which you will often see at festival events across Japan. The fish are skewered, salted and grilled, and are regularly deemed as one of the country's tastiest fish when served this way.
The Uono River Ayu Festival is a chance to enjoy these fish alongside a few mugs of ice-cold beer — the perfect antidote to the heat and humidity of the Japanese summer months. Even if you're not a fan of fish or beer, the event has a host of other festival food to enjoy and games for children to partake in.
