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4. Ushiojiru (clam soup)
This clear soup is made from hamaguri clams which are in season during this time of year. The clam shells symbolise a unique joined pair—a wish for a happy union in marriage.
5. Chirashi-zushi (scattered sushi)
A bed of sweetened and vinegared sushi rice is topped with ingredients in the Hina Matsuri colour palette of green, white, pink and yellow, and might feature things like crab meat, omelette strips and raw fish.
You can get a taste of the festivities at Mikuni, which is celebrating the occasion with the sixth installment of its Hina Matsuri Bento. Drawing inspiration from the colourful springtime festival, chef Keisuke Uno has created a luxe nine-course menu featuring seasonal ingredients and pretty little dishes in festive colours, served in another way loved by Japanese: in bento boxes.
Bentos are ubiquitous in everyday Japanese life, and handmade bentos are imbued with the love of its maker, packed lovingly by mothers and wives every day, and painstakingly prepared by girls as heartfelt gifts to would-be lovers.
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