One of the popular attractions in the historical district of Sawara in Katori city, Chiba prefecture is the Ono River. Many who visit the area take short tours of Sawara by leisurely streaming down the river in boats (rivers use to function like roads in the area in early Japan) and taking in scenery and shops that feels like a stroll through the past. A particular treat is swinging by vendors who are selling traditional food in riverside stands.

So you might not be totally surprised to see a dropped plate of food, such as takoyaki (octopus dumplings) floating in the river. What would definitely startle you and has startled thousands online, however, is a boat of mysterious giant takoyaki streaming down the river!

Kanaiga (@shiragaigarashi) shared photos of the takoyaki procession that took over the Ono River recently.

The photos garnered quite a reaction on Twitter, with many finding the sight charming, oddly mouthwatering, and even a bit ominous as it does look a bit like a takoyaki religious cult may be holding some type of octopus ceremony.

Regardless of the reaction you had, the dumpling-filled boat is actually Kanaiga's own work. Kanaiga is a creator who focuses on "fun and delicious-looking works of art" using ingredients and dishes as motifs. Their latest work, this takoyaki boat, was inspired by the boat-like plates and trays that takoyaki are commonly served in, as seen below. Kanagai said in the Tweet that this project helped them realize their vision of seeing takoyaki sail in a boat after seeing them served in such trays.

With that in mind, you can see how that outside of the giant takoyaki helmets, the boat actually recreates the plating, the oarsmen actually looks like a bit of pickled ginger (a popular takoyaki garnish), and even the bamboo oar resembles a toothpick to eat the takoyaki with!

For more awesome artistic food creations such as such as strawberry shortcake mahjong pieces, butter and toast cars, or mayonnaise scarfs, be sure to follow Kanaiga.