Many people have probably seen Kakinoha-zushi while traveling or at regional product fairs. Kakinoha-zushi is one type of sushi well known mainly in the Kansai region, but it is also a local specialty in other areas. What kind of history and characteristics does Kakinoha-zushi have? We will explain Kakinoha-zushi in detail, including famous shops and how to purchase it online.

What is Kakinoha-zushi?

Kakinoha-zushi is sushi made by lightly pressing vinegared rice, topping it with thinly sliced fish, and then wrapping it in a persimmon leaf.
The Kakinoha-zushi known as a local specialty of the Yoshino area of Nara Prefecture is famous, and the Kakinoha-zushi of this region uses salted mackerel. The fact that the Yoshino area was a persimmon-producing region is also a reason it became a local specialty.

Kakinoha-zushi, said to have been a standard menu item at summer festivals and celebrations, is characterized by the flavor of moderately matured fish, vinegared rice, and the aroma of the persimmon leaf. It is also a beautiful-looking sushi, neatly wrapped in a persimmon leaf.

Kakinoha-zushi is famous as a local specialty of Nara Prefecture, but it has also been made in Wakayama Prefecture, Tottori Prefecture, and Ishikawa Prefecture. There are differences and distinctive features from region to region.

Persimmon leaves are rich in tannin, a type of polyphenol with antioxidant properties, and also contain a lot of vitamin C. They are said to have antibacterial power as well, which makes them an ideal material for wrapping sushi.

The salted mackerel used in Nara Prefecture's Kakinoha-zushi contains high-quality protein, vitamin D, and fatty acids such as EPA and DHA. These are said to be effective in keeping the blood flowing smoothly and in preventing diseases of the aorta.

Kakinoha-zushi is a food packed with elements that contribute to health.

The history of Kakinoha-zushi

What kind of history does Kakinoha-zushi have?
The best known is the Kakinoha-zushi of Nara Prefecture.

The Yoshino area of Nara Prefecture had thriving commerce that made use of river waterways.
Using these waterways, sushi made with fish preserved in salt took root even in the mountainous areas. Because the Yoshino area was also a persimmon-producing region, it developed into Kakinoha-zushi, wrapped in persimmon leaves and lightly pressed.

That said, for people living in the mountain villages of the time, seafood remained a precious commodity. For this reason, Kakinoha-zushi was a feast for events such as summer festivals.

Wakayama Prefecture's Kakinoha-zushi is no different from Nara Prefecture's in that it has a history of being loved in mountainous areas, using the Kinokawa River as a waterway.

Now that refrigeration technology exists, Kakinoha-zushi is no longer the precious item it once was.
However, its deliciousness is still loved today, and it is made in many regions.

Kakinoha-zushi of various regions

Kakinoha-zushi has been loved in many regions, mainly in Kansai.
We will explain in detail what differences exist from region to region.

Nara Prefecture

Nara Prefecture is the most well known as a producing region for Kakinoha-zushi.
The Kakinoha-zushi made in the Yoshino area of Nara Prefecture typically places thinly sliced salted mackerel on top of vinegared rice and wraps it in a persimmon leaf. The umami of the mackerel and the aroma of the persimmon leaf soak into the vinegared rice, letting you enjoy a unique deliciousness.

Wakayama Prefecture

The Kinokawa River basin of Wakayama Prefecture is known as a producing region for persimmons such as Fuyu persimmons. Kakinoha-zushi made using these persimmon leaves has become a local specialty.
Wakayama Prefecture's Kakinoha-zushi was once a feast for autumn festivals. It is said that leaves with autumn coloring were often used.

The ingredients used included seafood such as mackerel, as well as a wide range of items such as shiitake mushrooms, egg, and fish cake.

Ishikawa Prefecture

The Kakinoha-zushi of Ishikawa Prefecture is said to be deeply connected to the history of the Kaga domain of one million koku.
There is a tradition that it was born around the time Maeda Toshiie became the lord of Kaga, and it is often eaten during the Obon season.

Vinegar-cured mackerel, salmon, and sakura shrimp are used as ingredients.

Tottori Prefecture

Tottori Prefecture's Kakinoha-zushi is said to have originated in Chizu, located in the Chugoku Mountains. In Chizu, which is far from the sea, trout was cured in vinegar, placed on vinegared rice, and wrapped in persimmon leaves. The Kakinoha-zushi served at Obon and for guests is said to have brightened the table using not only green leaves but also leaves with autumn coloring.

The taste of Kakinoha-zushi

Unlike Edomae sushi, Kakinoha-zushi is characterized by its emphasis on preservability.
For this reason, it was born from the wisdom of using fish that had been salted or cured in vinegar, and then wrapping it in persimmon leaves, which have high antibacterial properties.

The umami of the variously processed fish and the aroma of the persimmon leaves transferred into the vinegared rice, producing a deep, rich flavor.
Normally the persimmon leaves are not eaten, but there is no doubt that the green and autumn-colored leaves were also a feast for the eyes.

Three famous Kakinoha-zushi shops

Kakinoha-zushi is sold in many regions, but you will surely want to savor the fine taste of a famous shop.
We introduce three famous Kakinoha-zushi shops.

Yamaju (Nara Prefecture)

Yamaju in Nara Prefecture is a shop renowned for its slightly small size that makes it easy to eat.
This takeout-only shop uses only mackerel and salmon as ingredients. Because it is an individually run shop, everything is handmade, and you can enjoy the original taste of well-salted Kakinoha-zushi. Despite being a famous shop, its affordable price is also appealing.

Name: Yamaju Kakinoha-zushi Shop
Address: 45 Shimoichi, Shimoichi-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara 638-0041
Phone: 0747-52-2776
https://goo.gl/maps/Vxw8JCkAJsJuP12s6

Kuwaraku (Wakayama Prefecture)

Kuwaraku is a famous shop for sushi made using the persimmon leaves of Kudoyama, known as a land of persimmons.
Kuwaraku, which carries on the tradition of this region's Kakinoha-zushi that is indispensable at festivals, makes it with mackerel, salmon, shiitake mushrooms, and sea bream as ingredients.
It is characterized by an elegant, light taste.

Name: Kuwaraku
Address: 1353 Kudoyama, Kudoyama-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama 648-0199
Phone: 0736-54-2600
Official site: https://kuwaraku.jp/
https://goo.gl/maps/ADQ2G9KSfZjYDZDK8

Tenkawa Saryo Kakisen (Osaka)

Let's savor Kakinoha-zushi at a purely Japanese-style famous shop away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
At Tenkawa Saryo Kakisen in Osaka, Kakinoha-zushi appears as part of a course meal.

Being a traditional Japanese restaurant, its Kakinoha-zushi shows a real commitment to a sense of the seasons.
In addition to standard ingredients such as mackerel, salmon, and sea bream, seasonal materials such as bamboo shoots are also used.

Online purchase is also possible.

Name: Tenkawa Saryo Kakisen
Address: 1-2-10 Obori, Matsubara, Osaka 580-0006
Phone: TEL.072-338-3000
Official site: https://tenkawa.jp/
https://goo.gl/maps/fPkkDv2nNWSWwxYU8

Three well-regarded Kakinoha-zushi you can buy online

Kakinoha-zushi is a dish with a strong regional character.
Even if you cannot find Kakinoha-zushi nearby, you can purchase delicious Kakinoha-zushi online.
We introduce well-regarded Kakinoha-zushi that can be purchased online.

Kakinoha-zushi no Izasa

You can order authentic flavors online from Nara Prefecture, the home of Kakinoha-zushi.
Because several types of Kakinoha-zushi, such as mackerel, sea bream, shrimp, and salmon, come in a well-balanced set, you can enjoy savoring them with family and friends.

Name: Izasa
Website: https://shop.izasa.co.jp/

Naranokoto

You can also order Kakinoha-zushi from a site that specializes in selling products from Nara Prefecture.
The Kakinoha-zushi from this site, which has many repeat customers, is luxurious, with mackerel, salmon, conger eel, splendid alfonsino, and shrimp as ingredients.
It is also placed in a Yoshino cedar box, which has a tasteful charm and makes it ideal as a gift.

Name: Naranokoto
Website: https://item.rakuten.co.jp/naranokoto/1007-80000101/?s-id=review_PC_il_item_01

Kakinohazushi Honpo Tanaka

Kakinohazushi Honpo Tanaka delivers when the ingredients have matured to just the right degree.
With a light flavor that is easy to eat even for those trying Kakinoha-zushi for the first time, you can savor the taste of mackerel, salmon, and sea bream.
It is delicious enough to recommend for occasions of hospitality, or as a side dish with salmon to enjoy with your partner.

Name: Kakinohazushi Honpo Tanaka
Website: https://www.kakinohasushi.co.jp/onlineshop/