Temari-zushi, popular among women for its adorable appearance. Temari-zushi is more colorful and more photogenic than ordinary sushi, which is likely a reason its popularity has grown. Where was temari-zushi born? Is its history old? Today, we will explain temari-zushi, one type of sushi.

What is "temari-zushi," whose name itself is adorable?

Temari-zushi is, as its name suggests, small, cute sushi with a round, plump shape.

It is a kind of hayazushi rolled into a small round shape, made by wrapping vinegared rice topped with a sushi ingredient in plastic wrap or the like.
Because it does not require the shaping technique of nigiri sushi, it is easy to make even at home, and because of its cute appearance, it is sometimes made as celebratory sushi for the Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri) or for bento boxes.

The size is roughly bite-sized, with colorful ingredients placed on top of the round-shaped vinegared rice. In addition to the standard Edomae sushi toppings such as shrimp, salmon, and tuna, ingredients such as red turnip, shiitake mushroom, and carrot are also used.

Temari-zushi is not only delicious to eat but is also designed to be enjoyed with the eyes.

The history of temari-zushi

Where did the history of temari-zushi begin?

Sushi went through a long era of narezushi, made by fermenting ingredients, and upon entering the Edo period, "narezushi" evolved into "hayazushi," giving birth to so-called Edomae sushi.

Regarding the origin of temari-zushi, there are no historical documents showing a clear basis, but there is also a theory that, because it was intended to be eaten in one bite so that maiko would not smudge their lipstick, it acquired the alternative name "Kyo-zushi" (Kyoto sushi). It is thought to be a kind of hayazushi that developed in Kyoto and elsewhere in Kansai along with the development of Edomae sushi.

Temari-zushi is elegant and very much like Kyoto, but with its popularity in recent years, it has come to be seen in places other than Kyoto.

Famous shops in Kyoto, the birthplace of temari-zushi

According to common belief, Kyoto is the birthplace of temari-zushi.
We introduce shops in Kyoto where you can eat delicious and beautiful temari-zushi.

Temarizushi to Nihoncha Souden

"Temarizushi to Nihoncha Souden," a shop specializing in temari-zushi.
While washoku shops in Kyoto often handle temari-zushi, specialty shops are few.
Souden is a shop whose selling point is a commitment to Japanese tea, and it serves temari-zushi that matches it, in a form that pairs (mariage) with the variety of Japanese tea.

Please sense the delicate and fine flavors so typical of Kyoto through a lunch of Japanese tea and temari-zushi.

Shop name: Temarizushi to Nihoncha Souden
Address: 110-1 Machigashira-cho, Shinmachi-dori Sanjo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Phone: 075-585-5995
Website: https://www.c-e-p.co.jp/s_t-souden.html

Gion Mametora Gion

Gion, where the spirit of Kyoto culture dwells.
At "Gion Mametora Gion," located at the end of a stroll through Hanamikoji, you can eat artistic temari-zushi made with colorful ingredients.
This sushi, made even smaller and cuter than ordinary temari-zushi, has the name "mame-zushi" (bean sushi) and can be enjoyed along with the atmosphere so typical of Kyoto.

Shop name: Gion Mametora Gion
Address: 570-235 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone: 050-5589-5451
Website: https://kiwa-group.co.jp/mametora_gion/

Kashiwai

A famous shop renowned for its tasteful and adorable temari-zushi, just like fine wagashi confections, is Kashiwai.
Kashiwai's temari-zushi is sold under the name "tsumami-zushi."

Not to mention the topping ingredients that change with the seasons, its wide variety of colors and shapes is supremely appealing.
The small portions of rice are lightly sweetened, accented gently with sweet vinegar, and have an exquisite balance of flavor with the delicate toppings.

In addition to a takeout menu, it can also be purchased inside Isetan at Kyoto Station.
By all means, please relish its quality, which is hard to believe is takeout.

Shop name: Kashiwai
Address: 3-3 Koyama Shimouchikawara-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto
Phone: 075-491-7056
Website: http://kyotojapon.co.jp/k/

AWOMB

Known for sushi that makes ample use of Kyoto vegetables, famous for their mellow, understated flavor, is AWOMB.
Known by the name "te-ori-zushi" (hand-woven sushi), AWOMB actually differs in form from so-called temari-zushi, in which the rice and topping are unified.

AWOMB's sushi has as many as 50 toppings, and the format is for customers to wrap the various toppings—placed on a plate in a temari-zushi style—in nori and rice like a bouquet, and eat them.

In its beauty, photogenic like temari-zushi, you can sense the refinement of Kyoto.

Shop name: AWOMB Karasuma Honten
Address: 189 Ubayanagi-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Phone: 050-3184-3003
Website: https://awombkarasumahonten.mystrikingly.com/

Famous shops where you can eat temari-zushi outside Kyoto

The deliciousness and beauty of temari-zushi is not Kyoto's sole domain.
All across the country there are temari-zushi shops that make use of local ingredients and the sense of their owners.

Among them, we introduce the especially appealing shops.

Nanairo Temariuta Shinjuku

A shop where you can eat reasonably priced temari-zushi in Shinjuku, right in the heart of Tokyo, is "Nanairo Temariuta."
While an assortment of temari-zushi is a welcome 1,800 yen, the joy is being able to enjoy everything from standard toppings to slightly unusual ones.

There is also temari-zushi themed on roast beef and omurice, offering temari-zushi that families can enjoy.
The fantastical interior, evoking temari-zushi, is another of its charms.

Shop name: Nanairo Temariuta Shinjuku
Address: 5F, Humax Pavilion Shinjuku Higashiguchi, 3-28-10 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3226-8070
Website: https://www.dd-holdings.jp/shops/nanairotemariuta/shinjyuku#/

IZAKAYA New Style

The temari-zushi you can eat in Fukuoka, a city of fine cuisine, captivates younger generations too with a casual feel not found at other shops.
This shop's temari-zushi, which appears on the lunch menu, has as its selling point a novelty in which not only sashimi but also vegetables and salami are placed on top.

The shop's atmosphere, where you can relax and enjoy without putting on airs, is also pleasant, and it has gained popularity along with reasonable, lunch-style prices.

Shop name: izakayanewstyle
Address: 1-17-22-3F Imaizumi, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture
Phone: 092-731-8115
Website: https://www.instagram.com/izakayanewstyle/

Nigiri no Kuudo (Aichi)

A temari-zushi shop where you can taste the fine cuisine of the Tokai region is "Nigiri no Kuudo" in Aichi Prefecture.
The concept is to enjoy temari-zushi using locally produced rice and toppings at tables in a sunken-kotatsu style. Please savor temari-zushi while gathering merrily with family and friends.

The fresh seafood produced in Mikawa is the greatest treat, adding flourish to the colorful temari-zushi.
Reasonable prices, so typical of the gourmet prefecture of Aichi, are said to be a reason for its many repeat customers.

Shop name: Nigiri no Kuudo
Address: 1-126 Sakuragaoka-cho, Owariasahi, Aichi Prefecture
Phone: 0561-52-9339
Website: http://www.owariasahi.or.jp/member/kara0423.html