Must-Try Kumano Specialties: Mehari-zushi and Sanma-zushi

Two Iconic Local Sushi Dishes of Kumano

When traveling through the Kumano area, two dishes you absolutely must try are mehari-zushi and sanma-zushi. Both are traditional local foods long cherished by the people here, and they have a history of being valued as portable meals for pilgrims walking the Kumano Kodo. In a single bite, you can taste the unique food culture of Kumano, a region blessed by both mountains and sea.

A Taste of the Mountains: Mehari-zushi

Mehari-zushi is a rustic rice ball wrapped in pickled takana (mustard greens) leaves. The name is said to come from the fact that you have to open your eyes (and mouth) wide to take a bite. The subtle tanginess of the salt-pickled takana pairs wonderfully with the rice, creating a simple yet satisfying flavor you never tire of. In the past, it was a beloved lunch for mountain workers and pilgrims alike.

A Taste of the Sea: Sanma-zushi

Sanma-zushi, on the other hand, is a type of pressed sushi made with Pacific saury caught in the Kumano-nada Sea, lightly cured in vinegar and placed atop rice. In the Kumano region, it is traditional to use slender saury whose fat content has decreased, giving the dish a light and refined flavor. It remains an essential dish for festivals and special occasions, firmly rooted in the local culinary tradition.

A Flavor to Remember from Your Journey

Whether enjoyed as a break during a walk along the Kumano Kodo or as a quick bite while sightseeing, mehari-zushi and sanma-zushi offer a culinary experience unique to Kumano. You can find them at local restaurants and roadside stations (michi-no-eki), so be sure to try both.

Image: 和歌山フォトライブラリー (via 和歌山フォトライブラリー)