Omura Sushi: A Festive Pressed Sushi Cut into Squares

Omura sushi is a pressed sushi handed down in Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture. Vinegared rice is layered in a wooden frame with shredded egg, shiitake, minced fish and burdock, pressed firm and cut into squares to serve. It is said to have begun in the Muromachi period as a dish made to celebrate a lord who had reclaimed his domain, and the anecdote that soldiers cut it into squares with their short swords is tied to the origin of its name. With beautiful, colorful cross-sections, it has long been cherished as a dish for celebrations and hospitality.

Highlights

The greatest sight is the vivid layers that appear when it is cut. Yellow shredded egg, brown fillings and white vinegared rice stack in many tiers for a plate that delights the eye. The gently seasoned fillings and the rice with just the right vinegar balance harmonize exquisitely, giving a refined flavor you never tire of.

Enjoying the Seasons

It can be enjoyed all year, but during seasons of celebration and festivals it especially brightens the table. In the leisure season it is popular as an easy-to-carry boxed portion, lovely to enjoy while taking in the scenery.

Access and Basic Information

Omura sushi can be enjoyed at sushi shops and local-cuisine restaurants in Omura City. It is counted among the food traditions of the Sugar Road tied to Nagasaki trade in sugar, and being close to the JR Omura Station area and Nagasaki Airport, it is easy to reach by rail or bus from central Nagasaki.

Practical Travel Notes

Because it has long been used for celebrations, many shops offer boxed portions and takeaway, making it well suited to picking up on the road and enjoying in a scenic spot. Given its location near Nagasaki Airport, some choose it as a final treat to take home or enjoy on the plane or in the car. Although pressed sushi keeps reasonably well, it contains raw ingredients, so enjoy it early after buying and mind cooling in hot weather. Serving styles and reservation policies vary by shop, so if you want to be sure of getting it, checking in advance is recommended.

A Quick Tip

Since it is cut into squares, it is easy to eat without soiling your hands. Enjoy the beautiful, colorful cross-sections as you slowly taste the various ingredient combinations. It also makes a welcome gift when you want a touch of celebratory spirit.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Date of origin: Omura Sumitada, who lost his domain in the 6th year of the Bunmei era (1474), won it back in the 12th year of Bunmei (1480), and the people of his domain are said to have welcomed him by making pressed sushi in wooden trays known as morobuta; this is regarded as the origin of the dish. Because it was cut into squares with a short sword, it is also called kaku-zushi (square sushi).
• Standard ingredients: Hanpen fish cake, carrot, burdock root, dried gourd shavings, snow peas and shredded omelette. Peeled shrimp, mitsuba and narazuke pickles are sometimes added as well (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Our Local Cuisine).
• Public facilities where you can buy it: The Omura Sushi shop inside the Nagasaki Airport terminal / 6:45-20:30, tel. 0957-52-5551. A distinctive feature is the generous use of sugar in the sushi rice and in preparing the toppings.
• Shops that sell it: The official website of the Omura City Tourism and Convention Association lists Tenshin, Omura-zushi Gion, Ganso Omura Kaku-zushi Yamato and Umegae-so as shops that sell Omura sushi.

* Opening hours and prices vary from one individual shop to another.

(Sources: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries "Our Local Cuisine: Omura Sushi / Omura-zushi", Omura City Tourism and Convention Association official website, Nagasaki Airport official website)

Information Sources

This article is compiled from tourist information for Nagasaki Prefecture together with information published by the individual establishments. Prices, menus and seasons are subject to change, so please check the official information of each establishment for details.

Sightseeing Checklist

• Budget guide: From around 1,000 yen for a boxed portion
• Where to eat it: Sushi restaurants and souvenir shops in Omura City
• Recommended time of day: Mainly at lunchtime, and it also makes a good gift or dish for celebrations
• Avoiding the crowds: Popular shops can sell out, so reserve or buy early
• Enjoy it together with: Omura Park, Omura Bay, Nagasaki Airport and Huis Ten Bosch