Nara Food Guide: Kakinoha Sushi, Miwa Somen & Nara Pickles

Kakinoha Sushi

Nara's traditional pressed sushi — fish on seasoned rice wrapped in persimmon leaves, which impart a subtle tannin-leaf flavour.

Miwa Somen

One of Japan's three great somen noodle styles, born in the Miwa area of Nara over 1000 years ago.

Nara-zuke Pickles

Nara's signature pickles — vegetables preserved in sake lees. The earthy sweetness pairs beautifully with sake.

Yamato Vegetables

Nara's traditional heirloom vegetables — Yamato-imo yam, Yamato round eggplant and Yamato-mana mustard greens.

Yoshino Kuzu Sweets

Yoshino is Japan's finest kuzu producing region. Kuzu mochi, kuzu-yu and kuzukiri noodles are refined and delicate.

Access

Nara City near Kintetsu Nara Station has many local food shops. Miwa somen is best at specialist restaurants in Sakurai City.