Iwakuni sushi, an indispensable dish for celebrations, is a local B-class gourmet dish that has long been loved by locals. Iwakuni sushi, which uses an abundance of local ingredients, is also popular with tourists.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Iwakuni sushi.

Characteristics of Iwakuni sushi

Iwakuni sushi is a type of pressed sushi made by stacking vinegared rice and colorful ingredients in a large wooden frame. The gorgeous Iwakuni sushi is one of the standard dishes made for special occasions such as weddings and funerals.

Iwakuni sushi is made by layering vinegared rice and ingredients in several layers, putting a lid on top, and then placing a weight on top. If it is layered too much, it will easily fall apart, so it is generally made in three or five layers.

Iwakuni sushi, which is served to large groups on special occasions such as celebrations and festivals, can be made in large quantities at once, using as much as 5 or 10 sho of vinegared rice. When making a particularly large one, the chef may stand on the lid to press it down. The finished Iwakuni sushi is then cut into individual squares for each person to eat.

The ingredients used in Iwakuni sushi are varied, but include the local specialty Iwakuni lotus root, the traditional vegetable lettuce, fish meat, shiitake mushrooms, and shredded egg.

By the way, while a typical lotus root has eight holes, most Iwakuni lotus roots have nine holes. For this reason, they are used at celebratory occasions and during the New Year, as they are believed to have good visibility and are auspicious.

The History of Iwakuni Sushi

There are various theories about the origin of Iwakuni sushi. The most famous one is related to Hiroie Yoshikawa, the first lord of the Iwakuni domain.

During the Edo period, the Yoshikawa family ruled the Iwakuni domain. It was at this time that Iwakuni Castle was built. Iwakuni Castle was located on top of a mountain, so it was difficult to obtain food and water.

So Yoshikawa Hiroie ordered his chef to come up with a dish that was easy to transport and preserve, and this is how Iwakuni sushi was born, made with locally grown vegetables and fish caught in nearby waters.

It was also called "Lord's Sushi" because feudal lords would bring it with them as a preserved food during battles.

Some time later, the third feudal lord, Yoshikawa Hiroyoshi, who built the Kintai Bridge, popularized it in the castle town as five-tiered sushi in honor of the five sections of the Kintai Bridge, and it is said that it then spread to the general public.

Iwakuni sushi, a specialty of Iwakuni that was popular as a food for ceremonial occasions and other special events, is still an essential local dish for locals today.

Tourist information for Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

Iwakuni City in Yamaguchi Prefecture has a history of prosperity as a castle town of the Yoshikawa Domain with a fief of 60,000 koku, and is a land blessed with beautiful nature. Here we will introduce three popular spots in Iwakuni City, which has a variety of tourist attractions.

Kintai Bridge

The 200m long wooden Kintai Bridge is a famous symbol of Iwakuni City. With its beautiful five arches, Kintai Bridge is one of Japan's three most famous bridges. It was built in 1673 by the third feudal lord, Yoshikawa Hiroyoshi. The arch bridge's structure is intricate and original, and is said to be "flawless" even from the perspective of modern bridge engineering.

It is a popular tourist spot where you can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, green trees in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snow-covered scenery in winter. When the sun goes down, the bridge is lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Kintaikyo Bridge, which shows different faces depending on the season and time of day, is a place you will want to visit again and again.

Iwakuni Castle

Iwakuni Castle is a mountain castle built in 1608 by the first lord of the Iwakuni domain, Yoshikawa Hiroie. It was a three-story, four-story Momoyama-style Nanban-style castle, but was demolished in accordance with the One Castle per Province Act. The beautiful white-walled castle tower that stands today was rebuilt in 1962.

Swords and armor are on display inside Iwakuni Castle, and the castle tower serves as an observation deck. The view of the Kintai Bridge and the castle town of Iwakuni below is magnificent. On a clear day, you can see the islands of the Seto Inland Sea and even Miyajima. The view of the castle tower from Kintai Bridge is also exceptional.

Underground Kingdom Mikawa Moo Valley

"Underground Kingdom Mikawa Mu Valley" is an adventure theme park located in the mountains of the Chugoku Mountains, northeast of Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is a mysterious place with the theme of "super ancient civilizations" including the Mu Continent.

The total length of the underground kingdom is about 1 km. The maze-like passages of the Underground Kingdom Mikawa Moo Valley create a mysterious space that cannot be experienced above ground. You can enjoy a sense of adventure with giant stone statues of soldiers, hidden doors, and a waterfall cascading from high above into a mysterious lake. You can also try panning for gold and digging for natural stones, which is very popular with children.

How to get to Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

There are various ways to access Iwakuni City, known as the eastern gateway to Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is easily accessible from Japan's three major cities, and is visited by many people.

Iwakuni has an airport, so if you fly, it will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Tokyo. If you take the Shinkansen from Nagoya or Osaka, it will take 3 to 3 hours and 30 minutes.

We also recommend taking a leisurely drive to Yamaguchi. Find the best way to get there.

Location of Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

summary

"Iwakuni sushi" is a combination of chirashi sushi and pressed sushi. The ingredients and seasonings vary depending on the region and restaurant, so it's fun to try different types.

If you visit Yamaguchi, be sure to try Iwakuni sushi.

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