"Funazushi" is a traditional food of Shiga that is deeply rooted in the region. Made with great care and time, "Funazushi" was an essential food for special occasions such as New Year's and other celebrations. It is still a soul food beloved by the locals today.

Let's explore the characteristics of funazushi.

Characteristics of Funazushi

"Funa-zushi" is a type of "narezushi" made by soaking salted fish in rice and letting it ferment naturally, and is a popular traditional dish of Shiga Prefecture. "Nare-zushi" was named after the fish that becomes "ripe" and "familiar" as the fermentation process progresses.

Narezushi can be made with a variety of fish, but in Shiga Prefecture, it is often made with Nigorobu carp with roe caught in Lake Biwa, and is known as "funazushi."

To make it, first remove the innards of the crucian carp, pack it with salt, and place a weight on it to marinate for about three months. After that, the salt is washed off and the fish is soaked in rice mixed with salt, and then left to ferment for a few more months to two years before eating. It's a great way to preserve fish for a long time.

Generally, only the crucian carp is eaten, but it seems that locals often eat the rice paste as well. The bones of the crucian carp also become soft through fermentation, so they can be eaten whole.

Funazushi has a unique smell that is unique to fermented foods, but it is said that its deep flavor is addictive. The smell of funazushi comes from the fermentation process, when the protein in the crucian carp breaks down and turns into amino acids, which are umami components. Another characteristic of funazushi is that you can also taste the mellow acidity from the fermentation process and the umami of the crucian carp's fat.

There are two types of funazushi: "honzuke" and "kanrozuke." "Honzuke" is the basic type of funazushi, where the fish is slowly fermented with salt and rice. On the other hand, "kanrozuke" is made by removing the rice after fermentation and finishing by soaking it in sake lees. This gives "kanrozuke" a mellow flavor and makes it easier to eat.

The history of Funazushi

Funazushi is a type of "narezushi" that originated in the area from northern Thailand to Yunnan Province in China. It is said that the method of preserving narezushi was introduced to Japan when rice cultivation in paddy fields was introduced.

This was invented by people engaged in rice paddy farming as a way to preserve freshwater fish, such as river fish, which were caught in large quantities each season for long periods of time. River fish are caught in large quantities at certain times of the year, but in the days before refrigerators, people could not eat it all and needed a way to preserve it.

It is believed that when the method of making narezushi was transmitted to Omi, funazushi was born and took root in Shiga Prefecture.

The ancient legal code "Engishiki," created during the Heian period, contains descriptions of funazushi alongside sweetfish sushi, indicating its long history.

Funazushi is said to regulate the intestines thanks to its lactic acid bacteria, and is also highly nutritious. In Shiga Prefecture, people have long had the custom of eating funazushi as a substitute for medicine when they have a stomachache or are feeling unwell, and this custom has been enjoyed for a long time.

Funazushi is also the origin of modern nigiri sushi and is said to be the oldest form of sushi in Japan.

Shiga sightseeing spots and how to access them

Shiga, where you can eat Omi beef, has a variety of tourist attractions. This time, we will introduce three popular tourist spots in Shiga.

Lake Biwa Valley

Located at the summit of a mountain at an altitude of 1,100m, Biwako Valley is a spectacular spot that can be accessed by ropeway. From the Biwako Terrace at the summit, you can get a panoramic view of Lake Biwa, and feel as if you are floating in the sky. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery especially on a clear day.

The wooden deck at Biwako Terrace offers a spacious and relaxing atmosphere, and the cafe and restaurant serve dishes made with ingredients from Shiga Prefecture and original sweets.

There are also plenty of activities for families and pets to enjoy, such as zip lines, athletics, and a dog run. In winter, it operates as a ski resort, where you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding while looking out over the spectacular view of Lake Biwa.

Metasequoia Avenue

The Metasequoia Avenue stretches for about 2.4 km and is a spectacular spot made up of about 500 Metasequoia trees. You will be enchanted by the beautiful scenery of each season, from the fresh green of early summer, the deep green of summer, the red leaves of autumn, and the snow-covered winter. In particular, in the autumn foliage season, the straight road is dyed orange, creating a photogenic landscape.

At the adjacent agricultural park, Makino Pickland, you can enjoy fruit picking and local cuisine, and free parking is available.

The Metasequoia Avenue has become a hot topic on social media and is known as one of the most scenic spots in the Kansai region. With its romantic atmosphere, this place is also popular as a date spot.

Omi Shrine

Omi Shrine, which enshrines Emperor Tenchi, is also known as the birthplace of Japan's time system. Every year on June 10th, the shrine celebrates the "Time Memorial Day" and holds the "Water Clock Festival," where people involved with clocks from all over the country gather. In addition, the shrine grounds house the "Omi Shrine Clock Museum Treasure House," where clocks and treasures from Japan and abroad are on display.

Omi Shrine is also known as the "Karuta Hall of Fame" because Emperor Tenchi composed the opening poem of the "Ogura Hyakunin Isshu." In addition to hosting competitive karuta tournaments, the shrine is also popular as the holy land of the movie "Chihayafuru."

This shrine, where you can experience history and culture, is a popular tourist spot visited by many people.

Shiga is an attractive place for both gourmet food and sightseeing, and there are various ways to access it.

It is also easily accessible from Japan's three largest cities, Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. If you go by train from Tokyo, it takes about two hours to get there. If you come from Osaka or Nagoya, it takes about an hour by train.

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

Location of Shiga Prefecture

summary

Funazushi is a traditional Shiga food with a long history and deep local affection. Its unique flavor and preparation method are filled with wisdom and ingenuity from long ago. Many people are drawn to the charm of funazushi, which remains beloved to this day.

If you visit Shiga, be sure to try funazushi.

\ We are looking for Tempo Star affiliates! /