Two relatively recent innovations in the grand traditions of Sanuki cuisine are olive yellowtail. Look also for Sanuki San Fruit, locally branded fruits that have been cultivated for sweetness. One other Kagawa dish incorporating seasonal ingredients that must be mentioned is kankan-zushi, sushi made with spring Spanish mackerel caught in the Setouchi area.
In addition to the clear waters of the Kinokawa River, the development of local agriculture owes much to chagayu, or tea rice porridge, which has long been a staple of local fruit farmers. This hearty dish is a harmonious blend of rice and the pleasant bitterness of the tea. Also called okaisan, tea rice porridge has been handed down as a local tradition with deep roots on the Kinokawa dinner table.
Many visitors are drawn to Shikoku to walk the pilgrimage route, which provides time for serious reflection and contemplation. The many attractions of Sanuki are also great additions to your social media feed and will leave your followers astounded.
Visit local farms to buy the region’s famous fruit, or even pick it yourself while enjoying the beauty of the orchards. Purchase not only jam, but a variety of innovative fruit products such as sushi, pasta, and dessert confections, all made with local fruit. Events are held to provide nutritional education, particularly about fruit, and to promote the many benefits that fruit offers.
There are many fun activities to enjoy in the Sanuki area, including making Sanuki udon noodles.
Named after Tango, an old province of Japan, Tango barazushi is made in a wooden box. Various ingredients—including mackerel crumbles, which are unique to this dish—are arranged on top of sushi rice. Traditionally, Tango barazushi is eaten on special occasions, and the rice is divided with a wooden spatula and eaten as a family.
Pickling fish or vegetables in rice bran is called nukazuke and is a traditional preservation method in Japan. When made using mackerel, nukazuke is known as heshiko in Kyoto by the Sea.
In Kyoto by the Sea, enjoy the varied scenery that shows how people have lived harmoniously with nature. Two of the finest examples are the Amanohashidate sandbar, which is one of the Three Views of Japan. Another feature to watch for is the fusion of Japanese traditions with those from the West, such as the brick buildings of Maizuru’s former naval base and silk heritage areas like the Former Bito Family House on Chirimen Street (chirimen is a high-quality kimono silk) in the town of Yosano.
Learning how to make new food is a great way to immerse yourself in local culture, and visitors can try their hand at making Tango barazushi or nigirizushi (hand-pressed sushi) with freshly caught fish.
Differing from kaiseki, which is sometimes referred to as Japanese haute cuisine, cha-kaiseki is a meal that precedes the serving of tea during a tea ceremony. Cha-kaiseki developed in Komatsu along with the local tea culture of the townspeople and has been passed down in the manner of artisan crafts from master to apprentice for centuries. This cuisine is known for its refined and delicate flavor and is often served on beautiful Kutani porcelain ware.
