13Nakasendo Mitake-juku / Mitake Hana-zushi making

”Mitake-juku” was originally built in 815 as a relay station for the town in front of Ganko-ji, it was also one of the first relay stations to be built on the popular and historic “Nakasendo”, and saw a lot of activity throughout its years. With Gankoji, the site of the headquarters and the forefront of general trading companies at that time “Shoka Takeya”, all of which are still around today, it’s almost like entering into the past.
At Mitake-juku, you are able to try making some original makizushi which was thought of by the local women called “Mitake Hana-zushi”. “Mitake Hana-zushi” is a type of display sushi which has colorful ingredients put inside of it. When you cut the sushi, each individual piece looks similar to a flower, which is where its name originated. Please try making some yourself!