Creative Hanazushi Making Class on Historic Nakasendo Trail

Back during the Edo period of Japan, the Nakasendo Trail was one of the two main trails that connected Tokyo and Kyoto. This historical trail between them still exists despite the introduction of highways and bullet trains (shinkansen). Many hikers today enjoy the pilgrimage of this scenic walk and visit the post towns that remain along the way. These originally served as rest stops for travelers en route, and Mitake is one of them. Located in Gifu prefecture, this unique hanazushi making experience aims to revitalize the town and create a feeling like it was still the Edo era. In a cozy cooking studio in this quaint town, you can learn how to make hanazushi by hand. Hanazushi is a special type of sushi that is hand-pressed and often square in shape, featuring floral and nature-inspired designs. In Japan, the beautiful landscape is celebrated using seasonal ingredients and colorful homages to nature, such as in this specialty type of flower-designed sushi. Hanazushi comes from the Japanese word for flower 'hana' combined with 'sushi'. Get excited as you make unique pieces of sushi that together create an incredible work of edible art! Using a range of brightly colored, local ingredients, you will learn how to assemble the hanazushi pieces using traditional techniques. With the help of your friendly hosts, you will make up to seven different types of sushi, each with colorful flower designs. This includes pieces that resemble roses, peonies, and momiji (iconic Japanese maple leaves)! These flowers are associated with and inspired by the local area. Once you create your beautiful pieces of flower sushi, you will assemble them together in a large, round wooden container. The individual sushi pieces can be arranged into lovely designs as a whole, with different patterns and additional decorative leaves to create an Instagram-worthy feast for the eyes! Once you've taken the best snapshot of your hard work, you can enjoy eating your handmade hanazushi feast together.