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Products featuring Wakayama’s traditions and craftsmanship

Wakayama produces more ume (an apricot like fruit often miss-translated as Japanese plum) than anywhere else in Japan. Recommended products from Wakayama include umeboshi (salt-pickled ume) made from renowned Nanko ume and soy sauce from Yuasa, which is called the birthplace of soy sauce. There is also a wide array of unique desserts made from Wakayama's specialty products such as ume, mandarin oranges, and Bincho charcoal. Wakayama's traditional crafts also make great souvenirs to help you remember your journey to Wakayama. Kainan City is famous as an area that produces lacquer ware. Plates, bowls, and vases made over a long period of time by skilled craftsmen are light weight and functional as well as beautiful. In addition, Kishu temari handballs are said to have been created as a type of toy for princesses in Kishu (the old name of Wakayama Prefecture) and also appear in famous nursery rhymes. These gorgeous and elegant objects continue to be loved even now as souvenirs.

Yuasa Soy Sauce/Kinzanji Miso

Image: Yuasa Soy Sauce/Kinzanji Miso

Yuasa is where soy sauce was first produced in Japan, the origin of which was Kinzanji miso(soy bean paste) from Kokokuji Temple in Yura Town. The liquid from brewing Kinzanji miso was used to make soy sauce. At Yuasa, you can learn all about soy sauce and Kinzanji miso - the sources of Japanese flavors.

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Kishu Traditional Crafts (Kishu lacquerware/Kishu temari handball/Kishu hina doll, Nachi black ink stone)

Image: Kishu Traditional Crafts

The more you use Kishu lacquerware, the deeper the vermilion and black hues become. Kishu hina dolls are also made by its traditional craftsmanship, while gorgeous and impressive Kishu temari handballs are toys that were made for princesses in olden times. Nachi black ink stones absorb ink well and are used by calligraphers.

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Tuna/Longtooth Grouper

Image: Tuna/Longtooth Grouper

More exceptionally fresh tuna is landed in Wakayama Prefecture than anywhere else in Japan. In particular, fresh tuna from Kishu Katsuura is one of Japan's most prominent brands. Longtooth Grouper, a high quality fish, also has a sophisticated and savory flavor and can be enjoyed mainly in Hidaka Town and Shirahama Town.

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Ume Products (umeboshi [salt-pickled ume], umeshu [ume liqueur])

Image: Ume Products

Ume is an apricot like fruit often miss-translated as Japanese plum. Umeboshi from Wakayama Prefecture is a top brand in Japan. In particular, Nanko ume is known for having thin skins and plump, thick flesh. Umeshu made from high-quality ume from Wakayama is also popular and features the fragrance of ume with a fruity flavor.

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Mehari Zushi (sushi wrapped in pickled mastard leaves)/Sanma Zushi (sushi made with Pacific saury)/Kakinoha Zushi (sushi wrapped in Japanese persimmon leaves)

Image: Mehari Zushi

Sushi is one of Wakayama Prefecture's most famous local cuisines. Mehari-zushi is a type of rice ball which is wrapped in pickled mustard leaves. Sanma-zushi is a rice ball topped with Pacific saury that has been preserved in salt. Kakinoha-zushi refers to rice balls made with mackerel or other fish which are wrapped in persimmon leaves.

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