Enjoy regional cuisine

and old town atmosphere in Izumisano.

Explore the Maze of the Old Town of Izumisano

Just across the bridge connecting Kansai International Airport with the mainland is the old town (sanomachi) of Izumisano. Explore the maze of the winding streets filled with Edo period (1603-1867) buildings before embarking on some of the local cuisine delights.

The Maze Town

Experience what life was like in the Edo period at Izumisano Furusato Machiyakan.

A short walk towards the seafront from Izumisano Station will take you back several centuries as you discover the maze-like, winding streets of Izumisano. Be sure to start at the Izumisano Furusato Machiyakan, which is a soy sauce shop built around 1780 that has been converted into a history museum. The building is an Izumisano City Designated Cultural Property and is the only building in the old town that visitors are allowed to enter. Guests can discover picturesque Japanese gardens and large tatami rooms, and remnants of the old shop such as the cooking stove on the ground floor. Exhibitions on local artifacts and documents gives an insight into life in the small town during the Edo period. It is managed by a specified nonprofit corporation (Senshu Sano Nigiwaihonpo), which consists of 150 members. The museum is open daily with the exception of the New Year holidays. Admission fees are ¥200 for adults and ¥100 for high school and university students. It is free for junior high school students and under, those over the age of 65, and persons with disabilities. The museum regularly hosts events like traditional performances and tea ceremonies.

 

The town flourished during the Edo Period with several industries at its core; agriculture, fishing, shipping transport, brewing, and cotton textiles. A mixture of these industries helped the town develop into a unique and bustling commercial district. Buildings such as old warehouses, baths, and stores are still preserved. Many local residents today still have surnames named after old place names and local businesses. The town also fascinates photographers with its contrast between its preserved cityscape and the surrounding modern buildings.

Handmade Rice Balls

Omusubi made with local ingredients make for a delicious lunch or snack.

In the heart of Izumisano City is a small shop that sells rice balls (omusubi) called Otomegocoro. The name of the store is derived from the brand of sake made by the former sake brewery of the owner, Noriko Yoshimoto’s, parents’ house. The omusubi is made with locally sourced rice and salt as its main ingredients with no additional preservatives. This simplicity is said to enhance the flavors. Other ingredients such as the filling or the seaweed (nori) are sourced locally where possible. Senshu Nori is sourced from nearby fishing ports and the Inunaki Pork is also the only branded pork within Southern Osaka. Pickled plum filling is also sourced from local farmers. Mrs. Yoshimoto believes that sourcing food locally through these connections and relationships developed over time is important.

 

The ingredients vary with the seasons, reflected in the different fillings available throughout the year. A local favorite is the simplest of them all; plain rice with salt. Pickled plum and special seasonal flavors are also delicious options at the store.

The owner of Otomegocoro, Mrs. Yoshimoto, always offers kind service with a smile.

The one wish for the owner of the store is that by opening this omusubi shop, she would play a part in local revitalization. With Kansai International Airport so close, she would like international visitors to sample some of the best locally sourced ingredients of the Senshu area.

 

The shop is located a few minutes’ walk from Izumisano Station and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Local Revitalization Projects

Enjoy fresh ingredients from the Senshu region at local izakaya.

The Nankai Railway Company has started the Kurashi Vegetable Garden Revitalization Project, which aims to teach young local residents the basics of cultivating vegetables. They go through everything, from setting up your own balcony garden to growing a variety of vegetables in an allotment. They place a heavy emphasis on high-quality soil and producing organic vegetables.

 

Regular events are held throughout the year at their farms in Izumisano City. Some of the popular events include a rice planting/harvesting experience, dependent on the season. Wheat cultivation is also available, which also includes a bread making course. Several experiences focusing on locally sourced specialties such as eggplant are also available.

 

Planting and harvesting experiences are dependent on the seasons and weather conditions.

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Naniwa beef is a regional brand of beef from Hannan City, and it makes for delicious dishes like tobanyaki, available at Osaka (Mon) Cuisine Sora.

A local bar and restaurant supported by the Kurashi Vegetable Garden Revitalization Project called Osaka (Mon) Cuisine Sora with Kurashi Garden is located inside Izumisano Station. This izakaya (a casual Japanese pub) specializes in Japanese tapas-style dishes made with local ingredients, and the flavors of small side dishes (obanzai) made by the owner is delicate and flavorsome. In addition, there are many famous local sake brands, shochu, and wine that have been selected in consideration of their compatibility with dishes that are served. Come and enjoy local hospitality and interact with local residents over dinner.

 

For Senshu tourist information inquiries, please contact the Senshu Japan Concierge Team.

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