🍱 Memaki

"Memaki" is a local dish in which fish is wrapped in arame (a kelp related to kombu) and slowly simmered with soy sauce and sugar. The name "memaki" comes from the fact that it is wrapped in arame kelp. It is said that since the middle of the Edo period, the Shinto priests who provided lodging and received guests on their religious trips to Mount Fuji treated them to memaki. It has also spread throughout the region as a festive dish to celebrate the regular festival at Kawaguchi Asama Shrine in Fujikawaguchiko Town. Memaki's triangle shape is said to represent Mount Fuji, while the toothpick used to hold the arame kelp wrapping is said to signify the pilgrim's staff used to climb Mount Fuji. These may also convey the religious belief in Mount Fuji and a prayer for safety in climbing the mountain. Because the arame kelp used as an ingredient is very hard, it must be simmered for several days. However, this serves to preserve the dish, and it was once used as a convenient portable food for climbing Mount Fuji. In addition, memaki's triangle shape mimics the shape of the kimono worn by the enshrined deity, the goddess of Fuji Lady Konohanasakuyahime.