Katsuragi, in the Nachikatsuura area, specializes in mehari-zushi made with fermented red mustard leaf, a variant of the pickled-leaf rice ball found throughout the Kumano region and Kishu more broadly. Alongside the mehari-zushi, the restaurant serves kaki-no-ha-zushi, pressed sushi wrapped in persimmon leaf that is commonly sold to hikers along the nearby Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, and sanma-zushi made with Pacific saury, a fish tied to the coastal fishing traditions of the region. The dining room has an understated, local character suited to a quick regional meal rather than a special-occasion dinner, with straightforward table seating and a relaxed pace. There is no dedicated beverage program beyond casual drink options. The restaurant closes on Tuesdays and does not require reservations, making it a convenient stop for travelers moving between Nachi Falls, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and the Kii-Katsuura area who want an easy, authentic regional meal without needing to plan ahead.
Signature dishes
- Mehari-zushi (red mustard leaf)
- Kaki-no-ha-zushi (persimmon-leaf sushi)
- Sanma-zushi (Pacific saury sushi)
Good to know
- Known for
- Kumano-area restaurant specializing in mehari-zushi made with fermented red mustard leaf, plus kaki-no-ha-zushi (persimmon-leaf sushi) common on Kumano Kodo routes
- Hours
- 11:00–20:00; closed Tuesdays
- Reservations
- Not required
Location
Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama 649-5335
33.6459, 135.9312 View on map
Highlights
- Mehari-zushi made with fermented red mustard leaf, a Kumano-region variant
- Kaki-no-ha-zushi persimmon-leaf sushi popular with Kumano Kodo hikers
- Sanma-zushi made with Pacific saury
- Casual, no-reservation dining convenient for travelers touring Nachikatsuura
Tips for visiting
- No reservation needed, making it a convenient stop between Nachi Falls and Kii-Katsuura
- Try all three regional sushi styles as a sampling of Kumano-area specialties
- The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays, so plan visits around that closure
- A good lower-cost option compared to the area's kaiseki restaurants
Accessibility
The restaurant is a small local storefront in Nachikatsuura; step-free access is not confirmed, so visitors with mobility needs should check ahead.
Frequently asked questions
What makes this mehari-zushi different from other shops?
Katsuragi's version uses fermented red mustard leaf, a variation on the standard pickled-leaf rice ball found elsewhere in the Kishu region.
What is kaki-no-ha-zushi?
Pressed sushi wrapped in persimmon leaf, traditionally sold to travelers and hikers along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes.
Are reservations needed?
No, the restaurant does not require reservations and is set up for casual, walk-in dining.