Over 100 Years of History in Nara

From a humble rice merchant to a custodian of Nara’s food culture.

Our History

Since 1921, we have been preserving the tradition of Kakinoha Sushi while constantly innovating for the future.

: 1921
Founded
The company was founded in Kamikitayama Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, originally as a rice merchant. The founder’s wife, Kikue, made kakinoha-zushi that quickly gained a reputation for its excellent taste, leading to its commercialization.

: 1960s
The Name “Izasa” Is Born
As a specialty of Mt. Odaigahara, a popular scenic destination in Kamikitayama Village, the company developed salmon sushi wrapped in bamboo leaves. A former chief priest of Todaiji Temple, who took a liking to this sushi, named it “Izasa-zushi.” This name later became the foundation of the company’s current brand name, Izasa.

: 1980s–1990s
Nationwide Expansion
A factory was built in Tawaramoto Town, Nara Prefecture, and the business was incorporated. The company expanded beyond Nara and began selling its products nationwide, including through department stores and railway station shops.

: 2015
Completion of a New Factory
A new factory equipped with state-of-the-art facilities was completed in Tawaramoto Town. With food safety and quality as top priorities, the factory operates under strict hygiene control based on HACCP principles. As of 2026, it is certified under the JFS-B standard.

: 2021
100th Anniversary
The company celebrated its 100th anniversary. Committed to preserving Japan’s rice-based food culture for future generations, it continues to honor tradition while embracing new challenges.

"Our roots are in rice. That is why our Sushi is special."

Carefully Selected Japanese Rice

When our company was founded in 1921, we began as a rice merchant. The kakinoha-zushi made by the founder’s wife, Kikue, gained a strong reputation for its taste—this is where our story began. Carrying on this heritage, we place great importance on the rice used for our sushi. Each year, we carefully select and blend premium Japanese rice, choosing varieties best suited to complement the toppings and our style of sushi.
Sushi Rice Unlike Any Other

In the Kansai region, where Nara is located, sushi rice is traditionally seasoned with a slightly sweet flavor. It is often said that the quality of sushi is determined by its rice. Our sushi rice is made with carefully selected Japanese rice and finished with a secret blend of seasoned vinegar and dashi. The result is a distinctive flavor that cannot be replicated—one that has earned high praise from our customers.

Company Name	Izasa Nakatanihonpo, Inc.
Representative	Masanori Nakatani
Founded	1921 (Taisho 10)
Head Office	353 Kamikitayama-mura, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefacture, Nara
Business	Manufacturing and sales of Kakinoha Sushi and other sushi products. Operation of restaurants and retail stores.

Experience the authentic taste of Kakinoha Sushi at our stores in Nara.

SHOP RESTAURANT

YumeKaze Hiroba branch
Located near Todaiji Temple. Enjoy our "Izasa Chaya" restaurant on the 2nd floor featuring Tempura and Sushi sets with a view.
16 Kasugano-cho, Nara City
SHOP

Kintetsu Nara Station
Conveniently located inside the station. Perfect for buying souvenirs before you leave Nara.
Kintetsu Nara Station B1F
SHOP

Sanjo Branch
Located on Sanjo-dori street. Features an eat-in space for a quick break during your sightseeing.
Sanjo-dori, Nara City
SHOP

Narayama Branch
Our flagship store, conveniently accessible from Osaka and Kyoto by car. Browse in a relaxed atmosphere with an in-store rest area.
Oshikuma Town, Nara City