Spring Arrival from a Century-Old Marinated Fish Specialist
Uokyu (魚久), the Tokyo-based kashiduke (marinated fish) specialist established in 1914 and best known for its "Gindara Kyo-Kasuzuke" sablefish, is launching its spring-limited product "Hon Sawara Sakekasu Shiro Miso Sakuraha-zuke" (本さわら酒粕白味噌桜葉漬). In-store sales begin around March 13, 2026, with the online store opening for orders around March 20, 2026.
Fermented Umami Layered with the Fragrance of Spring
The product features honkawara (Spanish mackerel) steeped in the mellow sweetness and fermented depth of sake lees and white miso. Pickled cherry leaves are then carefully layered over the fish, with cherry blossoms added as a finishing garnish for a seasonal flourish.
When grilled, a gentle waft of cherry leaf fragrance rises alongside the rich umami of the fermented marinade, offering a dining experience that captures the transitional feeling of early spring.
About 11 Years as a Spring Staple, Crafted by Hand
The product traces its origins to the current company chairman, who proposed the idea of combining the umami of fermentation with the scent of spring. The base product — "Hon Sawara Sake Lees White Miso Marinade" — is recognized for its gentle sweetness and tender texture. The addition of cherry leaf fragrance gives this seasonal variant its own character without altering the underlying flavor that fans of the original have come to love.
Customers have been returning for this product each year for approximately 11 years, with comments such as "this is how I know spring has arrived" and "it makes the dining table feel festive." It is manufactured by hand at the company's facility.
Product Details
- Product name: Hon Sawara Sakekasu Shiro Miso Sakuraha-zuke (本さわら酒粕白味噌桜葉漬)
- Contents: 1 piece (approx. 80g)
- Price: ¥864 (tax included)
- Best-before date: 5 to 7 days from purchase date (refrigerated); 8 days from shipping date (refrigerated delivery)
- In-store sales: From around March 13, 2026 (varies by store)
- Online store sales: From around March 20, 2026
- Stores: Approximately 20 stores, centered in Tokyo
- Availability: Approximately 3 to 10 pieces per store per day, limited to a total of 2,250 pieces
In-store sales are available as take-out only. Delivery is handled exclusively through the official online store.
