What Is Kushigaki?
Kushigaki are peeled persimmons threaded onto bamboo skewers and naturally dried. They are especially well known as a traditional auspicious decoration placed around kagami mochi, the round rice cakes displayed during the Japanese New Year.
The number of persimmons placed on each skewer also has symbolic meaning. Skewers holding five or ten persimmons are commonly used, and traditional interpretations associate these arrangements with wishes for family harmony, happiness, good health, and long life.
For example, a skewer holding ten persimmons traditionally has six in the center and two at each end. The arrangement is interpreted as a wish for a married couple to remain close and happy together until their hair turns white with age. Five-persimmon skewers are associated with wishes for each individual to enjoy happiness and prosperity.
A Spectacular Autumn Landscape
In early November, persimmon harvesting and processing reach their peak throughout the four settlements of Shigo. Countless skewers of persimmons are hung beneath the eaves of houses and in special drying sheds known as kakiya.
When viewed from a distance, the rows of persimmons resemble enormous orange bead curtains. This remarkable seasonal scenery has become one of the most famous autumn sights in the region.
The vivid orange persimmons create a beautiful contrast with the mountains covered in autumn foliage. The view from the Taira district is particularly impressive, where traditional mountain settlements and rows of drying persimmons combine to create a landscape that feels like a glimpse of old Japan.
A Living Rural Landscape
For visitors from overseas, the scenery of Shigo offers a unique opportunity to see how agriculture, seasonal traditions, and village life come together. Rather than being a landscape created solely for tourism, these persimmon displays are part of an ongoing local tradition that has been passed down through generations.
The Traditional Kushigaki-Making Process
Many stages of kushigaki production are still carried out by hand. After the persimmons are harvested, each fruit is carefully peeled and sorted before being threaded onto bamboo skewers.
The skewers are then tied together with rope and hung in places with good sunlight and ventilation. The persimmons are slowly dried by the natural movement of the air. During this process, the moisture gradually disappears and the natural sweetness of the fruit becomes concentrated.
As the persimmons mature, a fine white coating of natural sugar may appear on the surface. This is one of the characteristic signs of well-dried persimmons.
In the final stages, a traditional process known as bō-oshi is used to shape and finish the persimmons. Careful attention is given not only to their taste and texture but also to their appearance, reflecting the knowledge and craftsmanship accumulated by local producers over many generations.
Preserving Tradition for the Future
Shigo is known for its exceptionally large-scale kushigaki production in Japan, and the annual Kushigaki Festival, held on November 23, attracts visitors who come to experience the seasonal landscape and traditional culture.
At the same time, the industry faces challenges, including an aging population of producers and a shortage of younger successors. Preserving kushigaki production therefore means preserving not only a local specialty but also an important part of the community’s cultural heritage.
Local residents, community organizations, and regional revitalization programs are working together to pass the tradition on to future generations. By visiting Shigo and learning about the people behind the scenery, travelers can gain a deeper appreciation for the effort required to maintain this remarkable cultural landscape.
Tips for Visiting Shigo
Because Shigo is located in a mountainous area, some roads are narrow and difficult for two vehicles to pass each other. Visitors traveling by car should drive carefully and allow plenty of time for the journey.
It is also important to remember that the four settlements are living communities. When viewing the persimmon-drying scenery, visitors should avoid entering private property or blocking roads and should respect the daily lives of local residents.
Experience the Beauty of Rural Japan
Shigo offers a rare opportunity to experience a traditional Japanese landscape shaped by both nature and human hands. The brilliant colors of autumn, the mountain scenery, and the rows of carefully prepared persimmons create an unforgettable seasonal sight.
More importantly, the kushigaki tradition represents centuries of local knowledge, family work, and community history. A visit to the Kushigaki Village of Shigo is therefore not simply a chance to take beautiful photographs. It is an opportunity to discover a living tradition and experience a quieter side of Japan that continues to be passed from one generation to the next.