The Yamakuni area of Keihoku is located in the headwaters of the Katsura River in the northwestern part of Kyoto City. The Yamakuni Sakigake Center, established by local residents, uses ingredients grown in the rich natural environment of Keihoku to produce and sell natto rice cakes and other specialty products. Natto-mochi is a traditional food of Keihoku, consisting of a large round rice cake baked, seasoned with salt and natto, wrapped like a gyoza (dumpling) and covered with soybean flour. The origin of natto mochi dates back to the period when the capital was relocated to Heian (794-1192). It is said that natto mochi was used as a lunch for raftsmen and others working down the Katsura River to transport lumber from the northern part of Keihoku for the construction of the Imperial Palace. Natto is a valuable source of protein in farming and mountain villages, and some say that Keihoku is the birthplace of natto. An emaki (picture scroll) at Josho-ko-ji Temple in Yamakuni depicts Emperor Kogon's favorite natto wrapped in straw during the period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, and tells of the deep connection between natto and this region.
Natto rice cakes are still passed down in this area, and the custom of eating natto rice cakes instead of zoni as a New Year's celebration rice cake still remains. Natto-mochi used to be about the size of a person's face and were eaten over the three days of the New Year, and when hardened, they were lightly roasted over a fire to enjoy the aroma. ［The Yamakuni Sakigake Center also sells natto rice cakes made by pounding glutinous rice and natto together with a pestle and naturally dried natto rice cakes that are fried to a savory aroma, as well as other products. Come and experience the charm of natto mochi, which has been loved in Keihoku for many years.