Located on the north-eastern part of mainland Japan, Tohoku (東北) is made up of six prefectures, and is a treasure trove of beautiful nature and fascinating history. It’s a wonderful place to visit, especially with the convenience of the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo. However, after your travels, you might face the dilemma of what souvenir (お土産 omiyage) to bring back for your family, friends, and colleagues.
You’ll definitely be spoilt for choice with the endless options of confectionery and snacks available at gift shops around the area, so here’s a guide to six must-buy souvenirs from Tohoku, one tasty treat from each prefecture!
1. Hagi no Tsuki from Miyagi Prefecture
Hagi no Tsuki is one of the―if not the―most famous omiyage from Tohoku. | Photo by Carissa Loh
Miyagi Prefecture (宮城県) is known for its picturesque full moon views, especially over Matsushima Bay during autumn. One of Tohoku’s most popular omiyage, Hagi no Tsuki (萩の月) is a round and fluffy sponge cake filled with creamy custard, meant to resemble a full moon.
Inside a box of Hagi no Tsuki are smaller, individually packed boxes. | Photo by Carissa Loh
“Hagi no Tsuki” literally means “bush clover moon”, and it is said to have drawn inspiration from the full moon shining over a field of Japanese bush clover (萩 hagi) flowers―the prefectural flower of Miyagi―blooming in autumn. It’s no surprise that this beloved treat is the prefecture’s most popular souvenir, and is a must-get if you visit Sendai (仙台) or the Tohoku Region.
2. Kamome no Tamago from Iwate Prefecture
Kamome no Tamago is also a representative omiyage of Tohoku. | Photo by Carissa Loh
Iwate Prefecture (岩手県) is known for the rugged Sanriku Coast, which is home to thousands of seagulls. If you get the chance to visit this prefecture, one souvenir you need to bring back is Kamome no Tamago (かもめの玉子), which literally means “seagull egg”.
Mini Kamome no Tamago comes in special flavours. | Photo by Carissa Loh
With a history of over 80 years, this egg-shaped confectionery is made up of a “yolk” containing bean paste coated with a thin layer of sponge cake, and a “shell” made with sweet white chocolate. Aside from the original flavour, there are also special flavours that come in mini sizes, such as apple, chocolate, and chestnut.
3. Apple chips from Aomori Prefecture
Aomori Prefecture is the top producer of apples in Japan. | Photo by Carissa Loh
Aomori Prefecture (青森県) in northern Tohoku is the largest producer of apples in Japan, so if you’re ever in the area, don’t miss out on their apple-flavoured treats. Omiyage shops will be filled with a plethora of apple pies, apple jellies, apple juices, and apple confectioneries, but one must-try item is the Apple Snack (アップルスナック)―apple chips which are made with locally produced apples.
Apple Snacks come in different apple varieties. | Photo by Carissa Loh
The Apple Snack comes in different “flavours”, which are made with different varieties of apples such as Jonagold (ジョナゴールド), Ourin (王林), Shinano Gold (シナノゴールド), and Fuji (ふじ). Recently, a mixed pack was also launched, offering a delightful mix of Aomori’s best apple varieties in one packet.
4. Mamador from Fukushima Prefecture
Mamador is well-loved by both the young and the old. | Photo by Ocdp (CC0 1.0)
From Fukushima Prefecture (福島県), Mamador (ままどおる) is a must-try souvenir hailing from the city of Koriyama. The name “mamador” is said to have come from a Spanish word that means “milk-drinking child”, and this treat contains condensed milk, which gives it a subtle sweetness.
Unchanged taste for over 50 years. | Photo by TAKA@P.P.R.S (CC BY-SA 2.0)
This beloved baked confectionery is made of a buttery dough filled with a smooth sweet bean paste. Boasting a sweet and milky flavour, Mamador goes well with beverages like coffee and tea. Despite a long history spanning over 50 years, its gentle taste has gone unchanged over the years, making it well-loved by children and adults alike.
5. Cherry jellies from Yamagata Prefecture
Yamagata Sakuranbo Kirara cherry jellies are best served chilled. | Photo by Carissa Loh
Yamagata Prefecture (山形県) is surrounded by mountains on all sides, providing ideal conditions for growing fruit. Did you know? It is the top producer of cherries (さくらんぼ sakuranbo) in Japan, so something you must-try (and bring back for your family and friends) is their delicious cherry jellies, the Yamagata Sakuranbo Kirara (山形さくらんぼきらら).
These bite-sized treats are made of a whole cherry coated in firm jelly, packed with a generous portion of syrup. They have the perfect balance of sweet and sour, and are extra delicious when chilled in the fridge before eating.
6. Akita Inu-shaped biscuits from Akita Prefecture
Akita Inu shaped cookies to hang on your cup. | Photo by Carissa Loh
Finally, rounding up Tohoku’s six prefectures is Akita Prefecture (秋田県), which instantly brings to mind the loyal and lovable Akita Inu dogs. You’ll be spoilt for choice with all the souvenirs bearing images of Akita Inu, but the adorable Akita Wan de Cup (秋田ワンdeカップ) cookies will not just melt in your cup of tea, and also melt the hearts of your recipients.
There are three designs of Akita Inu, and their tails are perfectly shaped to hang on the edge of your tea cup. Each cookie is individually wrapped, and will be a great addition to any office pantry.
Try Tohoku Treats with JAPAN RAIL CLUB
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