Souvenirs That Everyone Loves! The Local Products That Are Suitable For Gifts From Akita!

If you are planning to go on a trip, you simply can’t forget to get some souvenirs for your close friends, co-workers, or bosses. The time you spend on choosing a gift could be so much fun, but it is true that you can’t spend too much time on just buying those souvenirs. Now in this article, I will recommend some products that are suitable for gifts when you visit Akita!

Shottsuru

The local product of Akita “Shottsuru” is counted as one of the 3 fish sauce as well as “Ishiru” from Ishikawa and “Ikanago Soy Sauce” from Kagawa. The ingredients of this sauce are the local sandfish.

Having sandfish is one of their cultures at it is known as a source of protein in winter. It was once exposed to extinction and when that happens, the fishers started controlling themselves not to catch too many of them. How about getting one that has a unique taste of Akita for a souvenir?

Namahage Senbei

“Namahage Senbei” is a rice cracker in the shape of Namahage – the character of the traditional event unique to Akita. Namahage is a traditional event that the younger people wearing the ogre costume goes around the houses in winter while shouting “Who’s lazy? Who’s crying?” Also, they wear the scary mask of ogre and the costume made of straws with a knife or a hoe in their hands.

That scary character Namahage – is changed into Senbei in an adorable package. This is a luxury confectionery that a plenty of eggs are used. If you visit Akita, why not get one?

Butter Mochi

One of the traditional confectioneries in the village of Matagi is “Butter Mochi”, once introduced on TV. It is a mysterious confectionery that it doesn’t get stiff when it goes – it tastes slightly sweet and rich as it contains a plenty of sugar and butter. It is believed that Matagi used to take this long lasting confectionery with when they went hunting, and thus it doesn’t have to be cooked to eat.

Surprisingly, there’s an association called “Japan Butter Mochi Association” and the purpose is to spread the words of Butter Mochi originated in Akita and they even made a brochure as well as the packaging. Why not try their traditions and get one for gifts?

Aramasa

The one made in Akita where there are a wide variety of sake is this – “Aramasa”. A long established sake brewer opened in 1853 only uses rice from Akita to make Aramasa.

Although the traditional way of making it is to hire professionals only in winter, the company started to employ their own staff since 2008, and innovated the traditions to their style! They are proud of their products for safety that any additives are not used. How about experiencing this beautiful sake, Aramasa?

Kinman

The is what locals have loved for more than 60 years – “Kinman”. This confectionery is something almost everyone in Akita knows as there was once a particularly unique TV commercial. Because they are sold at the shop in the building of Akita Station, they are easily purchased when you feel like trying it. The feature of this confectionery is its sweetness that the soft dough covers the white bean paste.

They are popular for souvenirs as well! If your friends love sweets, this is the best option. If you are looking for a gift in Akita, try “Kinman”!

Gibasa

Seaweed “Gibasa”, officially known as “Akamoku”, is what people traditionally have been eating. As it contains a plenty of dietary fiber, polyphenol and mineral, it is believed that it is great for your beauty and health. It is chopped already when you buy it, and thus you could eat it straight away after defrosting it.

It gets so sticky like natto when you keep mixing it, and goes well with soy sauce, ponzu sauce, or rice. If you love something sticky, “Gibasa” is strongly recommended!

Akita Pudding

What do you think of the best sweets that kids and adults love? – Yes, it’s pudding! In Akita, there’s the best pudding that everyone must try. Jersey milk from Hanadate Farm and eggs from Takita Chicken Farm aare used as the ingredients. The real cake shop makes a real pudding.

It is packed in a little glass bottle and the pudding has a rich taste of milk with 3 structures of caramel, pudding, and then the cream. Why not get one for souvenirs?

Inaba Udon

One of the traditional gourmets in Akita is “Inaba Udon” that has been loved for years. The feature of this Udon is that it comes with thin and flat noodles. Inaba Udon, with a history of 360 years, has rather thinner noodles than the other Udon noodles. In spite of thin noodles, they are chewy and tastes great.

The process of making it surprisingly goes on for 3 days by hands of the professionals, and that is one of the reasons that it makes a chewy texture. This is definitely one of the best gifts.

Mage Wappa

This is one of the traditional crafts in Akita. This “Mage Wappa” is created by using elasticity of Akita Sugi. Created by wood, it feels the warmth and you can expect absorbency and adiabaticity too.

It has a long history as there’s a record that it was used in the Heian era, and in present days, it is also made as a lunch box and a coffee cup. It’s actually easy to treat and keep it as you just need to wash it by hot water and dry inside up using a cloth. If you are looking to get anything authentic, this is the best craft in Akita!

Kiritanpo Hot Pot Kit

When it comes to the most popular gourmet in Akita, many people immediately think of “Kiritanpo”. Kiritanpo is a rice based dish with a wooden stick. Akita grown rice is to be ground and wrap it to a wooden stick, and cook – that is what Kiritanpo is. And Kiritanpo Nabe (Hot Pot) is knowns as one of the local gourmets in Akita.

It has been eaten in Akita as a special menu on some anniversary. That special menu now can be experienced at home with this “Kiritanpo Hot Pot Kit”. Why not get one and bring it home with you?

Get The Unique Souvenirs In Akita, And Please Your Loved Ones!

How was it? I have introduced the best 10 recommended gifts in this article. All of those are quite unique to Akita. The more you enjoy your trip itself, the less time you have for choosing souvenirs. I hope this article helps you think what you can get in Akita!