1
Kashinoki "Tsuki de Hirotta Tamago"

A beloved confection with a soft, gentle flavor that appeals to all generations

A masterpiece consisting of fluffy steamed sponge cake filled with smooth, melt-in-the-mouth custard cream and chopped chestnuts. It boasts the No. 1 purchase rate among Yamaguchi's famous confections and is loved by many. The manufacturer, Asahi Seika, uses "Kinsmeisui," a famous spring water that bubbles up from beneath its headquarters factory, for all its confectionery production, and the sponge cake for "Tsuki de Hirotta Tamago" is also carefully steamed using this famous water.Due to its high quality, it was adopted as an in-flight snack by All Nippon Airways (ANA) in 1986. The current product name was given based on the opinions of flight attendants at the time.

In addition to the standard plain flavor, a variety of flavors are available, such as "Onocha," which combines cream made from Onocha, a famous tea from Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, with Hokkaido red bean paste. Please try to find your favorite.

[Product Name/Price] Tsukide Hirotta Tamago (4 pieces)
[Shelf Life] Approx. 20 days
[Retailers] Kashinoki directly managed stores, Shimonoseki Station kiosk, Yamaguchi Ube Airport shop, etc.

Local
Supporter

At "Kashinoki Daimaru Shimonoseki Store," in addition to Kashinoki products, a wide variety of cakes are lined up in the display case. There is also an attached cafe where you can enjoy coffee or tea with your cake.

Kashinoki Daimaru Shimonoseki Store

• Daimaru Shimonoseki B1F, 4-4-10 Takezaki-cho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 2-minute walk from JR Shimonoseki Station, approx. 3-minute drive from JR Shimonoseki Station
• 10:00–19:00
• Follows facility hours
• 083-242-0757
• Paid

2
Magasan "Shirohada Rinko"

A light sake cake made luxuriously with Yamaguchi's famous "Toyo Bijin" sake

An original sake cake from "Magasin," a select shop in the Chofu castle town. This luxurious item is a baked meringue cake made by kneading the sake lees of Yamaguchi Prefecture's famous "Toyobijin" sake into the dough, which is then generously soaked with more Toyobijin. The moment you open the package, the gorgeous aroma of Japanese sake spreads, and the dough, made only with egg whites, has a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It is designed so that even those who do not usually drink alcohol can easily enjoy the charm of Yamaguchi's sake.

Handling only products made in Yamaguchi Prefecture, this select shop was opened by an owner with a background in travel magazines, driven by the desire to "have people rediscover the goodness of Yamaguchi Prefecture by picking up these items." They sell Yamaguchi souvenirs with a focus on ingredients and package design, as well as pottery by local artists.

[Product Name/Price] Shirohada Rinko Cake (1 whole, half size, or 8 individually wrapped pieces for gifts)
[Shelf Life] 6 months frozen, 10 days refrigerated
[Retailer] Magasin

Local
Supporter

The shop also features a small cafe. They offer a variety of items including mamezara (small plate) set meals that use local ingredients and contain no chemical seasonings, as well as cakes baked in the in-store workshop and various drinks. It is the perfect space for lunch or a cafe break.

Magasan

• 1F, 6-5 Chofu Minato-machi, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 19-minute drive from JR Shimonoseki Station
• Take a bus from JR Shimonoseki Station, get off at "Jokamachi Chofu," and walk for about 5 minutes
• 10:00–17:00
• Tuesdays
• 083-242-2373
• Free

3
Shokindo "Awayuki"

Traditional Japanese sweets from a long-established shop, featuring deep flavors created from simple ingredients

A signature product that has been loved for many years at this long-established Japanese confectionery shop founded in 1866 (Keio 2). Made only with egg whites, sugar, and agar, this pure white confection features a fluffy, meringue-like texture that melts away on the tongue like light snow. The crisp sound it makes in your mouth is described by the current owner as "reminiscent of the sound of walking on fresh snow."The first Prime Minister of Japan, Hirobumi Ito, loved this confection dearly and praised it as "the crown jewel of sweets." The name of the sweet comes from a letter he sent to the shop suggesting it be written as "Aosetsu" (King of Snow).

Other popular sister products include "Yukigoromo," which consists of Awayuki wrapped in a thin layer of castella sponge cake and coated in sugar with black sesame seeds, and "Sasameyuki," a dried confection made by dusting bite-sized pieces of Awayuki with sugar and drying them.

[Product Name/Price] Awayuki
[Shelf Life] 10 days in winter, 7 days in summer
[Retailers] Shokindo Main Store, Daimaru Shimonoseki Store, and others

Local
Supporter

At the tea house "Fuwari" next to the main store, you can enjoy freshly made Japanese sweets and matcha. In the shop, where the owner was particular about even the interior design, they use items such as pottery by local artists, reflecting the desire to "have people experience the good things of Yamaguchi."

4
Takenaka "Natsumikan Orangette"

Natsumikan orange peels carefully coated in chocolate

Born from a Western-style arrangement of "Kaori," the signature confection of "Takenaka" made with the peel of Hagi's specialty summer oranges. For "Summer Orange Orangette," sugar-preserved peels are coated one by one by hand with carefully tempered chocolate. The subtle bitterness of the summer orange peel and the sweetness of the chocolate intertwine exquisitely, creating a masterpiece that is addictive once you taste it. It goes perfectly with coffee or tea, and its bitter-sweet, sophisticated flavor is also gaining a reputation through word-of-mouth for pairing well with wine.
Because the chocolate melts, the sales period is determined based on an outside temperature of 23°C, and is limited to the season from late September or early October to mid-April. Don't miss out on this delicacy that you can only encounter for half the year.

Local
Supporter

"Takenaka" is also a summer orange farm, and they handle the processing and manufacturing of a wide variety of original Japanese and Western products to share their deliciousness. In addition to orangettes, there are plenty of other recommended souvenirs such as "Maruzuke" (whole candied fruit) and "Jelly."

[Product Name] Summer Orange Orangette Dark Chocolate (50g)
[Shelf Life] 60 days from the date of manufacture if unopened
[Retailers] Takenaka Shoin Shrine Direct Store, Roadside Station Hagi Sea Mart, Roadside Station Hagi Okan, Chugoku Expressway Mitou SA, etc.

Takenaka Shoin Shrine Branch

• Shoin Shrine Grounds, 1537 Chinto, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 35 minutes by car from Ogori-Hagi Road "Edo" IC
• Take a bus from Hagi Bus Center and get off at "Shoin-jinja-mae", immediately upon arrival
• 8:00–17:00 (8:30–17:00 from January to March)
• Open every day
• Free
• "Natsumikan Orangette" is sold for a limited time from late September or early October to mid-April

5
Hagi Purin-tei "Assorted Puddings"

A "smooth pudding" specialty shop born in the atmospheric castle town of Hagi

The "Hagi Castle Town," registered as a World Cultural Heritage site, is an area fun to stroll through, dotted not only with historic sites but also stylish cafes. "Hagi Pudding-tei" opened in February 2021. Since you can encounter exquisite pudding there, it has now become a new landmark in the castle town, with a reputation among both tourists and locals alike.
The secret to its popularity is the taste of their carefully crafted puddings, led by their signature "Smooth" pudding. They are carefully handmade using fresh eggs, milk, high-quality vanilla from Madagascar, and plenty of fresh cream. The rich flavor that spreads throughout your mouth, along with the melt-in-your-mouth texture, is irresistible.
You will also be impressed by the compatibility of the carefully selected sauces and puddings, such as "Hagi Summer Orange" with a jelly made from the local specialty summer orange, and "Nagisa Pudding" with a ramune-flavored jelly inspired by the famous Kikugahama Beach.

Local
Supporter

This pudding is not only melt-in-your-mouth delicious, but it is also a hot topic on social media for its photogenic appeal. Don't miss the seasonal sauces that appear throughout the year, such as strawberry, shine muscat, and chestnut.

[Product Name] Smooth, Hagi Natsumikan
[Shelf Life] 2–4 days (keep refrigerated) *Varies depending on the type and sales status
[Retailers] Hagi Purin-tei Main Store, Hagi Sea Mart Store

Hagi Pudding-tei Main Store

• 2-10 Gofukumachi, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 35 minutes by car from Ogori-Hagi Road "Edo" IC
• Take a bus from Hagi Bus Center and get off at "Hagi Hakubutsukan-mae", approx. 5-minute walk
• 9:00–17:00
• Year-end and New Year holidays
• 0838-21-5567
• Free

6
Shimonoseki Shuzo "Torafuku Hire-zake"

Just heat it up! Enjoy authentic fin sake at home with ease

This is an authentic fin sake produced by Shimonoseki Shuzo, founded in 1923 (Taisho 12), which uses the actual fins of Shimonoseki's famous tiger pufferfish. To bring out the unique umami of the fins, it uses sake brewed in dedicated tanks. You can enjoy a mellow flavor with a clean, smooth finish, layered with the rich aroma of grilled fins.

To enjoy it at its best, first heat the cup in a microwave or a hot water bath. Heating it to a hot temperature of around 75–80°C will further enhance the savory aroma of the fins. After tasting it as is, adding a pinch of salt to your liking will tighten the flavor and deepen the umami of the fins. Since it contains real fins, a nice bonus is that you can pour more hot sake into the cup after finishing the first drink to enjoy the fin sake all over again. Please enjoy the authentic taste easily at home.

[Product Name/Price] Torafuku no Hire-zake (180ml)
[Shelf Life] 8 months
[Retailers] Shimonoseki Shuzo, roadside stations in Yamaguchi Prefecture, souvenir shops, and others

Local
Supporter

Shimonoseki Shuzo offers a range of products, including "Sekimusume," a traditional brand loved since its founding, and the unique "ALL BLEU" series, which was created as a local sake to perfectly complement dishes made with Shimonoseki's abundant seafood.

Shimonoseki Shuzo (Shuan "Ku" Direct Sales Store)

• 8-23 Hataumiyamano-shita-cho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 16 minutes by car from JR Shimonoseki Station
• Take a bus from JR Shimonoseki Station and get off at "Enkoji", approx. 3-minute walk
• 10:00–17:00
• Year-end and New Year holidays, etc.
• 083-252-1877
• Free

7
Yamaguchi Cidre "UMI Cidre, YAMA Cidre"

A stylish and delicious must-try item: cider made from local Tokusa apples

Cider is a sparkling wine made by fermenting apples, and "Yamaguchi Cider" uses "Tokusa Apples," a specialty of the Ato district in Yamaguchi City. The Ato region is one of the largest apple-producing areas in western Japan. They are committed to safe and secure cultivation methods that minimize the use of pesticides, and they take advantage of the local climate to produce apples with high sugar content. The delicious and elegant cider, born from these sweet and rich apples, is gaining a reputation through word of mouth, especially among women, due to its drinkability, and is steadily increasing its fan base.
There are two types: "YAMA" (Mountain), inspired by the "gentle mountains" of Yamaguchi Prefecture, and "UMI" (Sea), inspired by the "refreshing sea breeze." The sweet "YAMA" has a lower alcohol content of 4–5% and features a strong apple aroma and sweetness. The dry "UMI," with an alcohol content of 7–8%, pairs perfectly with the seafood that Yamaguchi Prefecture is proud of.

Local
Supporter

At the direct sales shop, you will be served by Naomi Harada, the creator of "Yamaguchi Cider." If you have the chance to hear her talk about cider making and her passion for promoting cider culture from the apple-growing region, you will surely be able to enjoy an even more exceptional taste.

[Product Name] YAMA Cider <375ml>, UMI Cider <375ml>
[Shelf Life] None
[Retailers] Yamaguchi Cider Direct Sales Store, Roadside Station Chomonkyo "Ato no Megumi," Roadside Station Ganjo-ji Onsen, Roadside Station Ofuku, and others

Yamaguchi Cidre Direct Sales Store

• 589 Ogori Shimogo, Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 10 minutes by car from the Chugoku Expressway "Ogori" IC
• Take a bus from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station, get off at "Shimoyamate," and walk for about 10 minutes
• 11:00–16:00
• Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays
• 080-7332-9525
• Free

8
Unijin Honpo "Bottled Sea Urchin"

Sea urchin preserved in alcohol, capturing the flavors of the Shimonoseki sea in a bottle

Shimonoseki is the birthplace of "bottled sea urchin," which is sea urchin preserved in alcohol. It was born in 1887 (Meiji 20) by chance when a British sailor visiting Shimonoseki accidentally spilled gin onto salted sea urchin. Inspired by this event, Kyushichi Kido researched and commercialized it, and "Uni-Jin Honpo" was founded in 1914 (Taisho 3) to carry on the techniques of the original creator.

The signature product, the original "Akama Uni," is a masterpiece that harmonizes the rich flavor unique to sea urchin with the aroma of alcohol, making it perfect not only as a snack for drinks but also as a companion for rice. It boasts such popularity that it sells over 10,000 bottles annually. In addition, they offer "Seki no Uni," which is marinated in "Daiginjo" sake for a fruity flavor, as well as "Jin," which is marinated in gin, allowing you to enjoy completely different flavors for each.

[Product Name/Price] 100th Anniversary Commemorative Product "Jin" (50g), Akama Uni (50g), Seki no Uni (50g)
[Expiration Date] 180 days
[Retailers] Unijin Honpo Main Store, Unijin Honpo Daimaru Shimonoseki Store, and others.

Local
Supporter

Unlike raw sea urchin, it can be stored at room temperature for over 180 days, making it a convenient souvenir or gift. The owner recommends simply eating it with warm rice. It is so delicious that you will finish a whole bowl in no time.

Unijin Honpo

• 6-8 Saiwaicho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 9 minutes by car from JR Shimonoseki Station
• Take a bus from JR Shimonoseki Station, get off at "Karato," and walk for about 7 minutes
• 9:00–17:00
• Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
• 083-222-0169
• Free

9
Shokutenchi "Torafuku Cheese Gaufrette"

The exquisite balance of tiger pufferfish and rich cheese cream is addictive

This is a gofrette with powder of torafugu (tiger pufferfish), often called the king of pufferfish, kneaded into a cheese cream. While gofrettes typically use sweet cream, the use of a sweet and salty cheese cream makes this a treat that can be enjoyed not only with coffee but also as a snack with wine.

The manufacturer, Shokutenchi, is a food company that originally handled dried fish and pufferfish products. Because they have worked with these ingredients for many years, they are known for creating unique products that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. Other products using torafugu include "Torafuku Senbei" and "Torafuku POTATO."Also recommended is the rice flour langue de chat made with "Nontaguro," a black soybean specialty of Shimonoseki, which is certified under the "Oishimo! Tanoshimo!" food brand promoted by Shimonoseki City.

[Product Name/Price] Torafugu Cheese Gaufrette 5 pieces
[Shelf Life] 1 year
[Retailers] Omiyage Kaido Shimonoseki, Shin-Yamaguchi Station, Yamaguchi Ube Airport, Roadside Station Hohoku, and others

Local
Supporter

"Shokutenchi" products are sold at various shops, making them easy and convenient to purchase as souvenirs. The shop on the first floor of Risonare Shimonoseki also sells "Torafuku Cheese Gaufrettes (5 pieces)."

Shokutenchi

• 2-2-22 Ichinomiya Honmachi, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
• 083-250-5320
• Direct sales also available at the above address

10
Inoue Shoten "Shiso Wakame"

An essential staple for the daily dining table of Yamaguchi residents, and a classic accompaniment to rice.

"Shiso Wakame" is a quintessential staple on the dining tables of Yamaguchi Prefecture residents, especially in the Hagi and Nagato regions. It was first created as a product in 1980, inspired by a long-standing local culinary tradition of chopping sun-dried wakame seaweed and sprinkling it over rice. It has now become an indispensable item for many residents, and its popularity has even been featured on popular nationwide television programs.
The soft, perfectly textured wakame is seasoned with bonito dashi, and its flavor spreads the more you chew. The red shiso and sesame seeds mixed into the wakame are key to the flavor, providing a touch of acidity and nuttiness. Sprinkled over freshly cooked rice, it is so delicious that you will definitely want a second helping.
Depending on the household, it is used in various ways, such as mixed into rolled omelets or tossed with pasta. There are many recipes available if you search online. Be sure to try out some arrangements.

Local
Supporter

In addition to souvenir shops, this product can be found in every supermarket in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and it is common for locals to buy it in bulk. Don't miss the "reprint version" that recreates the original flavor, as well as derivative products like "Karashi Mentaiko Wakame" and "Natsumikan Wakame."

[Product Name] Shiso Wakame (80g)
[Shelf Life] 6 months
[Retailers] Inoue Shoten Main Store, direct-managed store inside Shin-Yamaguchi Station, supermarkets within the prefecture, roadside stations, etc.

Inoue Shoten Main Store

• 9-1 Higashihamasaki-cho, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 35 minutes by car from Ogori-Hagi Road "Edo" IC
• Take the bus from Hagi Bus Center and get off at "Mifunekura Iriguchi," about a 5-minute walk
• 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
• Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
• 0838-22-0812
• Free

11
Inoue Shoten "Fugu Senbei (Spicy Mayonnaise Flavor)"

The flavor of pufferfish matches perfectly with spicy mayonnaise, making it an excellent pairing for alcoholic beverages.

When people think of Yamaguchi Prefecture's specialties, many likely think of "fugu" (pufferfish). While it has an image of being a luxury item, there are many fugu-related souvenirs that are easy to purchase, and one of the most representative among them is Inoue Shoten's "Fugu Senbei" (pufferfish rice crackers).
They have a light, crispy texture but are also quite satisfying. Along with the rich flavor of fugu that spreads in your mouth, the mustard mayonnaise and ichimi chili pepper provide a perfect, spicy punch. It is a popular item enjoyed by all generations, from children to adults, but you should definitely try this flavor-packed treat not only with tea but also as a snack. Of course, it goes without saying that it pairs perfectly with the local sake that Yamaguchi Prefecture is proud of.

Local
Supporter

Inoue Shoten handles a variety of processed seafood products, and their selection of fugu (pufferfish) items is also extensive. They offer a lineup of proud specialties such as "Fugu Zosui (pufferfish porridge)," "Fugu-meshi no Moto (pufferfish rice seasoning)," "Mafugu Ichiyaboshi (dried pufferfish)," and "Mafugu Dashi Chazuke (pufferfish tea-steeped rice)."

[Product Name] Fugu Senbei (Mustard Mayonnaise Flavor) 10-piece pack, 16-piece gift box
[Shelf Life] 90 days
[Retailers] Inoue Shoten Main Store, direct-managed store inside Shin-Yamaguchi Station, roadside stations, etc.

Inoue Shoten Main Store

• 9-1 Higashihamasaki-cho, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 35 minutes by car from Ogori-Hagi Road "Edo" IC
• Take the bus from Hagi Bus Center and get off at "Mifunekura Iriguchi," about a 5-minute walk
• 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
• Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
• 0838-22-0812
• Free

12
Fukagawa Poultry Agricultural Cooperative "Keiran Senbei"

A long-selling favorite loved by locals, these sweet crackers are rich in egg flavor.

A classic snack that is a staple for the people of Yamaguchi Prefecture. When people pick up a pack of "Keiran Senbei" (egg crackers), many are filled with nostalgia, often recalling memories like "eating these at my grandmother's house." Naturally, it is also a long-selling Yamaguchi souvenir. Made with fertile eggs and honey, the sweet flavor that fills your mouth with every crisp bite is irresistible. Its gentle sweetness, reminiscent of castella cake, is simple yet memorable.
The newly introduced "Keiran Shio Senbei" (egg salt crackers) is also rising in popularity. It uses "Hyakusho no Shio" (Farmer's Salt), which is painstakingly produced from seawater in Yuya, Nagato City, and its unique sweet-and-salty flavor is gaining a reputation for being "addictive."

Local
Supporter

At the manufacturer's direct store, "Torine Fukawa," you can find a variety of egg-rich sweets. They also have a wide selection of fresh and processed meat from "Choshu Dori" and "Choshu Kurokashiwa" chickens.

[Product Name] Keiran Senbei (12 bags)
[Shelf Life] 120 days
[Retailers] Direct-managed store "Torine Fukawa," roadside stations, etc.

Torine Fukawa

• 707-1 Higashifukawa, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
• About 40 minutes by car from the Mine IC on the Chugoku Expressway
• Take a bus from JR Nagato-shi Station, get off at "Fuji Nagato-ten-mae," and walk for 5 minutes.
• 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Wednesdays and Sundays
• 0837-23-2123
• Free

13
Yamaguchi Horakuan "Yoshida Shoin Potato Chips"

A new standard for Yamaguchi souvenirs: yuzu salt-flavored potato chips.

Yoshida Shoin is one of the great figures representing the Choshu domain at the end of the Edo period. In Hagi City, he is still affectionately and respectfully called "Sensei" (Teacher). The packaging, which features a large design of "Shoin-sensei's" face, is the trademark. It became known nationwide after being crowned champion at the TV program "2nd National Potato Chip No. 1 Championship," where its delicious taste was highly acclaimed.
The "Yuzu Salt" that defines its flavor is specially made by "Yuzuya Honten," a popular shop for citrus processed goods in Hagi City. It is made with Yuzu from Hagi and salt produced by boiling down mineral-rich Hagi seawater in a kettle; the moment you open the bag, the scent of Yuzu whets your appetite. The potato chips are made using a traditional kettle-fried method, ensuring a rich, rustic potato flavor. The harmony with the mellow Yuzu salt is outstanding, and once you eat one, you won't be able to stop.

Local
Supporter

This is a popular snack in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The wave-cut potato chips are very satisfying, and the rich flavor of yuzu salt is sure to be addictive. We also recommend them as a companion to local sake.

[Product Name] Yoshida Shoin Potato Chips
[Shelf Life] 4 months
[Retailers] Roadside stations in Yamaguchi Prefecture, souvenir shops, etc.

Yamaguchi Hinrakuan Co., Ltd.

• 1305-6 Misumishimo, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
• 0837-43-2045
• Direct sales are not available at the address above.