[Yamaguchi] Carefully Selected by Local Staff Members! 13 Recommended Gourmet Souvenirs: From Side Dishes to Sweets
From staple side dishes that are indispensable on the dining tables of Yamaguchi residents to famous local sake and snacks that are irresistible to sake lovers, as well as sweets perfect for treating yourself or as gifts—we’ll introduce them all. With so many exquisite items that will make you a true Yamaguchi “connoisseur,” you’ll surely want to visit Yamaguchi Prefecture right away.
A Treat for Yourself: Delicious Sweets from Yamaguchi Prefecture
- 1 Kashinoki “Eggs Picked Up on the Moon”
- 2 Magasan “Shirahada Rinko”
- 3 Shokindo “Awa Yuki”
- 4 Takenaka “Natsumikan Orangeats”
- 5 Hagi Purin-tei “Assorted Puddings”
Local Sake & Snacks: Perfect Gifts for Sake Lovers
- 6 Shimonoseki Sake Brewery “Fugu Fin Sake”
- 7 Yamaguchi Cider: “UMI Cider, YAMA Cider”
- 8 Uni Jin Honpo “Bottled Sea Urchin”
- 9 Shokutenchi “Torafuku Cheese Gaufrette”
Fail-Safe, Classic Side Dishes & Snacks
A Treat for Yourself: Delicious Sweets from Yamaguchi Prefecture
1Kashino-ki “Eggs Gathered from the Moon”
A renowned confectionery loved by all generations for its light and delicate flavor
A masterpiece featuring fluffy, steamed castella sponge cake enveloping smooth, melt-in-your-mouth custard cream and chopped chestnuts. It boasts the No. 1 purchase rate among Yamaguchi’s famous confections and is beloved by many.The manufacturer, “Asahi Seika,” uses the renowned “Kinmeisui” spring water—which bubbles up from beneath its headquarters factory—in all its confectionery production. The castella sponge for “Eggs Gathered from the Moon” is also carefully steamed using this spring water. Due to its exceptional quality, it was selected as an in-flight treat for All Nippon Airways (ANA) in 1986 (Showa 61). The current name was chosen based on feedback from flight attendants at the time.
In addition to the classic plain flavor, we offer a variety of flavors, such as “Ono Tea,” which combines cream made from Ono Tea—a renowned tea from Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture—with whole-bean red bean paste from Hokkaido. We hope you’ll find your favorite.
[Product Name/Price] “Eggs Picked from the Moon” (4-pack): 1,000 yen, and others [Best Before] Approximately 20 days
[Retailers] Kashino-ki flagship stores, Shimonoseki Station shop, Yamaguchi Ube Airport shop, and others
Local Guide
Supporters
At “Kashino Ki Daimaru Shimonoseki Store,” in addition to Kashino Ki’s products, the display case is lined with a wide variety of cakes. There is also an attached café where you can enjoy coffee or tea alongside your cake.
- Kashino-ki, Daimaru Shimonoseki Store
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4-4-10 Takezaki-cho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, “Daimaru Shimonoseki” B1F MAP
Approx. 2-minute walk from JR Shimonoseki Station; approx. 3-minute drive from JR Shimonoseki Station
10:00-19:00
Same as Property
083-242-0757
Charged
2Magasan “Shirahada Rinko”
A light sake cake made with a generous amount of Yamaguchi’s renowned sake, “Toyo Bijin”
An original sake cake from “Magasan,” a select shop located in the historic town of Chofu. This luxurious treat features a baked meringue cake made with sake lees from Yamaguchi Prefecture’s renowned “Toyo Bijin” sake, further soaked generously in Toyo Bijin itself.The moment you open the package, a light, floral aroma of sake wafts out. Made using only egg whites, the cake has a light, airy texture and a melt-in-your-mouth smoothness. It’s designed so that even those who don’t usually drink alcohol can easily enjoy the charm of Yamaguchi’s sake.
This select shop, which carries only products made in Yamaguchi Prefecture, was opened by a shop owner with a background in travel magazines, driven by the desire to “help people rediscover the charms of Yamaguchi Prefecture simply by picking up these items.” In addition to Yamaguchi souvenirs crafted with meticulous attention to ingredients and packaging design, the shop also sells tableware created by local artisans.
[Product Name/Price] Shirahada Rinko Cake: 2,527 yen per whole cake, 1,490 yen for a half-size, 3,240 yen for a box of 8 individually wrapped pieces (gift set)
[Shelf Life] 6 months frozen, 10 days refrigerated
[Retailers] Magasan
Local Guide
Supporters
The shop also features a small café. It offers a “Mamesara Set Meal”—made with local ingredients and free of artificial flavorings—as well as cakes baked in the in-house workshop and a variety of drinks. It’s the perfect spot for lunch or a casual café visit.
3Shokindo “Awa Yuki”
Traditional Japanese sweets from a long-established shop, offering a deep, complex flavor born from simple ingredients
Established in 1866 (Keio 2), this long-established Japanese confectionery shop is known for its signature product, which has been beloved for many years. Made solely from egg whites, sugar, and agar, this pure white confection is characterized by a light, fluffy texture reminiscent of meringue, and its ephemeral mouthfeel—melting away on the tongue like light snow—is its greatest charm.The current owner describes the crisp, crackling sound it makes in the mouth as “similar to the sound of stepping on fresh snow.” Hirobumi Ito, Japan’s first Prime Minister, was deeply fond of this confection and praised it as “the crown of confectionery.” The name of the confection originates from a letter he sent to the shop suggesting it be written as “Aōyuki.”
Other popular sister products include “Yukigoromo,” which wraps “Awa Yuki” in a thin castella sponge and coats it with black sesame sugar, and “Sasameyuki,” a bite-sized dried confection made by coating “Awa Yuki” with sugar and drying it.
[Product Name/Price] Awa-yuki: 1,296 yen per stick; 1,592 yen in a gift box; other options available
[Shelf Life] 10 days in winter, 7 days in summer
[Retailers] Shokindo Main Store, Daimaru Shimonoseki Store, and others
Local Guide
Supporters
At “Fuwari,” a tea room next to the main store, you can enjoy freshly baked Japanese sweets and matcha. The owner paid meticulous attention to every detail of the interior design, and out of a desire to “introduce customers to the best of Yamaguchi,” the shop features tableware and other items crafted by local artists.
4Takenaka “Natsumikan Orangeette”
Summer mandarin orange peels carefully coated with chocolate
Take-naka's famous "Kaori" confectionery, which uses the peel of Hagi's specialty summer oranges, has been rearranged in a Western style. The "Natsumikan Orangette" is made by hand coating the sugar-soaked peels with carefully tempered chocolate, one by one. The subtle bitterness of the orangette's peel and the sweetness of the chocolate are exquisitely intertwined, making it an irresistible treat that is sure to become addictive once tasted. Word of mouth is spreading that the chocolate goes well with coffee and tea, and the bitter-sweet adult flavor goes well with wine.
Because the chocolate melts, the sales period is determined based on an outside temperature of 23℃, and is limited to late September or early October through mid-April each season. In addition to dark chocolate and white chocolate, matcha chocolate will be newly introduced for the 2022 season, so don't miss out on the delicacy that can only be found half the year.
Local Guide
Supporters
Take-naka is also a summer tangerine farm, and is involved in the processing and production of a wide variety of original Japanese and Western-style products to promote their deliciousness. In addition to orangettes, there are many other recommended souvenirs such as "round pickles" and "jellies.
Natsumikan Orangette Dark Chocolate (10 pieces) 590 yen
Shelf life: 60 days from the date of manufacture in the unopened package.
Shoin Shoin Shrine Take-naka directly-managed stores, Roadside Station Hagi Shimato, Roadside Station Hagi Oukan, Chugoku Expressway Bihigashi SA, etc.
- Take-naka Shouin-jinja Store
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Shoin Shrine precincts, 1537 Tsubaki-higashi, Hagi, Yamaguchi MAP
Approximately 35 minutes by car from the Edo IC of the Ogori Hagi Road
Take a bus from Hagi Bus Center and get off at "Shouin Jinja-mae" bus stop.
8:00-17:00 (8:30-17:00 from December to February)
No holidays
Free of charge
Natsu-mikan Orangette" is available only from late September or early October to mid-April.
5Hagi Purin-tei “Assorted Puddings”
Smooth Pudding" specialty store in the elegant castle town of Hagi
Hagi Castle Town, registered as a World Heritage site, is an enjoyable area to stroll, dotted with not only historical sites but also fashionable cafes. Hagi Purintei opened in February 2021. It is now a new landmark in the castle town, and is well known not only among tourists but also locals for its exquisite pudding.
The secret of its popularity is the taste of its signature product, "Smooth" pudding, and other special puddings. It is carefully handmade with fresh eggs, milk, Madagascar vanilla, and plenty of fresh cream. The pudding has a smooth texture that melts in your mouth, and the richness that fills your mouth is irresistible.
The "Hagi Natsumikan" is made with a special jellied summer orange, while the "Nagisa Purin" is made with a rum jelly that evokes the famous Kikugahama beach.
Local Guide
Supporters
The pudding is a hot item on social networking sites because of its photogenic appeal as well as its melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. Don't miss the seasonal sauces, such as strawberry, pine muscat, sweet potato, and chestnut.
Product name and price: Smooth, 390 yen per piece; Hagi Natsumikan, 450 yen per piece.
Shelf life: 2 to 4 days (refrigeration required) *Varies depending on the type, sales conditions, etc.
Hagi Purintei main store, Hagi Shimato store
- Hagi Purintei Main Store
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2-10 Gofukumachi, Hagi, Yamaguchi MAP
Approximately 35 minutes by car from the Edo IC of the Ogori Hagi Road
Take a bus from Hagi Bus Center, get off at "Hagi Museum" and walk 5 minutes.
9:00-17:00
Year-end and New Year's holidays
0838-21-5567
Free of charge
Local Sake & Snacks: Perfect Gifts for Sake Lovers
6Shimonoseki Shuzo “Fugu Fin Sake”
Just heat it up! Enjoy authentic hira-zake right at home
Produced by “Shimonoseki Shuzo,” founded in 1923 (Taisho 12), this is an authentic fin sake made using the fins of Shimonoseki’s famous tiger pufferfish.To bring out the unique umami of the fins, this sake is brewed in special tanks. Its clean, smooth taste—free of any harsh aftertaste—is complemented by the rich aroma of grilled fins, creating a mellow and enjoyable flavor.
For best results, first warm the entire cup in the microwave or over a water bath. Heating it to a relatively high temperature of around 75–80°C will further enhance the fin’s toasty aroma.After enjoying it as is, adding a pinch of salt to taste will sharpen the flavor and further deepen the umami of the fin. Since it contains real fin, another delightful feature is that once you’ve finished your first glass, you can pour hot sake into the cup to enjoy the fin sake all over again. Experience the authentic taste easily at home.
[Product Name / Price] Torafuku Fin Sake (180 ml) 790 yen [Best Before] 8 months
[Where to Buy] Shimonoseki Shuzo, roadside stations in Yamaguchi Prefecture, souvenir shops, and other locations
Local Guide
Supporters
Shimonoseki Shuzo offers a range of unique products, including the traditional brand “Sekimusume,” which has been beloved since the company’s founding, as well as the “ALL BLEU” series—a local sake created to complement the delicious dishes made with Shimonoseki’s abundant seafood.
- Shimonoseki Sake Brewery (Sake-an “Sora” Direct Sales Store)
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8-23 Hatao Miyanoshita-machi, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
Approx. 16 minutes by car from JR Shimonoseki Station
Take the bus from JR Shimonoseki Station, get off at “Enkō-ji,” and walk about 3 minutes
Open 10:00-17:00
Year-end and New Year holidays, etc.
083-252-1877
Free of charge
7Yamaguchi Cider “UMI Cider, YAMA Cider”
A fashionable and delicious cider made from Tokusa apples, a specialty of Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi Cidre" uses "Tokusa apples" produced in Ato, Yamaguchi City. The Ato region is one of the largest apple-growing areas in western Japan. The region is committed to safe and secure cultivation methods that reduce the use of agricultural chemicals, and the climate produces apples with high sugar content. The delicious and gorgeous cider produced from sweet and rich tasting apples has been spreading by word of mouth, especially among women, due to its ease of drinking, and is steadily gaining fans.
There are two types of ciders: "YAMA (mountain)," which is inspired by the "gentle mountains" of Yamaguchi Prefecture, and "UMI (sea)," which is inspired by the "fresh sea breeze." The sweet "YAMA" has a low alcohol content of 4-5% and a strong apple aroma and sweet taste. The dry "UMI" with 7-8% alcohol content is a perfect match with Yamaguchi Prefecture's famous seafood.
Local Guide
Supporters
At the direct sales counter, Ms. Naomi Harada, the creator of Yamaguchi Cider, will be happy to help you. If you listen to her talk about cider making and her thoughts on transmitting cider culture from the apple-growing region, you will be able to enjoy a more exceptional taste.
Product name and price: YAMA Cidre (375ml) 2,400 yen, UMI Cidre (375ml) 2,200 yen (750ml) 3,300 yen
Expiration date] No expiration date
Dealers: Yamaguchi Cidery, Nagato Gorge Roadside Station "Ato no Megumi", Michi no Eki Ganjo Hot Spring, Michi no Eki Ofuku, etc.
- Yamaguchi Cidre Direct Sales
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589 Ogori Shimogo, Yamaguchi-shi, Yamaguchi MAP
About 10 minutes by car from the Ogori Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway.
Take a bus from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station, get off at "Shimoyamate" and walk 10 minutes.
11:00-16:00
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday
080-7332-9525
Free of charge
8Uni Jin Honpo “Bottled Sea Urchin”
Alcohol-marinated sea urchin roe, capturing the bounty of the Shimonoseki sea in a bottle
Shimonoseki is the birthplace of “bottled sea urchin,” sea urchin pickled in alcohol. It was created by chance in 1887 (Meiji 20), when a British sailor visiting Shimonoseki accidentally spilled gin onto salted sea urchin.Inspired by this incident, Kyushichi Kido researched and commercialized the product, and “Uni Jin Honpo” was founded in 1914 (Taisho 3), carrying on the original techniques.
Our signature product, the original “Akama Uni,” harmonizes the rich flavor unique to sea urchin with a hint of alcohol, making it a masterpiece that can be enjoyed not only as a snack with sake but also as a side dish with rice.It is so popular that we sell over 10,000 jars annually. In addition, we offer “Seki Uni,” a fruity-flavored variety marinated in “Daiginjo” sake. The lineup also includes “Jin,” which is infused with gin, allowing you to enjoy a completely different flavor profile with each item.
[Product Names/Prices] 100th Anniversary Commemorative Product “Jin” (50g) 2,700 yen, Akama Sea Urchin (50g) 2,700 yen, Seki Sea Urchin (50g) 3,780 yen
[Shelf Life] 180 days
[Retailers] Uni Jin Honpo Main Store, Uni Jin Honpo Daimaru Shimonoseki Store, and others
Local Guide
Supporters
Unlike fresh sea urchin, this product can be stored at room temperature for over 180 days, making it a popular choice for souvenirs and gifts. The owner recommends simply enjoying it with warm rice—it’s so delicious you’ll polish off a whole bowl in no time.
- Uni Jin Honpo
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6-8 Saiwaicho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
Approx. 9-minute drive from JR Shimonoseki Station
Take the bus from JR Shimonoseki Station, get off at “Karato,” and walk about 7 minutes
9:00-17:00
Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays
083-222-0169
Free of charge
9Shokutenchi “Torafuku Cheese Gaufrette”
The exquisite balance of tiger pufferfish and rich cheese cream is addictive
These gaufrettes are made by kneading powdered tiger pufferfish—often referred to as the “king of pufferfish”—into a cheese cream. While gaufrettes are typically filled with sweet cream, the use of this sweet-and-salty cheese cream makes them perfect not only as an accompaniment to coffee but also as a snack to enjoy with wine.
The manufacturer, “Shokutenchi,” is a food company that originally specialized in dried fish and pufferfish products. Having worked closely with ingredients for many years, the company is known for creating unique products that bring out the natural flavors of their ingredients. Other products made with tiger pufferfish include “Tora Fuku Senbei” and “Tora Fuku POTATO.” We also recommend the rice flour langue de chat cookies made with “Nonta-guro,” a black soybean native to Shimonoseki that has been certified under the “Oishimo! Tanoshimo!” food brand promoted by the city of Shimonoseki.
[Product Name/Price] Torafuku Cheese Gaufrettes: 5-piece pack 540 yen, 15-piece pack 1,296 yen
[Shelf Life] 1 year
[ Retailers ] Omiyage Kaido Shimonoseki, Shin-Yamaguchi Station, Yamaguchi-Ube Airport, Roadside Station Hokuhoku, and others
Local Guide
Supporters
“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 “Tora Fuku Cheese Gaufrettes (5-piece pack).”
- Shokutenchi
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2-2-22 Ichinomiya-honmachi, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
083-250-5320
Direct sales are also available at the address above
Fail-Safe, Classic Side Dishes & Snacks
10Inoue Shoten “Shiso Wakame”
An indispensable part of the daily diet for residents of Yamaguchi Prefecture, and a staple accompaniment to rice.
Shiso wakame is a staple item on the tables of Yamaguchi Prefecture residents, especially in the Hagi and Nagato regions, and was first produced in 1980 as a product following an old local custom of chopping up sun-dried wakame and sprinkling it over rice. It has become an indispensable product for many residents of the prefecture, and their attachment to it has been introduced on a popular national TV program.
The soft and moderately chewy wakame seaweed is seasoned with bonito broth, and the more you chew, the more flavorful it becomes. The red shiso and sesame seeds mixed in with the wakame add a sour and savory flavor. Sprinkled over freshly cooked rice, another serving is inevitable.
Depending on the household, it can be used in a variety of ways, such as mixed into omelet or served with pasta. There are many recipes available on the Internet. Try your hand at some different arrangements.
Local Guide
Supporters
In addition to souvenir stores, this product can be found in supermarkets in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and it is common for residents of the prefecture to buy it in bulk. Don't miss the "Reprinted Version" that recreates the original taste of the product, as well as derivatives such as "Spicy Mentaiko Wakame" and "Natsumikan Wakame.
Product name and price: Shiso wakame (80g) 410 yen
Shelf life: 6 months
Inoue Shoten's main store, directly managed stores in Shin-Yamaguchi Station, supermarkets in the prefecture, Michi-no-Eki, etc.
- Inoue Shoten Honten
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9-1 Higashi-Hamazaki-cho, Hagi, Yamaguchi MAP
Approximately 35 minutes by car from the Edo IC of the Ogori Hagi Road
Take a bus from Hagi Bus Center, get off at "Mifunakura Iriguchi" and walk about 5 minutes.
8:30-17:00
Sunday, Holidays
0838-22-0812
Free of charge
11Inoue Shoten “Fugu Rice Crackers (Mustard Mayonnaise Flavor)”
The spicy mayonnaise matches the flavor of fugu (blowfish) and goes great with sake.
Many people associate Yamaguchi Prefecture's specialty with fugu (blowfish). Although it has the image of a luxury item, there are many fugu-related souvenirs that can be purchased easily, and Inoue Shoten's "fugu sembei" is one of the best examples of this.
One of the best examples is Inoue Shoten's "Fugu Sempei," which is crispy and light in texture, but also filling and satisfying. The spicy mayonnaise and chili pepper give it a nice spicy punch, along with the rich flavor of fugu. This dish is popular among people of all ages, from children to adults, and its rich flavor is a must-try not only for tea, but also as a snack. Of course, there is no doubt that it goes well with the local sake that Yamaguchi Prefecture is famous for.
Local Guide
Supporters
Inoue Shoten handles a variety of processed marine products, including a full lineup of fugu-related products. The company boasts such delicacies as "fugu zosui (rice porridge)," "fugu-meshi no motsu (ingredients for fugu rice)," "dried fugu overnight," "dashi chazuke (broth for fugu)," and many more.
Product name and price: Fugu Sempei (spicy mayonnaise flavor), 594 yen for 12 pieces, 1,188 yen for a box of 20 pieces.
Shelf life: 90 days.
Inoue Shoten's main store, directly managed stores in Shin-Yamaguchi Station, Roadside Station, etc.
- Inoue Shoten Honten
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9-1 Higashi-Hamazaki-cho, Hagi, Yamaguchi MAP
Approximately 35 minutes by car from the Edo IC of the Ogori Hagi Road
Take a bus from Hagi Bus Center, get off at "Mifunakura Iriguchi" and walk about 5 minutes.
8:30-17:00
Sunday, Holidays
0838-22-0812
Free of charge
12Fukagawa Poultry Agricultural Cooperative “Egg Crackers”
A longtime seller loved by residents of the prefecture: sweet rice crackers with a rich egg flavor
A classic snack for residents of Yamaguchi Prefecture. Many people who pick up a "chicken and egg cracker" are reminded of their childhood memories of eating them at their grandmother's house. Of course, it is also a long-seller as a Yamaguchi souvenir. The fresh eggs from hens raised on flat farms and plenty of honey are used to create a sweet taste that fills the mouth when you take a crispy bite. The sweetness, similar to the taste of sponge cake, is a simple yet memorable taste. For the winter season only, a chocolate coated "Choco Sen" is also available.
The newly introduced "Chicken-egg salt rice cracker" is also gaining popularity. The unique sweetness of the salt is "addictive" and its popularity is spreading.
Local Guide
Supporters
At Torine Fukawa, which is directly managed by the manufacturer, you can easily find the limited-edition "Choco Sen" and a variety of other egg-filled sweets. In addition, there is a full lineup of meat and processed products such as "Choshu Dori" and "Choshu Kuro Kashiwa".
Product name and price: Chicken egg crackers (10 bags), 648 yen.
Shelf life: 120 days
Shops】Fukagawa Poultry Farmers Cooperative Association "Trine Fukawa", Roadside Stations, etc.
- Trine Fukawa
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707-1 Higashifukagawa, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
Approximately 40 minutes by car from the Mine Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway.
Take a bus from JR Nagato City Station, get off at Fuji Nagato-ten-mae and walk 5 minutes.
8:00-17:30
Wed. and Sun.
0837-23-2123
Free of charge
13Yamaguchi Hinraku-an “Yoshida Shoin Potato Chips”
A new staple in Yamaguchi souvenirs: Yuzu salt-flavored potato chips!
Yoshida Shoin is one of the great figures representing Choshu at the end of the Edo period. In Hagi City, he is still called "sensei" (teacher) with respect. The packaging features a large design of Shoin Sensei's face. It became nationally known after winning the championship in the TV program "The 2nd National Potato Chips No. 1 Championship" and receiving rave reviews for its deliciousness.
The "yuzu salt," which is the key to the flavor, is made by Yuzu Ya Honten, a popular citrus processed products store in Hagi City. The salt is made from yuzu (citrus fruit) grown in Hagi and salt produced by cooking Hagi's mineral-rich seawater in a cauldron. The potato chips are made the old-fashioned way, with a rich potato flavor and rustic taste. The mellow yuzu salt is a perfect match for the chips, and one bite will keep you coming back for more.
Local Guide
Supporters
They are also popular as snacks in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The wave-cut potato chips are very satisfying, and the rich flavor of yuzu salt is sure to be addictive. We recommend them as an accompaniment to local sake.
Product name: Yoshida Shoin Potato Chips, 453 yen.
Shelf life: 4 months
Stores】Michi no Eki (roadside station), souvenir shops, etc. in Yamaguchi Prefecture
- Yamaguchi Binrakuan Co.
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1305-6 Misumishita, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
0837-43-2045
No direct sales at the above address.
MAP
- A Treat for Yourself: Delicious Sweets from Yamaguchi Prefecture
- Local Sake & Snacks: Perfect Gifts for Sake Lovers
- Fail-Safe, Classic Side Dishes & Snacks
-
- Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby




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