Local Guide
7 recommended gourmet souvenirs from Yamaguchi Prefecture

Gourmet souvenirs from Yamaguchi Prefecture include "Yaki-nuki Kamaboko" (baked kamaboko), "Yamaguchi Uiro" (fried rice cake), and a variety of local brands of sake, and there is no end to the list of recommendations. In this article, we have selected seven souvenirs that, if you know them, will make you a "connoisseur" of Yamaguchi. From rice crackers and other rice dishes loved by the residents of Yamaguchi Prefecture to the increasingly popular apple liquor and sweets, we introduce you to some of the best products that will make you want to visit Yamaguchi Prefecture immediately.

An indispensable part of the daily diet for residents of Yamaguchi Prefecture, and a staple accompaniment to rice.

Various recipes exist, such as sprinkling it on rice, sprinkling it on rice balls, and in some households, serving it with pasta.
Various recipes exist, such as sprinkling it on rice, sprinkling it on rice balls, and in some households, serving it with pasta.

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 Comment
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
  • Address 9-1 Higashi-Hamazaki-cho, Hagi, Yamaguchi MAP
  • Direction Approximately 35 minutes by car from the Edo IC of the Ogori Hagi Road
  • Direction Take a bus from Hagi Bus Center, get off at "Mifunakura Iriguchi" and walk about 5 minutes.
  • Hours of operation 8:30-17:00
  • Closed Sunday, Holidays
  • TEL 0838-22-0812
  • Parking Free of charge

The spicy mayonnaise matches the flavor of fugu (blowfish) and goes great with sake.

A gem that makes you want a cup of local sake rather than tea. The chili pepper kneaded into the dough also adds a spicy accent.
A gem that makes you want a cup of local sake rather than tea. The chili pepper kneaded into the dough also adds a spicy accent.

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 Comment
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
  • Address 9-1 Higashi-Hamazaki-cho, Hagi, Yamaguchi MAP
  • Direction Approximately 35 minutes by car from the Edo IC of the Ogori Hagi Road
  • Direction Take a bus from Hagi Bus Center, get off at "Mifunakura Iriguchi" and walk about 5 minutes.
  • Hours of operation 8:30-17:00
  • Closed Sunday, Holidays
  • TEL 0838-22-0812
  • Parking Free of charge

Summer mandarin orange peels carefully coated with chocolate

The Natsumikan Orangette comes in three varieties: dark chocolate, white chocolate (590 yen each), and the newly introduced green tea chocolate (660 yen).
The Natsumikan Orangette comes in three varieties: dark chocolate, white chocolate (590 yen each), and the newly introduced green tea chocolate (660 yen).

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 Comment
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
  • Address Shoin Shrine precincts, 1537 Tsubaki-higashi, Hagi, Yamaguchi MAP
  • Direction Approximately 35 minutes by car from the Edo IC of the Ogori Hagi Road
  • Direction Take a bus from Hagi Bus Center and get off at "Shouin Jinja-mae" bus stop.
  • Hours of Operation 8:00-17:00 (8:30-17:00 from December to February)
  • Closed No holidays
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Natsu-mikan Orangette" is available only from late September or early October to mid-April.

A new staple in Yamaguchi souvenirs: Yuzu salt-flavored potato chips!

The packaging is also impressive, and the rows of Yoshida Shoin's face lined up on the shelves of products are spectacular. They can be easily found in the souvenir shop.
The packaging is also impressive, and the rows of Yoshida Shoin's face lined up on the shelves of products are spectacular. They can be easily found in the souvenir shop.

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 Comment
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.
  • Address 1305-6 Misumishita, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
  • TEL 0837-43-2045
  • Memo No direct sales at the above address.

A longtime seller loved by residents of the prefecture: sweet rice crackers with a rich egg flavor

For residents of Yamaguchi Prefecture, this is a nostalgic snack that they have been familiar with since childhood. The texture is not too hard, making it easy for even children to eat.
For residents of Yamaguchi Prefecture, this is a nostalgic snack that they have been familiar with since childhood. The texture is not too hard, making it easy for even children to eat.

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 Comment
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
  • Address 707-1 Higashifukagawa, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approximately 40 minutes by car from the Mine Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway.
  • Bus Direction Take a bus from JR Nagato City Station, get off at Fuji Nagato-ten-mae and walk 5 minutes.
  • Business Hours 8:00-17:30
  • Closed Wed. and Sun.
  • TEL 0837-23-2123
  • Parking Free of charge

A fashionable and delicious cider made from Tokusa apples, a specialty of Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi Cidre
Yamaguchi Cidre" comes in two types: the dry "UMI Cidre" and the sweet "YAMA Cidre. Available in 375ml and 750ml sizes.

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 Comment
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
  • Address 589 Ogori Shimogo, Yamaguchi-shi, Yamaguchi MAP
  • Direction About 10 minutes by car from the Ogori Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway.
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station, get off at "Shimoyamate" and walk 10 minutes.
  • Business hours 11:00-16:00
  • Regular holiday Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday
  • TEL 080-7332-9525
  • Parking Free of charge

Smooth Pudding" specialty store in the elegant castle town of Hagi

Thick pudding with a melt-in-your-mouth texture is popular. A wide variety of products are available, such as those combined with Hagi's specialty summer mandarin orange jelly.
Thick pudding with a melt-in-your-mouth texture is popular. A wide variety of products are available, such as those combined with Hagi's specialty summer mandarin orange jelly.

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 Comment
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
  • Address 2-10 Gofukumachi, Hagi, Yamaguchi MAP
  • Direction Approximately 35 minutes by car from the Edo IC of the Ogori Hagi Road
  • Direction Take a bus from Hagi Bus Center, get off at "Hagi Museum" and walk 5 minutes.
  • Business hours 9:00-17:00
  • Closed Year-end and New Year's holidays
  • TEL 0838-21-5567
  • Parking Free of charge
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.