Speaking of Miyagi, you think of you! 5 recommended squirt souvenirs that you can buy at Sendai Station!

Yokochi
2025.03.05
Last updated: 2025.04.19

table of contents

1 What is a sea squirt?
- 1.1 Sea squirts from Miyagi Prefecture
2 5 Sea Squirt Souvenirs You Can Buy at Sendai Station
3 summary

When you think of Miyagi Prefecture, many people think of sea squirts! This time, we will introduce 5 sea squirt souvenirs that can be stored at room temperature and are recommended as souvenirs or snacks!

What is a sea squirt?

Due to its appearance, sea are also known as the "pineapple of the sea ." Biologically, they are neither shellfish nor fish, but rather a marine animal. They are eaten mainly in the Tohoku region, and are primarily farmed and caught in Hokkaido, Iwate, Miyagi, and Aomori prefectures.

Some people are put off by its somewhat grotesque appearance, but its remarkable nutritional value is its high glycogen content, which is twice that of oysters. Furthermore, sea squirts are one of the foods rich in the most powerful minerals (selenium)

Selenium is a type of mineral that is said to have antioxidant properties approximately 500 times stronger than vitamin E, and is expected to be effective in preventing cancer, myocardial infarction, and stroke, as well as improving circulatory disorders and menopausal symptoms

It also contains a wealth of other beneficial ingredients such as taurine and iron

Sea squirts from Miyagi Prefecture

Sea squirt farming is popular in Hokkaido, Iwate, Miyagi, and other areas, with Miyagi prefecture boasting the highest sea squirt production in the country

Most of them are farmed, and it is said that ascidian farming began in Miyagi Prefecture during the Meiji period. However, in recent years, rising seawater temperatures, thought to be the result of global warming, have led to a decline in the amount of catch, and there are concerns about future trends

5 Sea Squirt Souvenirs You Can Buy at Sendai Station

When it comes to processed sea squirt foods, Suigetsudo, based in Ishinomaki,

①Hoya Suimei (Suigetsudo)

Suigetsudo its hit product on the Tohoku Shinkansen for 37 years "Hoya Suimei," a half-dried delicacy made from seasoned and dried seasonal sea squirts.

It is a delicacy that can be easily eaten like a snack, and has been a long-selling item chosen as a snack to go with alcohol while riding on the Shinkansen

There are a wide variety of options, including the spicy "Hoya Suimei," " Scallop Suimei," "Sake Suimei," and "Oyster Suimei," which uses oysters from Miyagi Prefecture .

In addition to these, there is also a lineup of luxury food products "Karasumi Suimei," "Abalone Suimei," and "Shark Fin Suimei ," which may also make great souvenirs!

Link: Suigetsudo Online Shop – Suimei Series

② Sasakama with Hoya Suimei (Suigetsudo)

is a collaboration product between another Miyagi Prefecture specialty, "Sasakamaboko," and "Hoya Suimei."

The mini-sized sasakama rice cakes contain Hoya Suimei as an accent, and are bite-sized, making them easy to eat and perfect as a quick snack

Contains four mini-sized sasakama pieces, each individually wrapped

3. Hoyanpura (Suigetsudo)

This concentrated sea squirt extract is made by aging and extracting sea squirts. This is "Hoya Extractor" !

This product is made using the same method as fish sauce, taking 3 to 5 months to produce, and is a seasoning made only from sea squirts and salt, with no added chemical seasonings

Use it as a secret ingredient in dressings or pasta to enhance the flavor. Add a few drops to tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet) to make a delicious dashi-maki (rolled omelet), or add a little to tamago kake gohan (rice with raw egg on top)!

④ Sake-steamed sea squirt (Suigetsudo)

Sake-steamed sea squirts are steamed in sake and topped with chili peppers for a spicy flavor

Not only is it the perfect snack to go with alcohol, but it also comes in a generous portion so you can enjoy it in multiple portions in your own way, such as using half as a snack and the other half for pasta

"Japanese-style sea squirt pasta" made with sea squirt soup and sake-steamed sea squirt . The texture and flavor of the satisfying sea squirt was exquisite!

Suigetsudo＜Information＞

Name: Suigetsudo Bussan Co., Ltd
Address: 1-50 Nagaruoki, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, 986-2103
Phone number: 0225-97-5225
Official URL: https://suigetsudo.jp/

Google Map

⑤Smoked sea squirt (Yokotaya Main Store)

This is a product from Yokotaya Honten in Kesennuma City. It is a delicacy made from sea squirt smoked with cherry wood chips. It is only seasoned with salt, so you can really taste the flavor of the sea squirt

Well-smoked sea squirt. Because it is a delicacy, you might think of pairing it with alcohol, but even if you eat it as is, it is an irresistible delicacy for those who love smoked food!

Yokotaya Main Store <Information>

Name: Yokotaya Main Store Co., Ltd
Address: 1-4-8 Yokamachi, Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, 988-0084
Phone number: 0226-22-0175
Official URL: https://www.yokotayahonten.com/

Google Map

summary

This time, we've picked out some sea squirt souvenirs that can be purchased at Sendai Station

Since these are souvenirs, "items that can be carried at room temperature," but if you visit Miyagi Prefecture, be sure to try some fresh raw sea squirts!