Sasakama

[Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture] “Kamaboko no Kuni Sasakamakan” offers factory tours and hands-on experience! Enjoy the charm of famous gourmet food

Sendai's famous gourmet foods include beef tongue, Sendai beef, and zunda. Among the Sendai gourmet foods that have many fans all over the country, we will be featuring "Sasakama", which is the most popular and loved by many people.

"Kamaboko no Kuni Sasakamakan"

Kanezaki Co., Ltd. is a famous manufacturer of Sasakama in Sendai. There is a spot in Sendai City that can be called the Sasakama Theme Park, which is operated by this company.

That is "Kamaboko no Kuni Sasakamakan". This is a Sasakama factory, and not only can you tour it, but you can also experience Sasakama.

 Sasakama from Kanezaki, which is familiar to Sendai residents

Many people from the Kanto region have not heard of the name ``Kanezaki.'' However, it is so well-known that there is no one in Sendai who doesn't know about it, and it has become known as ``Sasakama=Kanezaki.''

Especially when they were children, many people have visited Sasakamakan in Kanezaki for social studies tours. This spot that is loved by locals is also popular with many tourists.

It was renovated in July 2016 and has evolved to be even more enjoyable for visitors.

Experience-based facility that can be enjoyed visually

The first thing you will see is the large projection of the Kanezaki Aquarium on the wall. These days, it is an experiential type that is often seen in museums.

That is, by touching a fish swimming on the wall, its name will be displayed. You can intuitively know which fish is used as the raw material for Sasakama.

Sasakama is not just one type of fish, but is often made from a combination of several fish to bring out its flavor. At Kanezaki, we also use a combination of walleye pollack, which is known for its relatively light taste, and sea bream and croaker, which have a distinctive flavor.

It's refreshing to learn from the video that Sasakama, which we casually eat and think is delicious, is actually made from multiple types of fish.

There are also exhibits of fish mechanism models, so you can enjoy the experience even more sensually.

Guided tours are popular

Factory tours are held with Kanezaki employees as guides. This is fun because it teaches you more specialized knowledge in an easy-to-understand manner.

It is very popular and reservations are required. The sessions are held three times a day (10:30am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pm), each session lasting approximately 45 minutes.

Learn about the roots of Sasakama

Sasakama actually has a long history of about 5,000 years, which is a shocking story, and the basic story of the origin of the name ``Sasakamaboko''. Let's take a closer look at the roots of Kama.

It's explained not only through stories, but also through panels with cute illustrations, so it's visually easy to understand and easy to understand.

Learn about the manufacturing process of Sasakama

Of course, since it's a factory tour, you can see the manufacturing process. Many people are surprised to find that the Sasakama manufacturing machine is bigger than they imagined.

The guide will also reveal some unknown knowledge, such as the fact that there is actually a qualification needed to make bamboo kama.

Not all of the manufacturing process for Sasakama can be seen. This is because some of the work involves work that begins at 3 a.m.

Check out the video of the work done early in the morning

That's why you can't see the ``raikai'' process of mixing the minced fish and seasonings, which takes place early in the morning.

However, you can't see it live, but there is a video available so you can see how the work is done.

Watch the essential "grilling" live

When many people think of manufacturing a bamboo kama, they think of molding and crushing the tip. However, ``grilling'' is an equally important process.

The heating process is not just a matter of appearance, but is extremely important as it determines the taste and texture. You can actually see Kanezaki's specialty grilled food.

Take a quiz to answer what you learned

At the end of the tour, your guide will ask you a quiz. The questions are created from what was said during the tour.

It is a selection method using a panel. Let's show off the knowledge of Sasakama that we gained during the tour.

The long-awaited tasting time

Once the quiz is over, you'll be waiting for a sample of Sasakama (of course, it's OK if you can't answer the quiz). Freshly made bamboo shoots are a rare opportunity to eat.

In particular, Kanezaki's Sasakama is a health-conscious product that does not use preservatives or starch. It is characterized by its thick and fluffy texture.

Sasakama handmade experience class

Tasting Sasakama is of course delicious, but making Sasakama yourself has an even more special taste. For those who would like to try out such an experience, we recommend the Sasakama Handmade Experience Class.

You can experience everything from kneading and shaping the surimi to baking and eating it.

This is also a popular event, so reservations are required just like the tour. The opening hours are set, six times a day (from 10:30, from 11:30, from 12:30, from 1:30 pm, from 2:30 pm, from 3:30 pm), and every hour. Masu.

The trial fee is 500 yen. Aprons and hats are provided, so you don't have to bring anything.

Making bamboo kama is easy for kids too

You can make two flavors: plain and cheese. By kneading the surimi, inserting it into a skewer, and putting it into a mold, you can easily make it into the shape of a bamboo shoot. Children can also enjoy working with it.

Once it's shaped, just bake it, turning it over a few times. If it's cooked well, you can take a commemorative photo at the end.

Sasakama, which you knead, make and bake yourself, has a unique taste. It will be a great memory, so if you have time, why not try it out along with a tour?

Grilling experience only available

If you don't have time, you can also try just baking.

It only takes a short time and no reservations are required, so it's more casual than a regular handmade experience. Applications are accepted anytime from 10:00 to 17:00. The price is 150 yen per ticket.

Summary about Sasakamakan

"Sasakama" is a local gourmet dish that represents Sendai. The symbolic spot is "Kamaboko no Kuni Sasakamakan", which we introduced this time.

You can learn more about the Sasakama of Kanezaki, which Sendai residents have been familiar with since childhood. It's fun to watch the Sasakama actually being made while deepening your understanding with the explanations from the panels and guide.

Above all, being able to make your own bamboo basket will be a precious memory. When you go to Sendai, be sure to include it in your route options.

Kamaboko no Kanezaki Sasakamakan<Information>

  • Name: Kanezaki Sohonten Sasakamakan
  • Address: 6-65 Tsuruyo-cho, Wakabayashi-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi 984-0001 Sasakamakan
  • Phone number: 022-238-7170
  • Official URL: Kanezaki Sohonten Sasakamakan

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