Atsumi's Karinto

[Akita Prefecture] From standard items to rare items! 7 recommended souvenirs to buy in Akita

What comes to mind when you think of Akita prefecture? Namahage? Iburigakko? Akita dog? Akita Prefecture is a place in the Tohoku region where there are many things unique to Akita.

The souvenirs from Akita Prefecture, which has a unique presence even in the Tohoku region, are very unique. You can choose whatever you want to suit the recipient, including delicious items, skin care goods that women will enjoy, and old-fashioned, simple items. This time, we have selected seven recommended souvenirs from Akita Prefecture. Please refer to it!


"Butter Mochi" is originally a Matagi preserved food.

butter mochi
©Akita Prefecture Tourism Promotion Division

The first item is Butter Mochi, a classic Akita souvenir. It is a local sweet that was born in Kitaakita City, and is so loved that there is almost no one in Akita Prefecture who has not heard of it.

As the name suggests, butter mochi is made by adding butter, sugar, etc. to mochi rice and is rich in aroma and flavor. By adding butter, you can eat the rice cake as is without baking it, and it has a smooth texture that won't get hard even if left for a long time.   

The popular butter mochi is sold by various manufacturers, but we recommend Miuraan's "Mochi Mochi Sankaku" butter mochi. This is a standard product that is always available at stations and airports.


Kinman is a famous Akita confectionery with a simple taste wrapped in a thin honey-filled skin.

Kinman
©Akita Prefecture Tourism Promotion Division

The next recommended souvenir is Kinman. This is also a standard sweet in Akita Prefecture, and TV commercials have been aired in the prefecture.

Kinman, which has a round shape like a small Imagawa yaki, is a fluffy sponge cake filled with white bean paste.It has no taste and is perfect for giving away as a souvenir because it will be loved by anyone.

Warming the fluffy dough in the microwave will make it more chewy and even more delicious. The elegant sweetness that goes well with Japanese tea will also be appreciated by the elderly. It can be purchased at stations and airports.


Karinto? Rice crackers? The perfect match of sweetness and aroma, ``Atsumi Karinto'', a famous local sweet

Atsumi's Karinto
©Akita Prefecture Tourism Promotion Division

Karin sugar can be found all over the country! Do you think so? It's certainly an old-fashioned sweet that you can easily get at any supermarket in the country. However, this ``Atsumi karinto'' is not the karinto you would find in other countries.

Atsumi's Karinto is different from regular Karinto. It is shaped like a square, thin rice cracker, and its color is amber instead of black. It's crunchy and easy to eat, and when you take a bite, you'll find just the right amount of sweetness and the aromatic flavor of sesame seeds.

Atsumi's Karinto is not too sweet, but it doesn't lose the intensity of the Karinto flavor, so you'll be addicted to it so much that you'll run out of a bag in no time! This is a special sweet that is not manufactured during the summer to maintain quality. If you find it, give it a try!


A miraculous cup of soup created by a local web marketing company! "Kiritanpo Cup Soup"

Kiritanpo cup soup
© TSUBASA Co.,Ltd.

Kiritanpo is a local dish of Akita Prefecture. Kiritanpo, which is made by crushing non-glutinous rice and wrapping it around a stick and grilling it until golden brown, is commonly used as an ingredient in hot pot dishes. "Kiritanpo nabe" is a staple in Akita prefecture, and many people buy Kiritanpo nabe sets as souvenirs.

However, what I would like to introduce here is "Kiritanpo Cup Soup". This is an original product created by Tsubasa Co., Ltd., a web marketing company based in Akita City. Kiritanpo, a local dish, is very popular among the younger generation because it is easy to eat and the packaging is cool! There are four attractive flavors: Hinai chicken soy sauce flavor, spicy curry flavor, seafood bouillabaisse flavor, and spicy jjigae flavor.

Of course, the main character, Kiritanpo, is also authentic, thick and well-grilled. Not only is it perfect for people who have never eaten Kiritanpo, but it is also perfect as a stylish souvenir.


“Akita Inaniwa Udon” is one of the three major udon noodles in Japan.

Inaniwa udon
©Akita Prefecture Tourism Promotion Division

The classic ``Inaniwa Udon'' is recommended as a souvenir for yourself or your family. Inaniwa udon, one of the three major types of udon in Japan, was originally served as a gift, so it is still considered a luxury item in Akita Prefecture.

The classic ``Inaniwa Udon'' is recommended as a souvenir for yourself or your family. Inaniwa udon, one of the three major types of udon in Japan, was originally served as a gift, so it is still considered a luxury item in Akita Prefecture.

Inaniwa udon, which has a limited manufacturing method and production area, is characterized by its flat shape and smooth texture. It is not a thick udon with a chewy texture, but a thin and elegant udon that can be eaten smoothly.

Dried noodle types are common, but semi-fresh types are also available in Akita Prefecture. It's quite heavy, so we recommend purchasing it at the airport or having it delivered to you.


The secret of Akita beauty? "Liquor store skill series"

Liquor store skill series
© TakashimizuCosmetics Co.,Ltd.

Akita prefecture is also famous for its many beautiful women. The secret of Akita beauty is her pure white skin! Akita Prefecture has the shortest daylight hours in Japan, so there is less exposure to UV rays, and many women have beautiful skin. Fermented foods such as koji and miso that are commonly eaten in Akita Prefecture are said to play a role in beautiful skin, but skin care products exclusive to Akita Prefecture may actually be the secret.

A popular souvenir for women is the ``Sakaya no Skill'' series of skin care products sold by Takashimizu Cosmetics. Akita Prefecture, a rice-producing region, is also a thriving producer of sake. In fact, sake has very high beauty effects and is perfect for skin care.

All products in the Liquor Shop Skill series contain ``Rice Fermented Liquid'', which is made by fermenting rice, and is said to moisturize and tighten at the same time! We have lotions, emulsions, and face masks, so we recommend giving them as gifts. The price is also reasonable.


A must-see for dog lovers! Continuous healing, “Akita dog goods”

Akita dog goods
©Akita Prefecture Tourism Promotion Division

When you think of Akita, you think of Akita dogs! The Akita dog, which is large and has a soft coat, is now very popular all over the world. These Akita dog goods are also easy to understand and recommended Akita souvenirs.

Almost every airport, train station, and souvenir shop has a corner selling Akita dog goods. There are many stuffed animals and pouches modeled after Masaru, the Akita dog given to figure skater Zagitova, as well as practical eco bags and unique sweets. Akita Inu goods are sure to make people say, "You went to Akita!" at first glance, and are recommended as souvenirs.


A wide variety of Akita souvenirs!

Akita Prefecture is a place where you can fully enjoy searching for souvenirs, which is a fun part of traveling. We have a wide selection of wonderful products, from things you want to eat or use yourself, to things you can give away, to souvenirs for special people. Be sure to check out our standard products as well as unique souvenirs when you come to Akita!


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